The Mahindra Thar has been one of the most loved SUVs in India for its looks, performance and its off-road capabilities, and it is one of the few lifestyle SUVs we have in India. However, that may soon change as we expect 3 new lifestyle SUVs coming to India. Here’s everything you need to know!
1. Renault Bridger – Upcoming 4X4 SUVs
Renault unveiled the Bridger concept just a while ago, an SUV which will take on the likes of the Maruti Jimny and the Mahindra Thar. The Bridger is a boxy and rugged SUV with a striking design, and it is expected to be Renault’s new 4X4 SUV for the Indian market to cater to the adventure-loving audience. It will also be the French car maker’s first EV for India. The Bridger is expected to get a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine and a 1.2-litre petrol hybrid powertrain (capable of 30+ kmpl).
Renault revealed substantial details about its RGMP (Renault Group Modular Platform), which can accommodate 4X4 for ICE as well as e-4WD, which will likely utilise a dual motor setup. We can expect off-road-centric features like locking differentials, terrain modes, crawl mode, hill descent control and much more. The SUV will likely carry a price tag ranging from Rs 9 lakh to Rs 15 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). Renault will likely launch the Bridger at the end of 2027 or early 2028.
2. Tata Scarlet
Currently, Tata does not have a single lifestyle SUV in its current lineup. However, that will soon change as Tata is working on a new sub-4-meter lifestyle SUV, the Scarlet. The Scarlet will allow Tata to expand its lineup and cater to the off-road enthusiasts. It is likely that this new SUV will be based on Tata’s new ARGOS platform, which can accommodate a 4WD powertrain option. Being a sub-4-meter SUV, we expect Tata to offer its 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine with a slightly different state of tune along with a new 4X4 system.
It is likely that Tata will launch an EV version of the Scarlet with a dual-motor setup and QWD. We can expect to see off-road-specific features like locking diffs, traction control, terrain modes, and much more. We expect Tata to launch this SUV next year with a price tag ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 17 lakh (on-road, Mumbai), while the EV version could cost a little more.
3. Nissan’s Bridger-Based SUV – Upcoming 4X4 SUVs
As Renault and Nissan are in collaboration, we expect the Japanese brand to offer a Bridger alternative. While no such details of this SUV in the works have been revealed, it is safe to say that it will share most of its components with the Renault Bridger. We expect the Nissan’s Bridger to borrow the same 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine and a 1.2-litre petrol hybrid engine, along with 4X4. Nissan may offer this SUV with an EV version. This will also likely be a lifestyle SUV, aimed at taking on the Jimny and Thar in the sub-4-meter segment. We expect Nissan to price this SUV between Rs 9 lakh and Rs 15 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). Nissan could launch this SUV in early 2028.