From hardcore offroaders like the Toyota Hilux to the new-age Kia Carens CUV, here's a look at all the Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to look forward to this year!
Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 will get a few touch-ups like updated headlights, taillights and a reworked grille. The seven-seat SUV will draw power from a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, producing 335bhp and 500Nm of torque, which will be coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The features list will include a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and a digital driver’s display. The facelifted Q7 will be offered in two trims – Technology and Premium Plus.
Expected Launch: February 2022
Expected Price: ₹80 Lakh
Audi Q3
The Q3 will make its comeback in 2022 in its second-gen avatar. The previous model was discontinued in 2020, once the BS6 emission norms came into play. The twist in the tale will be that the Q3 will now be a petrol-only model, keeping in line with the VW Group’s petrol-only strategy for India. It is expected to feature a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, which will make 188bhp and 320Nm, just like many other cars in the VW Group. It will, however, also get Audi’s quattro AWD system. The upcoming Q3 will be bigger than the model that was earlier on sale in India and will feature sharper styling as well.
Expected Launch: Late 2022
Expected Price: ₹45 – 50 Lakh
New Hyundai Tucson & Venue facelift
One of Hyundai’s global bestsellers, Tucson’s all-new fourth-generation version is set to arrive on our shores this year. Based on the Korean marque’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design philosophy, it was previewed by the 2019 Vision T SUV Concept. While it will be bigger than the outgoing model, the new Tucson’s powertrains for India are yet to be confirmed, although some reports suggest it could also arrive as a hybrid. Apart from Tucson, Hyundai also has plans to bring in the facelifted Venue this year that will offer a significantly refreshed design and a rumoured N Line version as well.
Expected Launch: Mid to Late 2022 (Tucson)
Expected Price: ₹25 – 30 Lakh
Jeep Meridian
Given the spike in interest for three-row SUVs, Jeep India is all set to begin 2022 with the launch of the Meridian. The Meridian, internationally known as the Commander, is based on the Compass but is substantially bigger – 364mm longer, 41mm wider, and 42mm taller, with a wheelbase that is 158mm longer. Now, while the Commander is sold as a seven-seater internationally, rumours suggest that the Meridian could be offered as a six-seater in India. The cabin, aside from the extra row of seats, is expected to be rather similar to that of the Compass. And even in terms of powertrain, expect the Meridian to have the same 2-litre diesel engine as the Compass, albeit with upgraded specs.
Expected Launch: July 2022
Expected Price: ₹27 – 35 Lakh
Kia Carens
The Kia Carens has been revealed as a three-row vehicle that combines the styling elements of an SUV with the proportions of an MPV. Largely based on the Seltos, the Carens gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a fully-digital instrument cluster, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, 64-colour ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, and six airbags, among other features. The Carens will be offered with a choice of two petrol and one diesel engine. Once launched, the Kia Carens will rival the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus, Tata Safari, and the Mahindra XUV700.
Expected Launch: March 2022
Expected Price: ₹15 Lakh
New Mahindra Scorpio & XUV500
After two stellar products in the last two years — the Thar and the XUV700 — Mahindra is set to take the market by storm with the Scorpio this year. We’ll see a complete overhaul of the SUV in terms of design, although the butch don’t-mess-with-me vibe of the outgoing Scorpio will become even more prominent. Inside, you’ll be greeted by a large central infotainment screen, a flat-bottom steering wheel, captain seats in the middle row on some variants, and a significant leap in terms of overall quality. The new Scorpio will be followed by the new repositioned XUV500, which is set to lock horns with the likes of the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. However, the demise of the Mahindra-Ford JV has pushed the new XUV500’s launch to 2024.
Expected Launch: June 2022 (Scorpio) / 2024 (XUV500)
Expected Price: ₹11 – 19 Lakh (Scorpio) / ₹10 – 18 Lakh (XUV500)
Toyota Hilux
The India-spec Hilux was recently unveiled by Toyota. However, its prices will only be revealed next month. The Hilux shares its underpinnings with the Fortuner and Innova Crysta, i.e. Toyota’s IMV-2 platform. In international markets, the Hilux draws power from a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine, paired to either a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual gearbox. The same could be offered in India, with an option between all-wheel-drive or two-wheel-drive.
Expected Launch: March 2022
Expected Price: ₹30 – 35 Lakh
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