Upcoming seven-seater SUVs, MPVs to watch out for

The Indian market will witness the launch of a slew of mass-market seven-seater SUVs and MPVs in the next few years. Out of these, many are expected to arrive this year itself, while others are still some time away. Here’s a list of upcoming seven-seater SUVs and MPVs that you should watch out for.

Next-gen Kia Carnival

The fourth-gen Kia Carnival is expected to arrive in India by this festive season. The MPV was spied on test recently without camouflage, revealing its modern, sharper styling as compared to the previous-gen version. Interior will likely be similar to the global-spec model, and include two 12.3-inch displays, rotary drive selector, and multiple seating layouts. The 2.2-litre diesel engine will likely be carried over.

Hyundai Alcazar facelift

After giving Creta a mid-life makeover earlier this year, Hyundai is now working on a facelift for its three-row sibling. Recent spy shots revealed that the Alcazar facelift will feature slightly different styling as compared to the Creta. While no mechanical updates are expected, it will be equipped with ADAS safety features. The Alcazar facelift will likely be launched by October this year. 

MG Gloster facelift

MG's Gloster facelift is based on the Maxus LDV D90 sold in Australia.

The Toyota Fortuner rivaling MG Gloster has been around since 2020, and is now due for a mid-life makeover. We had revealed in January that the Gloster facelift will be launched in India by the end of this year. Expect changes like new headlamps, a bigger grille, new tail-lamps, updated bumpers as well as some additional features over the existing model.

Also See: MG Gloster facelift, Cloud EV headed to India by end-2024

Kia EV9

We had reported back in July last year that the Kia EV9 will be launched in India in 2024 as a part of the Kia 2.0 transformation strategy for the country. The flagship electric SUV will sit above the EV6 in the carmaker’s portfolio here, and will be sold in limited numbers as a full import. It could be priced around the Rs 1 crore mark, rivaling the BMW iX.

Jeep Meridian facelift

The Jeep Meridian is all set to receive a mid-life update later this year. The updated SUV was spotted testing, wearing camouflage a few days back, confirming subtle styling tweaks only. Cosmetic changes will likely include updated bumpers and a revised grille, however, the biggest addition will be ADAS suite. The Meridian facelift will retain its 170hp, 350Nm, 2.0-litre diesel engine.

Also read: Most powerful SUVs under Rs 25 lakh in India

Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder seven-seater

A three-row version of the Maruti Grand Vitara (codenamed Y17) is in the works. Expected to get petrol, hybrid and CNG powertrains upon launch, the seven-seater SUV will directly rival the Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector and Tata Safari. Toyota will also introduce a three-row version of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder which will share its underpinnings with the seven-seat Grand Vitara.

Kia Carens EV

Kia Carens petrol image used for representative purpose.

Last month, Kia confirmed that the Carens-based EV (codenamed KY-EV) will be launched in 2025. The Carens EV could go on to become the most affordable electric MPV upon arrival. While no specifications are available as of yet, the Carens EV could offer a claimed range of around 400-500km. The Carens EV will be positioned above the ICE version, hence, expect a starting price of around Rs 20-22 lakh.

Image source

Also see:

New mass-market SUVs yet to be launched this year

New luxury cars, SUVs still to come this year