From Maruti to Mahindra, big guns ready to bolster their SUV arsenal

With the SUV market growing rapidly, carmakers such as Maruti Suzuki India, Hyundai Motor India, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra are lining up more models to enhance their share. Most of these new SUVs will be sub-4 metre models, keeping the affordability quotient in check.

The SUVs contributed over 54% to the total car sales in India in FY25. According to experts, there has been a shift in consumer preferences due to the commanding road presence, higher ground clearance, rugged look, spacious interior, and flexible seating of SUVs.

Currently, there is an SUV option available at almost every price point, ranging from entry-level to premium. There has been a remarkable improvement in the fuel efficiency and safety features of SUVs as well. Also, aggressive marketing strategies of the carmakers have played an important role in bolstering the SUV space.

Maruti Suzuki India

Maruti will launch a new SUV on September 3. While it was widely reported that this new SUV will be the e Vitara, Moneycontrol was the first to come out with a report that it was not the e Vitara, after confirming from multiple sources.

The country's largest carmaker currently offers SUVs like the Fronx, Brezza, Jimny and Grand Vitara. While the Fronx, Jimny and Grand Vitara are sold via Maruti's Nexa dealerships, the Brezza is offered in Arena outlets. The new SUV is expected to be sold from Arena outlets.

Hyundai Motor India

Hyundai's next big launch in India will be the new-generation Venue. Since its entry into the market in 2019, the Venue has been one of the largest-selling sub-4 metre compact SUVs. However, it is an ageing model now, and more feature-loaded models have arrived in the segment.

The new Hyundai Venue is expected to be launched in October. It will rival the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet and Mahindra XUV 3XO.

Tata Motors

Tata will introduce the new Punch later this year. This micro-SUV has been the homegrown auto major's trump card in the recent past. For reference, the Punch was the largest-selling SUV in India in FY25 at 1,96,572 units.

The update to the Punch will come in the internal combustion engine (ICE) version and it is expected to be similar to what we have already seen on the Punch.ev. A new design and more features are expected to bolster sales.

Mahindra & Mahindra

The largest SUV maker in India, Mahindra, is expected to launch the new Bolero this year, possibly in August. The Bolero has been Mahindra's trusted war-horse. Even after being in the market for over two decades and multiple avatars later, this SUV is going strong, clocking sales of 90,578 units in FY25.

The new Bolero is expected to arrive with a redesigned exterior and premium interiors. While the Bolero has always been a popular model in the rural markets, Mahindra will be trying to garner more urban customers with the new model.