Hybrid vehicles are steadily gaining popularity in the Indian market. Toyota currently leads the segment with offerings such as the Hyryder and Innova Hycross, while Maruti Suzuki’s Grand Vitara and Invicto are also generating volumes for the automaker. Other OEMs such as Tata, Mahindra, Hyundai and Kia are planning to enter the hybrid car market over the next couple of years. Most of the existing hybrid offerings come at a slightly higher price point. However, this may change in 2026 as Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra & Mahindra are planning to introduce affordable hybrid SUVs.
Maruti Fronx Hybrid
The Maruti Fronx will be the brand’s first model to feature an all-new, in-house developed strong hybrid powertrain. Codenamed HEV, Maruti Suzuki’s hybrid system is reported to be significantly most cost effective and efficient than Toyota’s Atkinson cycle hybrid setup, which is currently used in the Grand Vitara and Invicto.
The company is likely to hybridize the Z12E, 3-cylinder petrol engine, which will function as a generator and transmit power to a battery pack of around 1.5kWh – 2kWh. The electric motor will supply power to the front wheels.
The latest sighting of the Fronx test mule suggest that the compact SUV might also receive an ADAS (autonomous driving assistance system) suite in 2026.
Mahindra XUV 3XO Hybrid
Mahindra & Mahindra is evaluating strong hybrid and range extender technologies for the Indian market. According to reports, the Mahindra XUV 3XO could be the company’s first hybrid offering from the homegrown automaker, arriving in 2026. The subcompact SUV is likely to feature a 1.2L, 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine paired with the hybrid technology. Mahindra’s born-electric SUVs are expected to be offered with a range-extender configuration.
Expected Pricing
It would be too early to comment on exact pricing. However, the Maruti Fronx hybrid and Mahindra XUV 3XO hybrid are expected to carry a premium of up to Rs 2 lakh over their ICE-counterparts.
