India’s SUV market may be dominated by urban crossovers, but a new wave of genuinely capable adventure-oriented SUVs is preparing to arrive over the coming months. From the updated Mahindra Thar and next-generation Toyota Fortuner to electrified models such as the Tata Safari EV and JSW Motors’ upcoming rugged SUVs, manufacturers are increasingly combining traditional off-road capability with electrification, advanced electronics and premium comfort.

What makes the upcoming cycle particularly interesting is the variety of technologies involved. Buyers will see conventional four-wheel-drive systems, dual-motor electric AWD setups and plug-in hybrid powertrains competing for essentially the same customer: someone who wants a large SUV that can venture beyond paved roads.

Here are six important upcoming off-road-oriented SUVs worth watching in India.

Upcoming SUVs in India – Expected Timeline

*Launch timelines remain subject to manufacturer plans.

1. JSW Motors Jetour T2-Based PHEV

One of the most important new entrants in India’s SUV market will come from JSW Motors, which is preparing to establish its independent passenger vehicle business with a rugged plug-in hybrid SUV based on the Jetour T2. While JSW Motors is expected to begin showcasing the product and opening bookings towards the end of 2026, the Jetour T2-based SUV is now expected to make its effective market debut around early January 2027, with customer deliveries likely to commence in the first half of January 2027.

The SUV will not necessarily retain the Jetour T2 name in India. It is expected to be sold under the JSW Motors brand, independently of JSW MG Motor India. Production will take place at JSW Motors’ new facility at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, with the company targeting high levels of localisation. Unlike traditional ladder-frame SUVs such as the Mahindra Thar and Toyota Fortuner, the Jetour T2 uses a monocoque platform, although its boxy proportions and available AWD technology give it a distinctly adventure-oriented character.

Plug-In Hybrid Powertrain

The India-spec model is expected to use Jetour’s i-DM plug-in hybrid technology, combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with electric motors.

International specifications vary depending on market and drivetrain configuration, so the final India-spec power and torque figures are yet to be confirmed.

The PHEV setup should nevertheless give the SUV an interesting combination of:

• Electric-only urban driving

• Petrol-powered long-distance usability

• Strong low-speed torque

• Automatic transmission

• Multiple terrain modes

• Possible all-wheel-drive configuration

The international T2 PHEV is also available with a sizeable battery pack, enabling meaningful electric-only driving before the petrol engine is required.

Expected Features

The India-spec SUV could offer equipment such as:

• Large touchscreen infotainment system

• Fully digital instrument cluster

• Panoramic sunroof

• Ventilated front seats

• 360-degree surround-view camera

• Level 2 ADAS

• Multiple terrain modes

• Connected-car technology

• Premium audio system

• Powered front seats

• Comprehensive safety package

Expected Price

It is suggested that its first flagship SUV could eventually be positioned above ₹35 lakh, particularly considering its PHEV hardware, dimensions and equipment. The final level of localisation will therefore play a major role in determining its price.

2. Mahindra Thar 3-Door Facelift

The Mahindra Thar is already one of India's most recognisable lifestyle SUVs, but Mahindra appears to be preparing another significant update for the three-door version. A fresh test mule was spotted recently, suggesting that development is actively underway.

The revised SUV is expected to borrow some visual influence from the larger Thar Roxx, although prototypes have been spotted with different grille treatments.

Likely changes include revised:

• Front grille

• LED headlamps

• LED daytime running lamps

• Front bumper

• Interior trim and equipment

Mahindra could also add more convenience features to keep the three-door Thar competitive with newer lifestyle SUVs. Mechanically, major changes are unlikely.

The existing Thar is available with petrol and diesel engines along with rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations, depending on variant. Its hardcore versions should therefore continue with a proper 4WD system and low-range transfer case.

Why It Matters

The Thar has gradually evolved from an enthusiast-focused off-roader into a mainstream lifestyle vehicle. A more premium three-door Thar would allow Mahindra to keep the original model relevant alongside the much more practical five-door Thar Roxx.

3. Tata Safari EV AWD

The Tata Safari EV could become one of India's most significant electric SUV launches because it is expected to combine three-row practicality with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Current expectations point towards a festive-season or late-2026 introduction.

The Safari EV is likely to share considerable hardware with the Tata Harrier EV.

That is important because the Harrier EV already demonstrates Tata's new electric AWD technology. In the Harrier EV, Tata uses a 238 PS rear permanent-magnet motor and, on AWD versions, an additional 158 PS front induction motor.

The resulting QWD system also incorporates dedicated terrain modes. A similar architecture on the Safari EV could deliver both stronger performance and genuine additional traction compared with conventional front-wheel-drive electric SUVs.

Expected battery options could include approximately:

• 65 kWh

• 75 kWh

The Safari EV should also become Tata's flagship three-row electric SUV and could compete directly with upcoming large electric models from Mahindra and other manufacturers.

Expected features include:

• Dual-motor AWD on select variants

• Multiple terrain modes

• Large touchscreen infotainment system

• Digital driver display

• ADAS

• 360-degree camera

• Premium connected features

• Three-row seating

4. Tata Sierra ICE AWD

The reborn Tata Sierra is particularly interesting because Tata has confirmed that its new architecture is capable of supporting an ICE all-wheel-drive system. The AWD version is expected to arrive in early 2027.

Tata officials have previously indicated that the ARGOS architecture underpinning the Sierra was engineered with AWD capability in mind. This would be significant because Tata has not offered a combustion-engine AWD passenger SUV since products such as the Hexa disappeared from the market. The Sierra's regular ICE range has been developed around multiple powertrain possibilities, although Tata has not yet confirmed exactly which engine and gearbox combination will be paired with the AWD system.

More importantly, the Sierra is not expected to be positioned as a traditional ladder-frame rock crawler. Instead, Tata appears to be targeting a balance between:

• Everyday refinement

• Lower kerb weight

• Higher traction

• Rough-road capability

• Adventure-oriented positioning

Tata is also expected to optimise approach, breakover and departure angles on the AWD version.

5. Next-Generation Toyota Fortuner

Few vehicles carry as much authority in India's premium SUV segment as the Toyota Fortuner. The current generation, however, has been around for nearly a decade, which makes the arrival of an all-new model increasingly important. Development of the next-generation Fortuner is already underway, with test vehicles spotted internationally. The next Fortuner is expected to borrow heavily from the latest generation of the Toyota Hilux, which has already reached India.

Potential upgrades include:

• More angular exterior styling

• Redesigned premium interior

• Electric power steering

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

• Large touchscreen infotainment system

• Electronic parking brake

• Auto-hold

• ADAS

• Additional airbags

• Panoramic sunroof on higher variants

Electric power steering would be a particularly significant change because it can enable a broader suite of advanced driver-assistance features.

Toyota is expected to retain the Fortuner's core ladder-frame character and four-wheel-drive capability. The familiar 2.8-litre diesel engine could continue in updated form, while Toyota's wider electrification strategy means additional hybridisation cannot be ruled out longer term. An India launch is widely expected around late 2026 to 2027, although Toyota has not officially announced a final launch date.

6. JSW Motors iCar V23-Based Electric SUV

JSW Motors is also developing an electric SUV based on the Chery iCar V23, and test vehicles have already been spotted in India. The V23 stands out immediately because of its upright, retro-inspired proportions.

Internationally, two drivetrain configurations are available.

Rear-Wheel-Drive Version

• 59.93 kWh battery

• 136 hp

• 180 Nm

• Claimed CLTC range: around 401 km

Dual-Motor AWD Version

• 81.76 kWh battery

• Around 211 hp

• 292 Nm

• Claimed CLTC range: up to 510 km

The AWD version is particularly relevant for the Indian market because relatively few electric SUVs at this price level offer dual-motor all-wheel drive. The SUV measures roughly 4.2 metres long internationally, giving it compact exterior dimensions while retaining a substantial stance. Local assembly is also expected at JSW's Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar facility.

Off-Road SUVs Are Changing

What stands out from these upcoming models is that the definition of an off-road SUV is changing rapidly.

Earlier, the formula was relatively straightforward:

Diesel engine + ladder-frame chassis + low-range transfer case + mechanical 4WD.

That formula remains relevant for SUVs such as the Thar and Fortuner. But models like the Safari EV, Sierra AWD, Jetour T2 PHEV and iCar V23 demonstrate a second approach.

Electric motors can deliver torque independently to different axles almost instantaneously, while electronic terrain-management systems can continuously alter power delivery according to surface conditions.

Plug-in hybrids add yet another layer by combining electric response with the flexibility of a combustion engine. So the next generation of Indian adventure SUVs could broadly be divided into three categories:

Traditional 4x4: Mahindra Thar, Toyota Fortuner

Electric AWD: Tata Safari EV, JSW iCar V23-based EV

Electrified/urban adventure SUVs: JSW Jetour T2 PHEV, Tata Sierra AWD

Auto Punditz Take

India's SUV boom is entering a more mature phase. Until recently, much of the growth came from vehicles that looked like SUVs but were primarily designed for paved roads. The next product cycle shows manufacturers once again investing in genuine traction capability, whether through traditional four-wheel-drive systems or sophisticated electric AWD.

• The Mahindra Thar facelift should remain the enthusiast-oriented choice.

• The new Toyota Fortuner could remain the benchmark for buyers wanting a large, durable premium 4x4.

• The Tata Safari EV could demonstrate how effectively dual-motor electric architecture works in a large family SUV.

• The Sierra AWD could bridge the gap between urban monocoque SUVs and traditional off-roaders.

• And JSW's upcoming SUVs could introduce Indian buyers to a new combination of Chinese-origin platforms, high localisation, plug-in hybrid technology and electric AWD.

The biggest transformation, therefore, may not simply be the number of new SUVs arriving. It is that Indian buyers looking for genuine all-terrain capability will soon have a choice between diesel, petrol, PHEV and fully electric AWD SUVs — something the market has never offered at this scale before.