- The five upcoming SUVs heading to India with new powertrain options, including plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles.
- It also highlights key specifications, battery capacities, and expected features for each model.
Efficiency is no longer just a buzzword in India's car market. Between tightening emission regulations and rising ethanol content in petrol, buyers and manufacturers alike are being nudged towards cleaner alternatives.
Five SUVs, each carrying a brand-new powertrain, are set to arrive in the country and collectively represent just how quickly the segment is evolving.
| SUV | Powertrain Type | Power Output | Battery Pack | Claimed Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JSW Jetour T2 | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | 154bhp (petrol) + 221bhp (electric) | 26.7kWh LFP | 139km (EV-only) |
| Chery iCAUR V23 (AWD) | Battery Electric (BEV) | 201bhp / 292Nm | 81.76kWh NMC | 430km (NEDC) |
| Chery iCAUR V23 (2WD) | Battery Electric (BEV) | 134bhp / 189Nm | 59.93kWh LFP | 360km (NEDC) |
| Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella | Battery Electric (BEV) | 142bhp / 172bhp | 49kWh / 61kWh LFP | Up to 543km |
| Tata Safari EV | Battery Electric (BEV) | TBC | Larger than Harrier EV | TBC |
| Tata Sierra EV | Battery Electric (BEV) | TBC | 65kWh / 75kWh (expected) | TBC |
JSW Jetour T2 Brings China's PHEV Technology to Indian Roads
The Jetour T2 will be the first SUV to roll out under JSW Motors' newly formed umbrella, and it is arriving as a plug-in hybrid. Built by Chinese manufacturer Chery Automobile, the T2 combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 154bhp and 220Nm with an electric motor that adds 221bhp and 390Nm.
The 26.7kWh LFP battery pack supports an EV-only range of 139km, which is a genuinely useful figure for city commuters. On the features front, the T2 is well-equipped with a 15.6-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, 50W wireless charging, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Snapdragon 8155 automotive grade chip. A Q4 2026 showcase is currently anticipated.
Chery iCAUR V23 Could Be JSW's First Pure Electric SUV
The four-seat iCAUR V23, which has been spotted on Indian roads on multiple occasions, is expected to be the first battery-electric vehicle under the JSW brand. Despite its electric underpinnings, it retains an open grille, setting it apart from the typical BEV aesthetic.
The top-spec version uses a dual-motor AWD setup with 201bhp and 292Nm, paired with an 81.76kWh NMC battery offering an NEDC-claimed range of 430km. A more accessible 2WD variant is also on offer, featuring a 134bhp motor and a smaller 59.93kWh LFP battery with a 360km claimed range.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella Marks Toyota's Electric Debut in India
Shared Underpinnings, Fresh Identity
The Urban Cruiser Ebella shares its platform with the Maruti e Vitara, though Toyota has given it a visually distinct front end. More importantly, it will be Toyota's first electric vehicle sold in India.
Two battery options are on offer, a 49kWh and a 61kWh LFP pack, with power outputs of 142bhp and 172bhp respectively. The range-topping variant claims up to 543km on a single charge. Equipment includes a 360-degree camera, a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a JBL sound system, a powered driver's seat, wireless charging, and a reclining rear bench.
Tata Safari EV Steps Up as the Brand's Premium Electric Flagship
Positioned above the Harrier EV in Tata's electric lineup, the Safari EV is shaping up to be the brand's answer to the Mahindra XEV 9S. It is expected to carry over the AWD architecture from the Harrier EV, potentially with mechanical upgrades, along with a larger battery pack.
Particular specifications have not been confirmed yet, but given the Safari's positioning, a meaningful performance and range upgrade over the Harrier EV seems likely.
Tata Sierra EV Revives an Icon With Electric Power and 4WD Potential
Efficient Powertrain and Familiar Styling
The Sierra EV is set to be one of the more exciting entries on this list. Expected to compete with the Mahindra BE 6, it is likely to feature 65kWh and 75kWh battery options, though paired with a slightly more conservative motor tune compared to the Harrier EV. The approach here focuses on powertrain efficiency, drawing inspiration from lessons learned with the new Punch EV.
Visually, it remains largely identical to the standard Sierra, except for a closed-off grille and EV-specific details. Features will include the Arcade.ev app suite, a tri-cluster display in higher variants, 18 or 19-inch aero-optimised alloys, a panoramic sunroof, and a powered tailgate.
Taken together, these five SUVs signal that 2026 and beyond will be a genuinely transformative period for the Indian market. Whether you are after a plug-in hybrid that keeps range anxiety firmly at bay or a full EV with serious performance credentials, options are multiplying fast.
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