9 Upcoming MPVs: Affordable Toyota Innova Hycross Trims To Kia Carnival Hybrid
MPVs continue to hold strong relevance in India, especially for large families seeking space, comfort and practicality. Their acceptance has decreased in recent times, but MPVs are far from dead. Here are 9 upcoming MPV models from various manufacturers. These include both all-new models and updates to existing ones.
Maruti Suzuki’s second all-electric product will be the YMC, an electric MPV. YMC is, of course, an internal codename, and the production model will likely have a different name. The YMC MPV will be based on the same Heartect-e platform as the eVitara. This skateboard platform was co-developed by Toyota, Daihatsu and Suzuki. It will likely use similar battery sizes as well- 40kWh and 60kWh. The larger of these is likely to deliver a real-world range of around 450 km.
We expect the YMC’s production form to be out sometime around September this year. It will likely have an ex-showroom price of Rs 22 lakh.
As part of the ongoing joint venture, Toyota will also make its version of the YMC MPV. It will have notable design deviations from the Maruti Suzuki counterpart.
The interior design is also expected to differ slightly although the feature list will be shared between the two. The Toyota version will also be based on the same Heartect-e platform and use the same battery packs.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga continues to be one of India’s most popular MPVs, especially in the affordable space. The current generation is now nearing the later stage of its lifecycle. Maruti Suzuki is reportedly working on a facelift to it. The updated model is expected to sustain demand.
The facelift is expected to get subtle exterior updates, improved feature list and possibly an underbody CNG tank. The underbody tank will generate significant usable room in the vehicle’s boot. Engine options will remain the same- 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) petrol and CNG. Both manual and automatic transmission options will be offered on the NA petrol version.
The next-generation Ertiga could also come with a strong hybrid powertrain. This is only expected to be out by the end of this decade.
Toyota Rumion, a rebadged version of the Ertiga sold by Toyota, is also expected to get a corresponding facelift sometime after the updated Ertiga goes on sale here.
The Toyota Innova Hycross, first launched in 2022, is also awaiting a facelift. Expected by late 2026, it will bring minor cosmetic changes, more features and a better cabin experience to the MPV. A larger infotainment touchscreen is one of the expected feature additions. Powertrains will remain unchanged on the facelift.
Toyota is also working on lower-spec strong hybrid variants of the Hycross. These will effectively replace the diesel-powered Innova Crysta in the future. The carmaker has plans to phase out the Crysta by March 2027, as stricter emission norms come into effect.
The strong hybrid powertrain based on a 2.0-litre petrol engine capable of producing 182hp, will be brought to lower-spec variants, sitting at more affordable price points. These will mainly target fleet buyers while also reducing the entry price of hybrid technology.
The latest-generation Kia Carnival, launched in India in 2024, now comes with a 2.2-litre diesel engine alone. However, Kia is expected to introduce a strong hybrid petrol powertrain on it in the near future. Internationally, this luxury MPV is available with a 1.6-litre hybrid powertrain producing 272 hp and 367 Nm. There are chances that the same would be brought to India as well.
Hyundai will also launch an MPV in the foreseeable future. Speculations suggest that it could be the Staria that’s coming to India. These are backed by the fact that the vehicle was showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. That car had a 3.5L V6 engine under its hood, making 272hp and 331Nm.
The Staria is, in fact, a premium offering, sharing its underpinnings with the Kia Carnival which is priced steeply in India. If launched here, the Staria will also belong to the premium segment. It remains to be seen if Hyundai would take this direction or bring some mass-market MPV instead.
After the VF MPV7, Vinfast plans to launch the Limo Green electric MPV in India. The Limo Green will cater to the fleet/taxi segment whole the MPV7 is aimed at private buyers. It is expected to have a relatively stripped down cabin compared to the MPV 7, and will likely come with a 60.13 kWh battery pack and an electric powertrain that makes around 202hp and 280Nm.