Demand for hybrid cars is increasing in India. Maruti, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai and Renault will soon launch new 7-seater hybrid SUVs. These models may arrive by 2026-27, which will increase both choice and competition for customers.
BhaThe demand for hybrid vehicles is gradually increasing in the Indian market. According to an estimate, the hybrid segment may grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.81% by 2029. This figure will be almost double that of the beginning of 2025. At present, Toyota Kirloskar Motor is at the forefront in this segment. The company has more than 80% market share with models like urban cruiser Highrider and Innova HighCross. Maruti Suzuki and Honda are also following the same path.
However, with the arrival of new products from companies like Hyundai, Kia, Renault and Nissan, competition in the hybrid passenger vehicle segment is going to become tougher. There will be many hybrid SUV options in the market for large families. Come, let us know about the top five upcoming 7-seater hybrid SUVs.
Maruti’s 7-seater SUV
Maruti Suzuki has confirmed the launch of a premium three-row SUV, which will be over 4.5 meters long. It is expected to be based on the Grand Vitara and will compete with the likes of Mahindra XUV700, Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus. The company can also adopt multi-powertrain strategy like Grand Vitara. This means that it can be offered with petrol, strong hybrid and CNG powertrain options, which will be taken from its 5-seater model.
Toyota’s 7-seater SUV
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has already started testing the 7-seater Highrider. One of its test vehicles has also been captured on camera, which has revealed some design details. This SUV will be longer than the 5-seater Highrider, but it is expected to be built on the same platform and will have similar features. The official launch timeline of these upcoming strong hybrid SUVs has not been revealed yet. However, it is expected that these models may arrive by the end of 2026.
SUV based on Kia Sorento
Kia may introduce a 7-seater hybrid SUV based on the Sorento in late 2026 or early 2027. This will be the brand’s first hybrid offering and is likely to use a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol hybrid powertrain. In the global market, the Sorento is available in three engine options – 1.6-litre petrol hybrid, 2.2-litre diesel hybrid and 1.6-litre petrol plug-in hybrid.
Hyundai Ni1i
Hyundai’s Ni1i 7-seater hybrid SUV will be based on the Hyundai Tucson LWB (long-wheelbase) sold in China. The length of the Tucson LWB is 4630mm, width is 1865mm and height is 1665mm. The long-wheelbase Tucson uses a 1.6-litre petrol hybrid powertrain, but the Ni1i is expected to use an electrified version of the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.
Renault Boreal
The Renault Boreal will be a three-row version of the new Duster. It will share platform, powertrain, features and components with Duster. It is expected to have a 1.8-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine (109bhp), a 49bhp electric motor, a 1.4kWh battery pack and a 20bhp hybrid starter generator. This setup will give a total power of 160PS and torque of 172Nm.