4 Mid-Size SUVs Going Hybrid Soon
The mid-size SUV segment currently enjoys stellar acceptance in India. It has a bunch of highly competitive, well-packaged products. However, the representation is limited when it comes to hybrids. We have the Toyota Hyryder, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Maruti Victoris. Just three products. This is set to change soon. At least four mid-size SUVs are set to get hybrid powertrains in the coming years. As these roll out, we expect to see more compact SUV buyers opt for strong hybrid powertrains.
Honda is working on a facelift to the Elevate SUV. It will get a strong hybrid powertrain as well. The facelift is expected to retain most design cues of the outgoing SUV. The front fascia and rear end will receive minor cosmetic changes. Inside, the overall layout may remain familiar. The feature list will, however, be revised. Things like a 360-degree camera will be added to the facelift.
Now, the powertrain. From what we know, the facelifted Elevate will not use the same strong hybrid powertrain as the City e:HEV. It will get a setup that uses a lighter battery pack and more energy dense electric motors.
This strong hybrid setup will be more cost-effective and easier to maintain. It will also be based on a 1.5-litre Atkinson-cycle engine. The transmission will also be reworked on the hybrid SUV. The hybrid powertrain on the City e:HEV makes 124hp and 253Nm. We lack clarity on the possible output figures of the hybrid Elevate’s powertrain.
Kia launched the new Seltos in India in early January. It is now available with the three familiar engines- 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5L turbocharged petrol and 1.5L diesel. The output figures of these remain identical to those of the previous model.
The carmaker plans to add a hybrid engine to the lineup sometime next year. The senior management has already confirmed this. Seltos hybrid is likely to be launched after another hybrid car- most likely the Sorento. Kia has been tight-lipped about the specifications of this powertrain.
We know that the components of this powertrain will be heavily localised. It will likely use a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine as its base. This is a clear departure from the hybrid engine that the Seltos has in markets like America and South America.
The high degree of localisation will allow Kia to price the hybrid Seltos competitively. We expect the hybrid Seltos to stay largely unchanged with its design. It will continue to have the same sharp looks and technology-rich cabin as the non-hybrid variants.
Hyundai is expected to launch the third-generation Creta in India in late 2026 or early 2027. It will initially be offered with the same petrol and diesel engines as the outgoing model. However, the 1.5L strong hybrid engine discussed above will eventually be introduced on the next-generation Creta as well.
Here too, the exact power and torque figures remain unclear for now. This being a full model change, we expect to see a fresh design, larger dimensions (because the next-generation Creta will move to the K3 platform) and a technology-heavy cabin.
Renault launched the new, third-generation Duster in March this year. At launch, it comes with just two petrol engine options- 1.0L turbo-petrol making 98hp and 160Nm and 1.3L turbocharged petrol offering 160hp and 280Nm.
Around Diwali this year, a third engine option will also be introduced on the new Duster- a 1.8L strong hybrid petrol. This will mate a 1.8L naturally aspirated petrol engine with two electric motors and 1.4kWh battery pack and is expected to produce around 160hp.
This powertrain is made by Horse powertrains, a company co-owned by Renault, Geely and Aramco. The hybrid Duster is expected to stay unchanged in terms of its design and packaging.