Four new models from Maruti Suzuki, Tata, Renault, and Nissan will give tough competition to the Hyundai Creta.
The Hyundai Creta is the leader in the mid-size SUV segment. But the Creta will face stiff competition from four new models from Maruti Suzuki, Tata, Renault and Nissan. Maruti and Tata are planning to launch the Escudo and Sierra by Diwali 2025. Meanwhile, Renault and Nissan are planning to launch the new generation Duster and Kite (the new name for Duster) in 2026. Let’s take a closer look at these new SUVs.
Tata Sierra
The Tata Sierra will be launched as an electric vehicle first, followed by petrol/diesel models. The electric Sierra will be based on the Octo Tata EV platform, while the petrol/diesel models will be based on the Atlas architecture. The Sierra EV is expected to come with two battery pack options from the Harrier EV. It could also get an all-wheel drive system. The petrol and diesel models will be powered by 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.
Maruti Escudo
The Maruti Escudo SUV, codenamed Y17, will be based on the Grand Vitara. It will be positioned between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara. It will rival the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The Escudo will be longer than the Grand Vitara and have a larger cargo area. It will be offered only with a 1.5-litre NA petrol mild hybrid powertrain to keep it competitively priced.
Renault Duster
One of the most anticipated SUVs of 2026 is the new generation Renault Duster. The Duster will come with multiple engine options including a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine from Kicker (for the base models), a 1.3-litre turbo petrol and a petrol-hybrid. The hybrid model will have a 1.6-litre petrol engine with 94 bhp, two electric motors and a 1.2 kWh battery pack. This will give a combined power of around 140 bhp.
Nissan Kait
Nissan India is set to launch a new mid-size SUV next year. It will be a rebadged version of the new Duster. It will be called the ‘Nissan Kait’. The SUV will share the platform, engine and features with the Renault Duster. But it will be different from Nissan’s global design language. The Kait SUV will offer more features than its Renault rival. It could be offered with 1.0-litre turbo petrol and 1.6-litre petrol hybrid powertrain options.
