Mid-SUV segment to witness more action as Renault, Nissan, Skoda, Volkswagen line-up new models

The Renault Duster price will be announced in March.

• Mid-size SUV sales in India rose 6.37% in CY25 over CY24.
• Renault, Skoda, Volkswagen and Nissan to launch new SUVs in CY26.
• Mid-size SUVs offer higher margins and support premium features.

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The mid-size SUV segment, which is among the fastest growing segments in the domestic passenger vehicle (PV) market, is set to witness more action in calendar year (CY) 2026 with carmakers like Renault India, Skoda Auto India, Volkswagen India and Nissan Motor India gearing up to introduce a mix of completely new models as well as mid-life updates of existing models.

The overall SUV sales in India jumped 7.85% to 25,03,000 units in CY25 from 23,20,846 units in CY24, according to industry data. Within the SUV segment, the sales of mid-size SUVs increased 6.37% to 5,99,928 units in CY25 from 5,64,023 units in CY24.

The mid-size SUV segment is a fiercely competitive space and boasts models like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Tata Sierra, Tata Curvv, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Mahindra Thar Roxx, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and MG Astor.

Among these models, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris and the Tata Sierra were launched in CY25, while the new-generation Kia Seltos entered the market last month.

Renault Duster

With the new-generation Duster, Renault will re-enter the mid-size SUV segment. Pre-bookings for the SUV, which was showcased last month, have commenced. Its price will be announced next month, and customer deliveries will begin in April.

For reference, the Duster pioneered the mid-size SUV segment in India with its initial launch in CY12.

Skoda Kushaq

Skoda revealed the mid-life facelift version of the Kushaq in January. While pre-bookings have opened for the new SUV, its customer deliveries will start by the end of March. The carmaker is yet to announce the price of the vehicle.

Volkswagen Taigun

After launching the Tayron R-Line premium SUV in India, Volkswagen is set to bring the mid-life update of the Taigun in the second quarter of CY26.

Both Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun are based on Volkswagen Group's India-specific MQB-A0-IN platform. They are part of the Group's ambitious India 2.0 project, which witnessed an investment of 1 billion euros.

Nissan Tekton

The Tekton is part of Nissan's new product offensive for the Indian market. Under this, the carmaker has announced the introduction of three models -- Gravite MPV, Tekton mid-size SUV and a new 7-seater SUV. The Tekton is scheduled to be launched in the country by mid-CY26.

Expert Opinion

When asked the reasons behind carmakers targeting the mid-size SUV segment despite fierce competition, an industry expert told Moneycontrol that the segment delivers higher revenue and stronger margins per unit than entry-level cars, while still offering meaningful volumes.

"The Rs 11-20 lakh price band allows companies to load features such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), larger infotainment systems and hybrid powertrains, improving realisations without proportionately higher development costs," he said.

"The segment supports platform scalability. Most mid-size SUVs are built on modular architectures that can be shared across models and even brands, improving return on investment. Also, it sits at the centre of India's premiumisation trend. Buyers upgrading from hatchbacks or compact SUVs view mid-size SUVs as aspirational family vehicles with better road presence, space and safety features," he added.

Another expert pointed towards a significant role played by mid-size SUVs in portfolio positioning and balancing practicality and size.

"A strong mid-size SUV helps carmakers lift average selling prices (ASPs), improve dealer throughput and defend market share in one of the most competitive and high-value segments of the PV market. Such a model also offers adequate cabin and boot space with urban usability, making it suitable for both city and highway use," he noted.