Mid-size SUV segment set to witness more action: After Tata Sierra, Maruti Suzuki e Vitara & new Kia Seltos to arrive

The bourgeoning mid-size SUV segment is set to witness more action as Maruti Suzuki India will soon launch its first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the e Vitara, while Kia India will bring the new-generation Seltos. These developments follow the introduction of the Tata Sierra late last month.

The mid-size SUV segment is among the most fiercely contested spaces in the Indian passenger vehicle (PV) market. All the top original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are present here, with the Hyundai Creta being the leading brand.

Apart from the Hyundai Creta, the mid-size SUV segment boasts models like the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Mahindra Thar Roxx, Tata Curvv, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and MG Astor.

The segment's importance can be gauged from the fact that the country's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, and homegrown auto major, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, have two models each here now.

While 5,38,172 units of mid-size SUVs were sold in India in FY24, the volumes increased 13.26% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 6,09,516 units in FY25. Besides, the mid-size SUVs accounted for 25.07% of the overall SUV sales in the country in FY24, with a slight improvement to 25.76% in FY25.

The Creta was the largest-selling mid-size SUV in India in FY25, with 1,94,871 units sold. The Grand Vitara followed it at 1,23,946 units and the Seltos at 72,618 units. Behind these three models was the Urban Cruiser Hyryder at 60,388 units.

Tata Sierra

The Tata Sierra was launched in India on November 25 at a very competitive starting price of Rs 1,49,000 (ex-showroom, introductory). While bookings for the SUV will open on December 16, customer deliveries will begin on January 15, 2026.

In its new avatar, the popular nameplate retains key design cues such as the wraparound glass effect, blackout B-pillar and clamshell tailgate. The SUV offers 19-inch alloys, LED DRLs and taillamps, flush door handles and a dual-tone roof.

The cabin centres on a triple-screen Horizon View infotainment layout and the Theater Pro system, which integrates a sound bar and a 12-speaker JBL Black audio package with Dolby Atmos 5.1 and 18 JBL modes. Convenience features include a powered driver seat with memory, ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, 622-litre boot (expandable to 1,257 litres) and the segment's largest panoramic sunroof.

The SUV is the first internal combustion engine (ICE) model in India to offer integrated 5G connectivity through the iRA suite, enabling 75 connected features, user-profile personalisation, remote functions and OTA updates for up to 10 ECUs. It also provides personalised alerts and driver-preference settings stored via cloud intelligence.

Powertrain options span three engines and as many transmissions, supported by Superglide suspension, terrain modes and ADAS L2+ with 22 functions. Additional equipment includes a 360-degree camera system, a multicolour HUD, ESP with 20 features, six airbags and all-wheel disc brakes. The SUV is built on Tata's new ARGOS architecture, designed for multi-energy support and improved safety.

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara

Built on the new EV-specific HEARTECT-e platform, the e Vitara has two battery options -- 49kWh and 61kWh -- with the larger pack delivering an internal test range of more than 500km on a single charge. Both use lithium iron phosphate chemistry in a cell-to-pack configuration and operate between -30°C and 60°C. A permanent magnet synchronous motor produces 105.8kW with the 49kWh battery and 128kW with the 61kWh version, along with 192.5Nm of torque. A single-speed electric drive, regenerative braking, three drive modes and a snow terrain mode are included.

Features include a digital cockpit with twin-deck floating console, an integrated 10.1-inch display, a 10.25-inch multi-information display, wireless connectivity and an Infinity by Harman audio system. The electric SUV offers ventilated front seats, a 10-way powered driver seat and sliding-reclining rear seats with a 40:20:40 split.

Standard safety equipment comprises seven airbags, Level 2 ADAS, all-disc brakes, electronic parking brake and TPMS. The e Vitara will be available in 10 colours with four dual-tone options.

Sector analysts expect the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara price in India to start around Rs 18,00,000 (ex-showroom). Positioned in the mid-size e-SUV segment, it will rival the likes of the Mahindra BE 6, Hyundai Creta Electric, Tata Curvv.ev, MG ZS EV and VinFast VF6.

Kia Seltos

Kia recently released the first teasers of the second-generation Seltos ahead of its world premiere on December 10. Since its August 2019 debut, the Seltos has been one of India's highest-selling mid-size SUVs, known for its design, equipment and wide powertrain choices. It has also been central to Kia's growth in the domestic market.

The new teasers reveal a sharper design aligned with Kia's 'Opposites United' philosophy. The SUV adopts the new Digital Tiger Face grille, Star Map LED lighting at both ends, flush door handles and a larger panoramic sunroof, while retaining the familiar Seltos silhouette. Interiors have not been revealed, though updates are expected to strengthen its position in a competitive segment.

The new Seltos is likely to retain its 1.5-litre NA petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines, along with existing manual and automatic transmissions. Expected pricing is Rs 11,00,000 to Rs 20,00,000 (ex-showroom).