The compact SUV segment remains the largest part of the SUV market in India, accounting for nearly half of all SUV sales. The sub-4-metre category is especially competitive, with all major automakers vying for attention and market share.
To stay ahead of the competition, five manufacturers are gearing up to launch either updated or all-new models in this space.
1. Maruti Suzuki Fronx hybrid
In 2023, when Maruti Suzuki launched the Fronx, it became the butt of many jokes due to its unique name. Come 2025 and the Fronx is one of the top SUVs in the market while Maruti Suzuki is laughing all the way to the bank. This made it quite evident that ‘what’s in the name?’ Maruti Suzuki is working on the Fronx hybrid version, which, once launched, will be the most affordable hybrid vehicle in the Indian market.
Maruti Fronx Hybrid spied (Image: Team BHP)
Unlike the Toyota hybrid technology that’s used by the Grand Vitara, the Fronx gets Maruti’s in-house powertrain, which helps it keep the costs down. The Fronx hybrid will be powered by the new 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine which is available in the Swift and the Dzire.
2. Tata Punch facelift
Tata Motors is working on giving the Punch internal combustion engine a much-needed facelift. In terms of design, it will be inspired by its EV version. Based on the spy images, the 2025 Punch is expected to sport a similar split headlight design as the electric SUV. It could have the sleek connected LED DRL in front, a new set of alloy wheels and a mild touch up job at the rear with re-designed tail lights.
Tata Punch facelift spied in Pune (Image: RushLane)
The interiors will be radically changed with a bigger 10.25-inch infotainment system and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The 2025 Punch will retain the 1.2-litre 3-cylinder engine with an output of 87 bhp and 115 Nm of torque.
3. All-new Hyundai Venue
The design of the next-generation Hyundai Venue takes cues from the current Creta, incorporating several of its signature styling elements. The split headlight design will sport cube-shaped LED headlights and a parametric grille. Based on the receny spy shots, the Venue will retain its silhouette but sport a new set of alloy wheels.
The second-generation Hyundai Venue was caught testing (Image: YouTube/Anurag Choudhary)
At the rear, expect horizontal LED tail lights, with the top variant possibly featuring a connected LED light bar. The cabin will undergo a complete overhaul including a larger infotainment system, an all-digital instrument cluster, new colour options, a redesigned steering wheel, and a range of advanced features, including Level 2 ADAS.
4. Mahindra XUV 3XO EV
The 3X0 is Mahindra’s fourth best-selling SUV and clocked 7,952 units in May 2025. The Tata Nexon EV rival is expected to borrow the two battery packs available from the XUV400 EV. The entry-level 3XO EV will be powered by 34.5 kWh and the top model gets a 39.4 kWh battery unit. It will be interesting to see if Mahindra will aggressively price the 3XO EV and try to undercut the Nexon EV.
Mahindra XUV 3XO EV (Image: RushLane)
5. Renault Kiger facelift
Renault India currently sells three vehicle – the Kwid, the Triber and the Kiger. The flagship Kiger is the compact SUV in its portfolio, which will get a facelift this year. The 2025 Kiger has been caught doing test runs and based on those spy images, it will receive a nip-and-tuck job with minor updates. The front fascia and the split headlamp will be redesigned with some new minor styling elements. The rear is also expected to be spruced up but will retain the C-shaped tail lamps.
Renault Kiger spied (Image: Weguide.auto/Instagram)