January 2026 top 5 SUV launches is shaping up to be a historic month for the Indian automotive industry. As the dust settles from the New Year celebrations, the roads are about to welcome a wave of “Generation Next” SUVs that pivot heavily toward electrification and premium tech.
India’s SUV market kicks off 2026 with exciting confirmed top 5 SUV launches, blending fresh designs, advanced tech, and competitive pricing for enthusiasts like you. These top five stand out for their timely January unveilings or bookings, promising variety from EVs to rugged hybrids.
Kia Seltos (Second-Generation)
This isn’t just a refresh — it’s a generational leap. Built on Kia’s latest K3 platform, the 2026 Seltos arrives longer, wider, and more feature-rich than ever. The exterior reflects a bolder, more modern face — think sharper LED lighting, a more muscular stance, and design cues that give it a premium character at first glance. Inside, expect a dual-screen setup, enhanced connectivity, and improved Comfort and Convenience tech that feels closer to European rivals than ever before.
Long-time Seltos owners often praise its balanced handling and refined ride; this new iteration promises to build on that with better dynamics and more comfort for daily commutes or long highway runs. With multiple petrol and diesel engine options expected to carry over, it’s still a practical choice for enthusiasts and families alike.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older compact SUV or choosing your first “grown-up” car, the new Seltos aims to be tech-forward, comfortable, and value-rich — making it a strong all-rounder to begin 2026.
Mahindra XUV 7XO
Mahindra is taking a confident stride with the 7XO, blending the toughness of the original with premium touches — like a triple-screen digital cockpit (seen on its electric cousin), a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver aids. Mechanically, it leans on proven powertrains (2.0 L turbo petrol and 2.2 L diesel), offering both manual and automatic options.
If Monday-to-Friday practicality meets weekend road trip freedom is what you’re after, the 7XO’s familiar yet refined setup makes it an inviting choice. Its three-row layout doesn’t just seat families — it does so with a feeling of space and modern tech that wasn’t there before.
The SUV segment in India has long been Mahindra’s home turf. The 7XO doesn’t just refresh an old favourite — it reinvents it by offering premium-feel interiors and next-gen tech while retaining rugged reliability.
Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara
Maruti Suzuki has dominated petrol and diesel segments for decades. With the e-Vitara, it’s entering a new world — one where zero-emission driving and advanced connectivity tech become part of everyday life. Built on a dedicated EV platform, it gets two battery options (likely 49 kWh and 61 kWh), promising real-world ranges that should take most drivers comfortably beyond daily city commutes.
Expect a futuristic interior with dual screens, connected services, and safety tech like Level 2 ADAS — features that feel premium but are becoming mainstream in this new EV wave. It will likely offer comfortable seating, clever storage, and family-friendly ergonomics.
For many Indian buyers, an EV has always been “something for the future.” The e-Vitara makes it real — a usable, everyday electric SUV that feels familiar yet exciting on the road.
Renault Duster (New Generation)
Built on a versatile CMF-B platform, this third-generation Duster is more rugged and premium than its predecessor. You’ll see muscular LED lighting, modern digital interfaces inside, and a design that’s both aggressive and refined — perfect for families and weekend adventurers alike.
Expect turbocharged petrol options and possibly a mild hybrid choice, giving the Duster both punch and efficiency. It’s shaping up to be more comfortable for city traffic yet capable enough for countryside drives.
After years of anticipation, the Duster’s return feels like welcoming back an old friend — but one who’s learned a few new tricks and come back more confident and polished.
Skoda Kushaq Facelift
The popular European-styled compact SUV getting notable updates. The Skoda Kushaq facelift arrives mid-January with design tweaks and extra features that keep it competitive. Expect refreshed bumpers, a new grille, updated LED lighting, and more tech inside, including Level 2 ADAS and a panoramic sunroof — features that elevate the feel of everyday drives.
In a segment crowded with capable SUVs, staying fresh is key. These updates give the Kushaq renewed appeal — combining European build quality with practical tech for daily commutes and highway journeys alike.
Top 5 SUV launches Summary Table
| SUV Model | Launch/Debut Date | Key Highlight |
| Kia Seltos (New Gen) | Jan 2, 2026 | New K3 platform & boxy design |
| Mahindra XUV 7XO | Jan 5, 2026 | Triple-screen dashboard & tech refresh |
| Maruti e Vitara | Jan 13, 2026 | 543 km range; Maruti’s first EV |
| Skoda Kushaq Facelift | Mid-Jan 2026 | 360-degree camera & ADAS added |
| Renault Duster | Jan 26, 2026 | Iconic nameplate returns with rugged look |
January 2026 isn’t just a jumble of top 5 SUV launches new vehicles — it’s a snapshot of where top 5 SUV launches are headed: electrification with the e-Vitara, bold design with the Seltos and Duster, refined ruggedness with the XUV 7XO, and feature-rich compact SUV evolution with the Kushaq. For buyers, this means more choice, more tech, and SUVs that feel truly ready for modern life.
