The second and third largest carmakers in India, Tata Motors and Mahindra Automotive, have a number of SUVs in their lineup. Now, in the coming few months, together, these two automakers are getting ready to launch 4 new 4X4 and AWD SUVs in the country. Now, if you are an off-roading enthusiast, then we are sure that you’d love to know more details of these upcoming SUVs. So, without any delay, here are the details of the upcoming Tata and Mahindra 4X4/AWD SUVs.
The first and one which will be launched very soon is the facelifted three-door Mahindra Thar in September 2026. The SUV will continue to focus on its rugged character and off-road capability with its 4WD system. The biggest changes will be seen on the exterior and inside the cabin. The facelifted Thar is expected to borrow a number of design elements from the larger Thar ROXX. These will include a new six-slot grille, circular LED projector headlamps with C-shaped DRLs, new alloy wheels and revised tail lamps.
The bumpers are also expected to get a redesign. On the inside, Mahindra could add features such as a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster, automatic climate control, ventilated front seats and a more premium audio system. Level 2 ADAS could also become part of the equipment list.
The mechanical package is expected to remain the same as the current model. These will include 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, 1.5-litre diesel and 2.2-litre diesel engines. And they will continue to get manual and automatic gearbox options. Mahindra could, however, make changes to the suspension to improve ride quality and handling.
The Scorpio Lifestyler will be a completely new addition to Mahindra’s lifestyle vehicle portfolio, and it is expected to launch before April 2027. It will be based on the Scorpio-N’s ladder-frame platform. The pickup will feature a double-cab body and a short cargo bed. The design, as shown recently, will have a rugged appearance with a boxy front fascia.
It will also get chunky bumpers, squared-off elements, roof rails, side steps and C-shaped lighting elements. Mahindra has also shown three different versions of the pickup called Valley, Reef and Trail editions. The cabin will combine modern features with a rugged layout. Its expected equipment includes a digital instrument cluster, large portrait-oriented touchscreen and dual-zone climate control.
The Scorpio Lifestyler will also get powered front seats, powered sunroof, electronic parking brake, terrain modes and premium audio. Power is expected to come from the Scorpio-N’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines. Transmission options could include 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearboxes.
Most importantly, the Scorpio Lifestyler is expected to get 4WD with shift-on-the-fly capability. It could also offer Normal, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud-Rut and Sand terrain modes. Mahindra has confirmed a starting price of under Rs 19.79 lakh (ex-showroom).
Tata Motors is also preparing an electric version of the Safari, which will become the company’s flagship EV when launched. Unlike the regular Safari, the electric SUV is expected to be offered with both RWD and AWD configurations.
The overall design of the Safari.ev will remain similar to the ICE-powered Safari. Although the EV could get revised bumpers, tweaked tail lamps, a closed-off front section, aero-optimised alloy wheels and .EV badging. The cabin is expected to become more technology-focused.
One of the biggest highlights will be the triple-screen setup comprising the digital driver’s display, central infotainment screen and a dedicated passenger display. Other expected features include a 540-degree camera, Level 2 ADAS, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, connected-car technology and a premium Dolby Atmos audio system.
The Safari.EV is expected to use Tata’s Acti.EV+ architecture and could get 65 kWh and 75 kWh battery options. There is also speculation about a larger 80 kWh battery pack for higher variants. The AWD version could use a dual-motor setup similar to the Harrier.EV, which produces up to 504 Nm of combined torque.
The fourth and the last SUV on this list is the upcoming Tata Avinya X. It is expected to become the first production model under Tata’s Avinya range, and it is scheduled to arrive in 2027. The Avinya models will use the E0X architecture developed through the Chery-JLR partnership. Tata Motors is expected to make significant changes to the software, electronics and vehicle systems to adapt the platform for India.
The underlying architecture supports both RWD and AWD configurations internationally. The Exeed Sterra ET, which is being used as a test bed for Tata’s upcoming Avinya models, is available with both drivetrain layouts. However, Tata has not yet confirmed that the production Avinya X itself will get AWD.
The Avinya X is expected to focus heavily on premium electric technology, long-range capability and advanced features. More details about its battery, power output, range and drivetrain are expected to be revealed in the coming weeks.