The iconic Sierra nameplate from Tata Motors comes back this year with the launch of petrol-powered Harrier and Safari. The EVs are getting quite a lot of gossip, but sales volumes are too little for manufacturers to give up nomadic power petrol ICE SUVs.
The long list of new entrants in the popular mid-size SUV segment will soon have this addition. Let’s take a glance at the imminent mid-size-ICE SUVs entering the Indian market this year.
1. Tata Sierra ICE
The most awaited among them all was showcased as a near-production prototype only a few days ago at the 2025 Auto Expo. Expected to be commercially launched later this year, both EV and conventionally-powered ICE versions will be introduced at the time of launch. The version that was showcased at the auto show was the ICE Sierra. It will likely draw power from the new 1.5-litre tGDi petrol and the 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines. Cabin features include a triple-screen layout along with the familiar 4-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo.
2&3. Tata Harrier & Safari Petrol
Finally, it's time for the petrol versions of Tata Harrier and Safari. However, we might get to see both of them in the latter half of 2025. Initially, there were rumors that the flagship SUV would receive this brand-new petrol powerhouse engine in 2024, but in reports, the engine is said to be in the final development and testing stages.
A 1.5-litre tGDi four-cylinder petrol engine powers the Harrier and Safari, which was first showcased at the 2023 Auto Expo. This will come with a power output rated at 168 bhp and 350 Nm of peak torque. It will get the option of a 6-speed manual and an automatic gearbox.
4. Mahindra XUV700 Facelift
Launched in 2021, the Mahindra XUV700 is now due for a mid-life facelift update. This facelift model is expected to go on sale in the second half of 2025 and may well be called the XUV7XO since the name was trademarked by the company last year.
The changes include a completely new design, updated interiors, and an array of new features. Under the skin, the familiar 2.2-liter mHawk diesel and 2.0-litre mStallion petrol engines will continue to power the XUV700 facelift-mated to an option of a 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
5&6. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara & Toyota Hyryder-Based 7-Seater SUVs
Maruti Suzuki is betting heavily on a new 7-seater SUV based on the Grand Vitara, which is expected in 2025. Internally, the SUV is codenamed Y17, and it is not only expected to be given a counterpart from Toyota, as was the case with Hyryder. The latter has been spotted recently on test, thereby revealing some of its design details.
These upcoming mid-size SUVs based on Suzuki's Global C platform will carry forward the existing powertrain combinations consisting of Strong Hybrid and 1.5 L K15C naturally aspirated petrol engines. We expect these SUVs to be larger in dimensions, with the possibility of an extended wheelbase to accommodate another pair of seats.
7. Honda ZR-V Hybrid
The Honda ZR-V is expected to debut in the Indian market by late this year, selling it via the CBU route. However, its India launch is still a call in progress. The ZR-V was world premiered in 2022, with Japan being its main market along with several other ASEAN nations.
The ZR-V is 4.56 meters long and has a wheelbase of 2,655 mm. It is propelled by a 2.0-litre petrol engine in conjunction with the dual-motor strong hybrid setup, churning out a combined power of 180 bhp. The SUV has an AWD with an electric CVT gearbox.
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