By 2026-27, several of India’s popular petrol and diesel SUVs and cars will go hybrid. Leading this transformation will be Maruti Suzuki, which is set to introduce its in-house developed, cost-effective strong hybrid powertrain on the Fronx compact crossover and new-gen Baleno hatchback in 2026.
Mahindra’s popular XUV 3XO will also adopt hybrid technology next year. In the midsize SUV segment, the Honda Elevate hybrid will arrive in 2026, followed by the new-gen Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in 2027. Renault’s comeback SUV – the Duster – will also be introduced with multiple powertrains including hybrid, petrol and CNG.
SUVs/Cars To Get Hybrid Engines by 2026-27
| Upcoming Hybrid SUVs/Cars | Expected Launch |
| Mahindra XUV 3XO | 2026 |
| Honda Elevate | H2, 2026 |
| Maruti Fronx Hybrid | Early 2026 |
| New-Gen Maruti Baleno | 2026 |
| Renault Duster | 2026-27 |
| New-Gen Hyundai Creta | 2027 |
| New-Gen Kia Seltos | 2027 |
- Mahindra & Mahindra has aggressive product strategy for the Indian market. The carmaker recently unveiled its all-new NU_IQ flexible platform, which is compatible with multiple powertrains including hybrid. This means the future Mahindra SUVs based on the NU-IQ architecture could be offered with the hybrid powertrain. The Mahindra XUV 3XO will be the company’s first hybrid offering, arriving in 2026. It’s likely to feature a 1.2L turbo petrol engine, paired with a hybrid setup.
- Production of Honda’s first hybrid SUV will soon begin at the company’s Tapukara facility in Alwar, Rajasthan. However, its market launch is expected in the second half of 2026. The carmaker might use the City e:HEV’s Atkinson cycle 1.5L, 4-cylinder petrol hybrid powertrain for the upcoming Honda Elevate hybrid.
- The 2025 Maruti Fronx will mark debut of the brand’s all-new in-house developed strong hybrid powertrain, which is likely to be based on the 1.2L Z-Series petrol engine. The same powertrain will be used in the next-generation Baleno, slated to launch in 2026.
- The third-gen Renault Duster will initially go on sale with petrol engines in early 2026. Its hybrid version will hit roads 6 to 12 months later (possibly in late 2026 or early 2027).
- India’s popular midsize SUVs, the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos will go hybrid with their new-gen upgrades in 2027. Both SUVs are expected to feature a hybridize 1.5L, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, paired with a strong hybrid setup.
