🚗 AutoNews 2026
January 2026 • New Launches
Seven New SUVs and Crossovers Ready to Hit Indian Roads This January
The Indian SUV space is set for a major shake‑up in January 2026 with the all‑new Kia Seltos Gen‑2, Mahindra XUV 7XO, petrol‑powered Tata Harrier, Maruti Suzuki eVitara EV and the returning Renault Duster, all targeting buyers across segments from compact to premium seven‑seaters.
Featured Launches – Quick Overview
New generation
Kia Seltos Gen‑2
Premium mid‑size SUV
₹11.00 – ₹22.00 lakh (ex‑showroom)
Engines1.6T petrol • 1.5 diesel • 1.5 hybrid
PowerUp to 140 bhp
Launch2 January 2026
Facelift
Mahindra XUV 7XO
Premium 7‑seater SUV
₹15.00 – ₹25.00 lakh
Engines2.0 turbo petrol • 2.2 diesel
PowerUp to 190 bhp
Launch5 January 2026
New petrol variant
Tata Harrier (Petrol)
5‑seater premium SUV
₹25.25 – ₹30.00 lakh
Engines2.0 turbo petrol • 2.0 diesel
PowerUp to 170 bhp
Launch5 January 2026
Electric
Maruti Suzuki eVitara
All‑electric mid‑size SUV
₹15.00 – ₹25.00 lakh
Battery49 / 61 kWh
RangeUp to 543 km (claimed)
LaunchJanuary 2026
All‑new gen
Renault Duster (New)
Adventure‑ready SUV
₹11.00 – ₹20.00 lakh
Engines1.0 turbo petrol • diesel option
Key highlightOptional 4x4, CMF‑B platform
Launch26 January 2026
In‑Depth Model Review
New generation
Kia Seltos Gen‑2
Built on Kia’s new K3 platform, the second‑generation Seltos grows in wheelbase and tech,
pairing a dual 12.3‑inch screen layout with Level‑2 ADAS and multiple powertrain choices.
Exterior view
Interior cabin
Engine bay
Alloy wheels
Front view
Rear view
Powertrain
1.6‑litre turbo petrol
140 bhp • 242 Nm
1.5‑litre diesel
115 bhp • 250 Nm
1.5‑litre hybrid
141 bhp • focus on efficiency
Transmission & performance
Gearboxes
6‑MT • 6‑AT • CVT (engine‑dependent)
0–100 km/h (turbo)
≈ 9.2 seconds
Claimed economy
Up to 18 km/l (turbo petrol)
Dimensions & practicality
Length × width
4,405 × 1,850 mm
Wheelbase
2,630 mm (extended vs old gen)
Seating
5 seats
Key equipment
Infotainment
Dual 12.3" screens, connected features
Safety
6 airbags, Level‑2 ADAS, 360° camera
Comfort
Panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, ambient lighting
Facelift
Mahindra XUV 7XO
The XUV 7XO evolves Mahindra’s popular XUV700 with sharper styling, an even more tech‑heavy
cockpit and a focus on seven‑seat family comfort backed by strong petrol and diesel engines.
Side profile
Front view
Rear view
Boot / dicky open
Interior (triple‑screen cabin)
Engine & wheels (representative)
Powertrain
2.0‑litre turbo petrol
≈ 190 bhp • 380 Nm
2.2‑litre diesel
≈ 155 bhp • 360 Nm (tune‑dependent)
Transmission & performance
Gearbox
6‑speed automatic (core trims)
0–100 km/h
≈ 8.6 seconds (petrol)
Cabin & dimensions
Length
≈ 4,730 mm
Seating
7 seats (2+3+2)
Screens
Triple 12.3" display layout
Key equipment
Safety
6–8 airbags, Level‑2 ADAS, 360° camera
Comfort
Panoramic sunroof, captain seats on select trims
Petrol added
Tata Harrier (New Petrol)
Tata finally adds a petrol motor to the Harrier line‑up, pairing it with a refreshed
feature set that includes a large touchscreen, Dolby Atmos audio and a full ADAS suite.
Front view
Rear view
Boot / dicky open
Seats & interior
Engine bay (petrol & diesel)
Wheels / dashboard (representative)
Powertrain
2.0‑litre turbo petrol
≈ 168 bhp • 280 Nm
2.0‑litre diesel
≈ 170 bhp • 350 Nm
Transmission & performance
Gearboxes
6‑MT • 6‑AT
0–100 km/h (petrol)
≈ 9.1 seconds
Cabin & tech
Infotainment
≈ 14" touchscreen, connected features
Sound
Dolby Atmos system (variant‑dependent)
Safety & comfort
Safety
6–8 airbags, ADAS, 360° camera
Comfort
Leather seats, dual‑pane sunroof, terrain modes
All‑electric
Maruti Suzuki eVitara
The eVitara is Maruti Suzuki’s first dedicated EV SUV, with two battery options, a claimed
range of up to 543 km and a tech‑rich cabin aimed at early EV adopters in the mass segment.
Exterior view
Front view
Rear view (representative)
Interior cabin
Battery pack & floor
Wheels & charging port
Battery & range
Standard pack
49 kWh • up to 500 km (claimed)
Long‑range pack
61 kWh • up to 543 km (claimed)
Motor & performance
Standard motor
≈ 143 bhp • FWD
High‑output motor
≈ 160 bhp • quicker 0–100 km/h (~7.8 s)
Charging
DC fast charging
10–80% in ~40 minutes (claimed)
AC home charging
6–8 hours (wallbox)
Tech & safety
Displays
Dual 12.3" screens
Driver aids
Level‑2 ADAS, 360° camera, connected EV app
All‑new generation
Renault Duster (2026)
The Duster nameplate returns on a modern CMF‑B platform, aiming to blend rugged styling,
optional all‑wheel drive and contemporary safety tech while keeping pricing accessible.
Exterior profile (representative)
Front & rear design
Interior cabin
Engine bay
4x4 hardware
Boot & seats
Powertrain
1.0‑litre turbo petrol
≈ 110 bhp • 200 Nm
Diesel option
≈ 84 bhp • focus on economy
Drivetrain
Standard
Front‑wheel drive
Optional
4x4 / AWD with terrain modes
Off‑road focus
Ground clearance
Up to ≈ 220 mm (4x4)
Approach angle
≈ 28° (claimed)
Interior & features
Seating
5 seats
Key features
Touchscreen, ADAS suite on higher trims, 360° camera
Specification Comparison – At a Glance
| Specification | Kia Seltos | Mahindra XUV 7XO | Tata Harrier | Maruti eVitara | Renault Duster |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launch date | 2 Jan 2026 | 5 Jan 2026 | 5 Jan 2026 | Jan 2026 | 26 Jan 2026 |
| Price band (₹ lakh) | 11 – 22 | 15 – 25 | 25.25 – 30 | 15 – 25 | 11 – 20 |
| Main powertrain type | Petrol / diesel / hybrid | Petrol / diesel | Petrol / diesel | Full electric | Petrol / diesel |
| Max power (approx.) | 140 bhp | 190 bhp | 170 bhp | 160 bhp | 110 bhp |
| Seating layout | 5‑seater | 7‑seater | 5‑seater | 5‑seater | 5‑seater |
| Claimed/indicative range | 700+ km (ICE) | 750+ km (diesel) | 700+ km (diesel) | 500–543 km (EV) | 650+ km (ICE) |
| Transmissions | MT / AT / CVT | AT only (core trims) | MT / AT | Single‑speed automatic | MT / CVT |
| 0–100 km/h (approx.) | ≈ 9.2 s | ≈ 8.6 s | ≈ 9.1 s | ≈ 7.8 s | ≈ 10.2 s |
| Screens / displays | Dual 12.3" | Triple 12.3" | Single ≈14" | Dual 12.3" | Single modern unit |
| Driver‑assist level | Level‑2 ADAS | Level‑2 ADAS | Level‑2 ADAS | Level‑2 ADAS | Advanced suite on top trims |
| Sunroof type | Panoramic | Panoramic | Dual‑pane | Panoramic | Standard (variant‑dependent) |
| Unique highlight | New K3 platform, strong tech focus | 7‑seat comfort + triple screens | New petrol motor + premium audio | Mass‑market long‑range EV | Optional 4x4, off‑road bias |
Technology, Safety & Comfort Highlights
Shared themes across all launches
Across the board, January 2026’s launches underline three major themes: widespread adoption of advanced driver‑assistance systems, large connected screens becoming the norm, and a clear shift towards emissions‑conscious powertrains, from efficient diesels and hybrids to full battery‑electric options.
Safety & driver assistance
Airbag count
6–8 airbags on higher trims
ADAS
Level‑2 suites with AEB, lane support and more
Parking aids
360° camera and front / rear sensors
Infotainment & connectivity
Screen size
From single 10–14" units to triple 12.3" setups
Connected tech
App‑based control, live telematics, OTA capability (model dependent)
Comfort & convenience
Seating & trim
Leatherette or leather, ventilated seats on select trims
Climate
Automatic multi‑zone climate control, rear vents
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