Despite a decline in overall growth in the segment, the SUV market in India still seems to be booming with plenty of launches to look forward to in the coming months. While some carmakers will make their India debuts with SUVs, established players will replace their SUV models or add to their existing line-ups. Here are all the new SUV launches you can look forward to in 2019:
HYUNDAI VENUE
It has been a longish wait, but Hyundai’s compact SUV, the Venue, will finally launch in May 2019. Previously known by its internal codename, QXi, the Hyundai Venue will be positioned in the upper half of the compact SUV segment, directly rivalling the Mahindra XUV300 and Ford EcoSport, rather than the slightly more affordable Tata Nexon and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza. To justify the higher price tag, the Venue is expected to set the standard for in-car technology among compact SUVs and even get segment-leading kit such as ventilated seats. In terms of engines and gearboxes, the sub-four-metre SUV will have three options – the 100hp, 1.4-litre petrol and 90hp, 1.4-litre diesel from the Hyundai Verna (both will be coupled with a 6-speed manual) and a new 1.0-litre turbo-petrol motor and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic combination.
Coming: May 2019
Engines: 1.0P, 1.4P, 1.4D
Price: Rs 7-12 lakh
Also see:
Hyundai Venue design sketches released
Hyundai Venue compact SUV to launch in India next month
BMW X5
The new X5 shares its platform with the BMW X7, has updated engines and gearboxes, and features BMW’s latest digital cockpit and infotainment functions in a more luxurious cabin. Tech highlights include a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a similar-sized infotainment screen, both featuring BMW’s new ID7 operating system. The X5 is also expected to have an optional third row of seats. In terms of engines, a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder diesel unit making 265hp and 620Nm will be available under the bonnet of the new BMW X5. BMW’s familiar 3.0-litre, inline six-cylinder turbo-petrol unit with 340hp and 500Nm, will likely arrive at a later date.
Coming: May 16, 2019
Engine: 3.0P, 3.0D
Price: Rs 70-80 lakh
Also see:
New BMW X5 SUV India launch on May 16, 2019
MG HECTOR
MG Motor’s first product for the Indian market will be the Hector SUV. Measuring 4,655mm in length, 1,835mm in width and 1,760mm in height, the MG Hector will be a shade larger than a Jeep Compass, and promises to be sufficiently roomy on the inside. The five-seat SUV will also provide some first-in-class connectivity features and a few segment-leading features. MG Hector engine options will include a 143hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and an FCA-sourced 2.0-litre diesel engine. The former will also be available with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that is said to provide up to 20Nm of extra torque when required and improve mileage per litre by up to 12 percent.
Coming: May 2019
Engines: 1.5P, 2.0D
Price: Rs 20 lakh
Also see:
India-spec MG Hector SUV official images revealed
MG Hector connectivity features revealed
AUDI Q8
The Audi Q8, the German brand’s new flagship SUV, is under consideration for an India launch and is expected to arrive in the coming months. Unlike the seven-seat Q7, the Q8 features a swoopy coupé-like roofline, frameless doors and a five-seat layout. Notable styling flourishes include bulging wheel arches inspired by the famous Quattro and the option of massive 22-inch wheels. The Q8 cabin is heavily influenced by the new A8 sedan – it gets a new control system for the major functions, which are spread across two large touchscreens. The SUV is likely to be available with two 3.0-litre engines – a 340hp petrol in the 55 TFSI and a 286hp diesel in the 50 TDI. The petrol will feature an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, while a 7-speed S-tronic unit will be offered on the diesel. The Q8 is set to go head to head with the Range Rover Sport, BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.
Coming: Mid 2019
Engines: 3.0P, 3.0D
Price: Rs 1-1.3 crore
Also see:
Audi Q8 SUV officially unveiled
HYUNDAI TUCSON FACELIFT
Action in the SUV segment is definitely hotting up with a number of new entrants coming in 2019. When the Hyundai Tucson facelift arrives in India, the SUV will feature design tweaks including the signature cascading grille. Along with restyled bumpers and headlamps, the new Tuscon is expected to have an updated features list, from the larger 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility) and 360-degree camera to safety kit like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Engine options are expected to remain the same.
Coming: Mid 2019
Engines: 2.0P, 2.0D
Price: Rs 19-27 lakh
Also see:
Hyundai Tucson facelift coming in May 2019
HYUNDAI KONA EV
Hyundai’s first all-electric offering, the Kona EV will go on sale in India in 2019. The EV’s styling is similar to that of the regular Kona, but the all-electric SUV has a closed grille, no exhausts and 17-inch alloys that are exclusive to it. The bumpers and spoiler are tweaked for aerodynamics. It will be powered by an electric motor that is capable of 134hp and 395Nm of torque, and have a 300km range thanks to a 39.2kWh battery pack. Hyundai is planning to locally assemble the Kona Electric and price it close to the Rs 25 lakh mark, and aims to sell around 50-60 units of the EV every month.
Coming: Mid 2019
Range: 300km
Price: Rs 25 lakh
Also see:
2018 Hyundai Kona Electric review, test drive
Hyundai Kona Electric spied in India
JEEP COMPASS TRAILHAWK
The wait for the Jeep Compass Trailhawk has been a long one, but it’ll be here in the next couple of months. It is expected to be the first Compass variant in India to be offered with a diesel-automatic combination. That aside, the Trailhawk will distinguish itself from other Compass variants with its notably enhanced off-road ability and minor styling cues.
Coming: Mid 2019
Engines: 2.0D
Price: Rs 25 lakh
Also see:
India-spec Jeep Compass Trailhawk likely to come in diesel auto only
India-spec Jeep Compass Trailhawk spied
JEEP WRANGLER
Despite being new from the ground-up, the Jeep Wrangler gets only subtle styling changes and retains its iconic design and off-road capability. Along with a better-finished interior and a few new features, the new Wrangler is also roomier on the inside, especially for rear passengers. Also new on the Wrangler are two four-cylinder engine options – a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel. It is likely that these new motors, along with an 8-speed automatic transmission, will be available on the India-spec Wrangler. For those seeking even more power, the 3.6-litre V6 petrol and 3.0-litre diesel are also likely to be offered. Since the SUV will continue to be manufactured in the US and will only be shipped in as a CBU, it will continue to be one pricey Jeep.
Coming: Mid 2019
Engines: 2.0P, 3.6P, 2.2D, 3.0D
Price: Rs 60-80 lakh
Also see:
2018 Jeep Wrangler review, test drive
2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon video review
KIA SP SUV
Kia Motors' first model for India will be the production-spec SP SUV. The Kia SP Concept SUV made its debut at the 2018 Auto Expo, where its squarish profile and sharp styling won it many fans. The production SUV will feature Kia’s ‘Tiger Nose’ grille and will also sport the dual headlight look that is in vogue today. Expect the Kia SUV to have a spacious interior with funky styling, along with features such as a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, in-car Wi-Fi and more. The SUV is expected to be powered by 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines, both of which will be offered with the option of automatic gearboxes. There’s also a sportier version of the SUV under development, which will get a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol motor. The Kia SP SUV, which will launch in the second half of 2019, will take on the Creta, the Renault Captur and Nissan Kicks.
Coming: Mid 2019
Engines: 1.5P, 1.5D
Price: Rs 9-15 lakh
Also see:
Kia SP2i SUV trial production video
Upcoming Kia SP2i SUV: 5 things to know
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE
Less than a year after the second-generation Evoque was revealed, the smallest SUV in the Range Rover line-up is all set to make its way to India. Likely to be one of the first 48V mild-hybrid models from JLR in the country, the Range Rover Evoque is expected to continue to be powered by the current model’s 240hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 180hp, 2.0-litre diesel engines. The second-gen Evoque doesn’t venture too far away from the look of the original, though the cabin is more luxurious. Like the larger Range Rovers, the Evoque will also sport the new dual touchscreen layout. Prices for the Evoque are expected to increase slightly, but it will continue to rival the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60.
Coming: Mid 2019
Engines: 2.0P, 2.0D
Price: Rs 55-65 lakh
Also see:
New Range Rover Evoque revealed ahead of LA debut
2019 Range Rover Evoque spied in India
MERCEDES-BENZ GLE
The next-gen Mercedes-Benz GLE looks more muscular and, for the first time, is available with (optional) seating for seven as it significantly larger than the previous model. The SUV has a considerably longer wheelbase at 2,995mm (an increase of 80mm), which means legroom in the second row has increased by 69mm, to 1,045mm. The new GLE will also sport an advanced suspension system that Mercedes claims surpasses even that found on its S-class flagship sedan. The interior of the new SUV features two 12.3-inch digital displays as standard, similar to those that made their debut in the new A-class sold abroad. There is a multi-function steering wheel with touch panels and a larger touchpad in the centre console; it replaces the rotary dial on the outgoing GLE. Engine options for India are likely to include a 3.0-litre V6 petrol and V6 diesel, along with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel; all mated to a 9-speed automatic ‘box.
Coming: Mid 2019
Engines: 2.0D, 3.0P, 3.0D
Prices: Rs 75-85 lakh
Also see:
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE review, test drive
2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE video review
PORSCHE MACAN FACELIFT
The Porsche Macan facelift was unveiled late last year featuring minimal changes to its exterior (most of which are borrowed from the Panamera sedan and Cayenne SUV). The Mercedes GLC Coupe rival does have more kit, including an updated infotainment system, and a set of new and more powerful engines. However, like its larger sibling, the Cayenne, the Macan won't get a diesel engine option.
Coming: Mid 2019
Engines: 2.0P, 3.0P
Price: Rs 85 lakh - 1.1 crore
Also see:
Porsche Macan facelift review, test drive
2019 Porsche Macan facelift video review
AUDI E-TRON
A little over a year after its global premiere, Audi’s first all-electric model, the E-tron SUV, will go on sale in India. Slotting between the Q5 and Q7 in terms of size, the Audi E-tron sports a number of design cues that helps differentiate it from other Audi models. The E-tron uses two electric motors – one at the front axle and one at the rear axle (making it a four-wheel-drive model) – producing a combined 408hp and 664Nm of torque. At full power, in boost mode, the SUV sprints to 100kph from a standstill in a claimed 5.5sec, and has a 200kph top speed. The two motors draw charge from a 95kWh battery, which can be charged up to 80 percent in 30 minutes using 150kW fast chargers. For at-home charging, there is a standard 11kW charger that takes 8.5 hours for a full charge. Also unique to the E-tron are its optional ‘virtual’ side mirrors, which replace traditional wing mirrors with cameras that display images on screens in the door panels. The Audi E-tron will be priced somewhere around Rs 1 crore when it goes on sale in end-2019.
Coming: End 2019
Range: 400km
Price: Rs 1 crore
Also see:
Audi e-tron review, test drive
AUDI Q3
The second-generation Audi Q3 is scheduled to launch in India before the end of this year. The design of the new SUV, especially at the front, is inspired by Audi’s flagship Q8 SUV. Based on a new version of Volkswagen’s ubiquitous MQB platform, the SUV is marginally longer and wider and more spacious inside than the outgoing model. Audi has also added more equipment. Entry-level models get 10.25-inch instrument cluster as standard, while higher variants will get Audi’s Virtual Cockpit (a 12.3-inch screen with Google maps and voice command functionality) as an option. In international markets, the new Audi Q3 is offered with multiple engine options. The entry-level Q3 35 TFSI has a 150hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, the 190hp, 40 TFSI and 230hp, 45 TFSI are powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, while the 35 TDI and 40 TDI are equipped with a 2.0-litre diesel unit making 150hp and 190hp, respectively.
Coming: End 2019
Engines: 1.5P, 2.0P, 2.0D
Price: Rs 38-46 lakh
Also see:
New Audi Q3 scores five stars in Global NCAP test
Next-gen India-bound Audi Q3 revealed
BMW X7
BMW’s seven-seat Mercedes-Benz GLS rival, the X7, is the brand’s largest SUV yet. It’ll have three rows of seats, and will sit alongside the 7-series in the BMW line-up. Inside, there will be a new screen-based instrument panel. On offer will be a selection of six and eight-cylinder engines.
Coming: End 2019
Engines: 3.0D, 4.4P
Price: Rs 1.3-1.6 crore
Also see:
2019 BMW X7 xDrive40i review, test drive
MERCEDES-BENZ GLC FACELIFT
Showcased at the 2019 Geneva motor show, the Mercedes GLC facelift gets restyled LED lights (at the front and rear), a revised grille design and bumpers on the outside. While the GLC’s dashboard layout is familiar, it will feature a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (or optional 10.25-inch unit) with the new MBUX operating system that has in-built support for voice and gesture control. There’s also a new instrument cluster in the form of a 12.3-inch digital display and a larger touch-control pad. The SUV’s engine options haven't been confirmed yet but it is likely to be powered by the 2.0-litre diesel engine that is found in the C-class facelift.
Coming: Early 2019
Engines: 2.0P, 2.0D
Price: Rs 52-58 lakh
Also see:
Mercedes-Benz GLC facelift revealed
Mercedes-Benz GLC facelift India-bound in 2019
MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT
Spearheading the Japanese brand’s comeback will be the third-generation Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. The SUV has been on sale in markets abroad since 2015, and the test mules that have been spotted in India reveal that the facelifted model is what we’ll get here. The interiors of the new Pajero Sport gets plenty of leather and there’s a fair bit of kit too including dual-zone climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree camera and seven airbags, among other features. Powering it will be a 2.4-litre MIVEC diesel motor tuned to produce 181hp and 430Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Expect the engine to be BS-VI-compliant by the time the SUV makes it to India. Four-wheel drive will be on offer, and an off-road mode will be part of the package as well.
Coming: End 2019
Engines: 2.4D
Price: Rs 40 lakh
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV
While the Pajero Sport may launch in India first, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, the Japanese brand’s plug-in hybrid SUV is also expected to arrive this year. The SUV’s petrol-electric system comprises of a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine (making 118hp and 186Nm of torque) and two electric motors that make 82hp each. Combined power output of the hybrid system is 203hp, which is sent to all four wheels. The 12kW lithium-ion battery pack can be charged in just 6.5 hours, and can provide up to 50km of pure electric range.
Coming: End 2019
Range: 50km (EV mode)
Price: Rs 45 lakh
Also see:
Mitsubishi working on Outlander PHEV for India
Mitsubishi Outlander officially launched at Rs 31.95 lakh
KIA COMPACT SUV
The SP will not be the only SUV coming from Kia. Come early 2020, the Korean carmaker will also bring out a compact SUV to rival the Hyundai Venue and Mahindra XUV300. The sub-four-metre SUV, which will make its debut in India at the 2020 Auto Expo, is expected to share its basic underpinnings and engines with its Hyundai cousin, but will distinguish itself with funkier styling.
Coming: Early 2020
Engines: 1.0P, 1.4P, 1.4D
Price: Rs 6-12 lakh
Also see:
Kia confirms compact SUV launch for 2020
SKODA KAMIQ
It may carry the same name as the China-spec Skoda SUV that has been on sale in that market for a while, but the Skoda Kamiq that was revealed at the recent Geneva motor show is an all-new SUV that will arrive in India in 2020. It will be built on a heavily localised version of Volkswagen’s MQB platform and will be offered with 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines. The SUV for India may also differ from the recently revealed Euro-spec model in terms of design and equipment. The Kamiq will be the first model from the VW Group’s India 2.0 plan for our market and will rival the Hyundai Creta, Renault Captur and Nissan Kicks when it launches here.
Coming: 2020
Engines: 1.0P, 1.5P
Price: Rs 10-16 lakh
Also see:
TATA BUZZARD (H7X)
While the Buzzard name might be a working title, Tata’s seven-seat SUV is being readied for a 2020 launch. Essentially, a larger version of the Harrier, the Buzzard is 62mm longer at the rear overhang to make place for a third row of seats. It will use the same FCA-sourced 2.0-litre diesel motor as its five-seat sibling, but in a higher state of tune at 170hp. The Tata Buzzard is also expected to get a Hyundai-sourced 6-speed automatic gearbox along with the standard 6-speed manual. The SUV will also indirectly replace the Tata Hexa when it arrives in India sometime next year.
Coming: 2020
Engines: 2.0D
Price: Rs 15-20 lakh
Also see:
Tata Buzzard SUV (H7X) debuts at Geneva motor show 2019
VOLKSWAGEN T-CROSS
Unlike the version that has already gone on sale in Europe, the Volkswagen T-Cross for India will be larger overall, with a longer wheelbase (at 2,651mm) and being about 100mm taller too. The VW SUV will share its platform, the BS-VI-compliant engines and other mechanicals with the Skoda Kamiq, and will have the same rivals as well.
Coming: 2020
Engines: 1.0P, 1.5P
Price: Rs 11-17 lakh
Also see:
Volkswagen T-Cross review, test drive
Volkswagen T-Cross video review