New energy vehicles are slowly gaining popularity in markets around the world. Even in India, we have brands like Maruti, MG and Toyota that are working on not just EVs but hybrids too. Hybrids are actually being marketed as an alternative to diesel, as they offer a good balance between performance and efficiency. Here we have a list of 5 such hybrid SUVs that are launching in the market next year.
Growing up, the CR-V would have been a favourite SUV for many. While it was appreciated by many, it never achieved the right sales numbers due to multiple reasons. The SUV was discontinued in 2022, and now Honda, with its new strategy, is planning to bring back the iconic SUV to our market once again.
However, this time, the CR-V will be offered as a hybrid SUV and is expected to be launched either next year or in 2028. The sixth-gen CR-V is already on sale in many markets, and the Indian version would remain more or less the same. We may miss out on a few features, but it will continue to use the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine running on the Atkinson cycle. It will be paired with a next-generation two-motor e:HEV system. Of the two electric motors, one will drive the wheels and the other will act as a generator. It will have a combined output of around 204 bhp and 334 Nm. The CR-V will be offered as a CBU and will become Honda’s flagship SUV when launched.
After the Duster, Renault’s next product for India is expected to be a seven-seater SUV. The Duster-based SUV has already been spotted in India. Dacia, which is Renault’s sub-brand, has already showcased the production-ready version of the Bigster SUV, and it looks similar to the test mule spotted in India. It is expected to share the Duster-inspired design while being slightly longer to accommodate the third row of seats.
The Boreal or Bigster is expected to be offered with the same 1.8-litre naturally aspirated strong-hybrid petrol engine paired with a dedicated hybrid transmission. This means the Bigster is also going to be as efficient as the five-seater Duster.
The youngest brand in India, JSW, will also bring a premium hybrid SUV, the Jaecoo J5 HEV, to the market. The SUV would get a Range Rover-inspired design with a large front grille, sleek LED headlamps and machine-cut alloy wheels.
It is likely to be offered as a premium SUV with features like a 13.2-inch touchscreen, an 8.8-inch digital driver display, a panoramic sunroof, an 8-speaker Sony sound system, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate, a wireless phone charger, leatherette upholstery, seat ventilation, electric seat adjustments and so on.
Coming to the powertrain, the Jaecoo J5 will be a strong-hybrid SUV. It will be powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine combined with an electric motor and a 1.83 kWh lithium-ion battery. The international version generates a combined power output of 224 PS and 295 Nm. It is offered with a dedicated hybrid transmission and offers a fuel efficiency of around 19 kmpl.
The much-awaited Hyundai launch next year is the next-generation Creta. The SUV has been spotted on multiple occasions, and it is clear that it would look drastically different from the outgoing model. It will come with more features and offer more space on the inside. The Creta is also going to grow in size and come with LED DRLs, headlamps and pixel-inspired clear-lens LED tail lamps, along with a host of premium features. The interior will get an all-new design with the new Pleos Connect infotainment system and more. Hyundai will enter the hybrid game with the Creta next year, and it will get a strong-hybrid petrol engine based on the same 1.5-litre NA petrol engine. The localised hybrid setup for the Indian market would help Hyundai price the SUV aggressively. It is expected to generate a combined power output of 160 PS.
The Kia Seltos will also get a strong-hybrid version next year. It will only be launched after the Hyundai Creta. It will offer the same set of features as the current Seltos on sale but with a strong-hybrid 1.5-litre NA petrol engine. This engine would generate the same amount of power and torque as the Creta hybrid.