“This article expresses my personal analysis based on publicly available automotive data, official teasers, and industry reports.”
The SUV rush is real — here’s what excites me
Have you felt it too? Every time I scroll through auto-news, a new SUV teaser pops up. India is on the brink of an SUV boom, and 2025–26 promises some serious contenders. From the familiar name of Hyundai Venue getting a bold makeover to Nissan’s bold entrance with Tekton, the next wave is all about redefining what compact and mid SUVs mean today.
Let me take you through the top 5 upcoming SUVs in India that have me waiting with bated breath — and maybe, igniting your SUV dreams too.
Hyundai Venue facelift — compact SUV with new heart
Hyundai’s Venue has been a darling in its segment. Now, the 2025 Venue facelift aims to push boundaries.
- Expect a refreshed grille, connected LED tail lamps, new alloy wheels.
- Inside, a dual-screen layout, Level-2 ADAS, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof — yes, the works.
- The launch is pegged for 4 November 2025.
Why this matters: Venue drives the “compact but premium” message. For first-time SUV buyers or urban dwellers who want features sans bulk, it could hit the sweet spot.
Nissan Tekton — a new challenger in the C-SUV arena
Nissan is no longer content with just the budget or micro segments. The Tekton is a bold bet to compete with Creta, Seltos, Victoris, and more.
- Built on the CMF-B platform, shared with the upcoming Renault Duster.
- Design cues? Think Nissan Patrol inspiration, upright tailgate with connected lighting, muscular stance.
- Features under speculation include ventilated seats, ADAS, premium interiors.
- Expected launch mid-2026.
In short: Tekton is Nissan’s declaration — they intend to play seriously in India’s SUV game.
Others on the radar — beyond Venue & Tekton
Yes, Venue and Tekton steal headlines, but there are more stars waiting in the wings.
1. Mahindra Bolero / Bolero Neo facelift
Mahindra’s evergreen workhorse is getting modern upgrades — new lighting, revised styling, improved features. It’s not flashy, but there’s huge value in reliability and familiarity.
2. Tata Harrier EV
It’s not just about ICE SUVs anymore. Tata has launched Harrier EV on its acti.ev Plus platform. AWD, long range, and EV tech make it a serious player in mid-size electric SUVs.
3. Mahindra XEV 9e
For those eyeing electric but want something bold — XEV 9e comes with coupe styling, multiple battery options, and premium tech. It’s a pivot in Mahindra’s EV journey.
According to the same Carlelo website there are more names populating lists — MG Majestor, Toyota Urban Cruiser EV, Tata Sierra — but these five feel the closest to real, visible launches.
Why these SUVs reflect 2025 trends
Feature stacking is non-negotiable
Gone are the days when a sunroof was a luxury. Now, ventilated back seats, Level-2 ADAS, connected car tech — all of them are expected, not optional.
EV and hybrid are no longer niche
With Harrier EV and XEV 9e in the spotlight, electrification is creeping rapidly into mainstream SUV choices.
Design is identity
Distinctive light signatures, bold silhouettes, rugged accents — consumers want SUVs that stand out, not just blend in.
Localisation & global ambitions
According to The Financial Express Nissan plans to build Tekton in Chennai; many of these models use shared modular platforms to spread cost and increase quality.
Comparison Table: Venue Facelift vs Tekton (and others)
| Feature / Spec | Venue Facelift (expected) | Nissan Tekton (expected) | Others (Harrier EV, Bolero facelift) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Segment / Class | Sub-4m / compact SUV | C-segment / mid compact SUV | Harrier EV → mid SUV EV; Bolero Neo → rugged compact |
| Platform | Upgraded existing Venue / modular base | CMF-B (shared with Renault Duster) | — |
| Engine / Powertrains | Likely to retain 1.0L turbo, 1.2L NA petrol, 1.5L diesel options | Multiple petrol options; possibly hybrid later | Harrier EV → full electric; Bolero facelift → upgraded diesel / petrol |
| Transmission options | Manual, possibly automatic / DCT in higher trims | Manual + AT / possible hybrid or future variant | EV → single-speed; Bolero → manual / auto |
| Expected features / tech | Dual screen setup, advanced infotainment, ADAS features, refreshed design | Panoramic sunroof, full LED lighting, 360° cameras, connected tech, Level 2 ADAS | EVs → battery range, fast charging; Bolero facelift → better features for its segment |
| Estimated launch / timeline | Early November 2025 (first week) | Mid 2026 (Q2) | Harrier EV: within next 1-2 years; Bolero facelift likely closer |
| Approx Price (expected) | Likely premium over existing Venue pricing; existing Venue base around ₹ 7.94 lakh | Starting near ₹ 10.5 lakh | Harrier EV → premium EV bracket; Bolero → value / mid segment |
| Strength / appeal | Trusted name + refreshed features, compact size | Bold new entry, strong design, competitive mid SUV features | EV appeal, brand legacy, improved specs |
Real-world insight — what I’ve noticed
Driving past showrooms, I see posters fading, teaser decals peeling — but the aura remains electric. Friends who didn’t care about cars now ask me about ADAS, EV ranges, whether a roof is glass or steel. Even my cousin, more into bikes than cars, wonders if Venue’s new model warrants upgrade.
At auto expos, I spoke to a dealer who said: “If Tekton gets the right pricing, we see some Creta owners switching brands just for novelty.” That hit me — brand loyalty is being tested.
Conclusion: ready to pick your 2025 ride?
The upcoming SUVs in India tell a clear story — it’s no longer just about size or image. It’s about smart features, efficient propulsion, and what fits your life.
Personally, I’m rooting for the Venue facelift — it has the comfort of familiarity but packed with new flair. And Tekton? It might just shake up the mid-SUV chessboard.
Which one are you eyeing? I’d love to help you choose when they launch.
Also Read Upcoming Tata Cars in India 2030 – 7 New Models Revealed!
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on official teasers and media reports available at the time of writing. Specifications, features, and launch timelines may vary upon the official release by Nissan. The views expressed are for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment or purchase advice.
✍️ Written by Nikhil Singh
Market & IPO Analyst | Business News Writer | Tech-Auto Observer
Nikhil has been tracking Indian IPOs, consumer brands, tech & automobile overview and financial trends since 2019. His writing style blends market insight with a relatable human voice — making complex data simple for everyday investors.
