7 New Sub-4 Meter SUVs Launching This Year: Maruti Brezza Facelift To Vinfast VF3
The sub-4-metre SUV space is easily one of the most popular and fastest growing segments in India. It currently has a bunch of strong products like the Kylaq, Punch, and Venue. Due to the high number of footfalls, every car brand wants to have a strong presence in this segment. 2026 is shaping up to be a year in which we would see the influx of more models into it.
The hot-selling Kylaq is set to get two major updates this year- one, a sportier version called ‘Sportline’ and two, a CNG powered variant. The carmaker may even introduce the new 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission which we recently saw on the new Kushaq, on the smaller SUV as well. The automatic version will continue to be powered by the 1.0 TSI turbocharged petrol engine making 113hp and 178Nm. .
The CNG version will likely be placed towards the more affordable end of the Kylaq lineup. It will appeal to buyers looking for more value and better fuel efficiency. Though details remain sparse, the CNG powertrain is less likely to be made available on the higher trims.
Another expected launch is that of the Sportline trim. It will have a noticeably sportier styling than the regular car. Expect it to come with more blacked-out components (grille, roof rails and wing mirrors), dual-tone paint schemes and more such detailing. It is unlikely to feature any mechanical changes and will become the new range-topping Kylaq when launched.
We expect Kia to launch its second mass-market EV sometime this year. It will be based on the Syros SUV and will borrow heavily from the petrol/diesel counterpart in terms of styling and equipment list. It will, however, have EV-specific design changes. There may even be additional features on offer. The EV has already been spied on test multiple times.
It will likely come with two battery pack choices- 42kWh and 49 kWh. The larger battery is expected to have its range in the ballpark of 450km per charge. When launched, this will compete directly with the Tata Nexon EV.
Mahindra is known to be working on a facelift to the three-door Thar. It is expected to debut late this year or early next year. Latest spy sightings reveal that it will borrow several styling cues from the five-door ROXX. It will get ROXX-like front grille, body-coloured bumper, headlamps, larger wheels and more. Inside, the new Thar is likely to receive an upholstery upgrade and more features, potentially shared with the five-door version.
The SUV is unlikely to get mechanical revisions and will continue with the same three engine options- 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol, 1.5-litre diesel and 2.2-litre diesel. Both manual and automatic transmissions will continue to be on offer. Rear wheel drive (RWD) and 4x4 versions will also be available on the facelifted Thar.
Despite its age, the Maruti Suzuki Brezza continues to sell well. It is now due for an update. The facelift will bring subtle styling changes, a set of new wheels, and more features to the vehicle. It will get a larger infotainment system- likely a 10.1-inch unit, digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats and more.
Despite being a facelift, the new Brezza will get some key mechanical upgrades. It will likely see the introduction of a turbocharged petrol engine and a new six-speed manual transmission. In addition to these, the updated Brezza will retain the outgoing model’s 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol and CNG powertrains. The CNG version, further, is expected to come with an underbody CNG tank, like what can be found on the Victoris.
Vinfast is expected to launch two sub-four-metre products in India this year- one will be a sub-four metre electric SUV- VF5, and the other an urban micro-EV- VF3. The VF3 will launch in the first half of 2026. It will compete with the MG Comet EV that’s already on sale here. It will be an electric micro-SUV with 191mm ground clearance and an interesting design.
Vinfast had showcased it at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, where the VF3 attracted a lot of attention. The global-spec gets a 18.6kWh battery pack wih a claimed range of over 200 km. When launched here, its ex-showroom prices could fall in the Rs 8-10 lakh bracket.
The second expected launch, VF5, will be a sub-four-metre e-SUV- a Nexon.EV rival. In international markets, it is available with two battery options- 29.6kWh and 37.23kWh. It remains to be seen what battery sizes would be offered in India. The larger battery version sold abroad, has an electric motor that makes 136hp and 135Nm, along with an NEDC range figure of 326km per charge.
Finally, the Fronx is expected to get a facelift sometime this year. The update will bring notable styling changes to the vehicle along with feature additions. Maruti Suzuki is rumoured to be working on a new series hybrid system for the facelifted Fronx. Additionally, a flex-fuel powertrain may also be offered.