Upcoming SUVs/Crossovers Of 2017

2016 was a big year for SUVs, crossovers and other utility vehicles. So what's in store for 2017?

This right here is expected to be one of the hottest segments of 2017. With the demand for SUVs and crossovers consistently on the rise, manufacturers are scrambling to launch as many new models as possible.

We’ve seen several major launches this year, including the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, and the updated Ford EcoSport. Here’s a look at the cars to look out for next year!

Datsun GO Cross

Datsun’s biggest launch this year was the redi-GO hatchback and the Nissan subsidiary is looking to repeat its success with the GO Cross. The concept was showcased at this year’s auto expo and it’s based on the GO+ sub-4 metre MPV. It wraps a little crossover livery around the GO+ MPV to add some butch appeal and will feature elements like black body cladding, skid plates and roof rails. It is likely to share its 1.2-litre petrol engine with the GO and GO+.

Expected price: Rs 5-7 lakh / Launch Expected In: Mid-2017

Honda WR-V

The Honda Jazz-based WR-V crossover was revealed in November this year. It features a new face that looks more like the CR-V and features a different front grille, in addition to body cladding that aids its SUV-look credentials. It also gets daytime running LEDs and, apart from the interior, the engine options will be shared with the Jazz as well – 1.2-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines, with the petrol likely to be available with an automatic transmission. It goes up against the likes of the Toyota Etios Cross, Volkswagen Cross Polo, Fiat Avventura/Urban Cross and Hyundai i20 Active.

Expected price: Rs 8.5-10 lakh / Launch Expected In: Mid-2017

Tata Nexon

The Tata Nexon has been on test for quite a while now. The compact SUV goes up against the Ford EcoSport and Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, and Tata is hoping to keep the Tiago’s sales success going throughout its range by entering this highly competitive segment. The Nexon is likely to get a 1.2-litre petrol engine and 1.5-litre diesel mill, with an AMT option expected as well. Its feature list is likely to include a touchscreen infotainment system, an 8-speaker Harman sound setup and multiple drive modes.

Expected price: Rs 7-10 lakh / Launch Expected In: Mid-late 2017

Maruti Suzuki S-Cross Facelift

The facelifted S-Cross has already gone on sale in the UK. In its updated iteration, the S-Cross gets a new set of projector headlamps, a larger front grille and new wheel designs. While it is expected to retain the current 1.3- and 1.6-litre turbodiesel engines of the current model, it is likely to get a petrol engine in India now as well. In all likelihood, it will use the same 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that will make its way into the Baleno RS, but in a different state of tune.

Expected price: Rs 8.50-12.50 lakh / Launch Expected In: Mid 2017

Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza Petrol

The Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza was launched earlier this year and has become a blockbuster success. However, it’s currently available with just one powertrain – a 1.3-litre turbodiesel engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Maruti Suzuki was supposed to launch the petrol variant in 2016, but it has now been pushed to 2017 to cater to the SUV’s existing demand first. The motor will be the 1.0-litre BoosterJet turbo-petrol mill which will produce around 110PS of power. 

Expected price: Rs 6-6.50 lakh / Launch Expected In: Early 2017

Ford EcoSport Facelift

The Ford EcoSport has received a facelift and is the first Ford vehicle that will be exported from India to the USA! It now features a chunkier front grille, new wheels, and a sunroof may be offered too. The interior is completely new and includes a new steering wheel, instrument cluster and a freestanding touchscreen infotainment system. Mechanically, it is expected to continue with the existing range of engine and transmission options – 1.0- and 1.5-litre petrols, along with a 1.5-litre diesel.

Expected price: Rs 7-10 lakh / Launch Expected In: Late 2017

Force Gurkha Facelift

The facelifted Force Gurkha was caught on test this year. It features a new front grille, a tweaked bumper and a new set of tail lamps too. The biggest change is expected under the bonnet. While the current model gets a 2.6-litre diesel engine, the update will include the 2.2-litre unit that powers the Force One, which will make it viable for sale in BS-IV cities.

Expected Price: Rs 7-10 lakh / Launch Expected In: Early-mid 2017

Tata Xenon Facelift

The refreshed Xenon has already been spotted testing and while the changes to the exterior won’t be extensive, it is expected to get updates to the powertrain. The engine is still going to be the same 2.2-litre diesel unit, but it will most likely be up-tuned to produce around 156PS of power and 400Nm of torque. What’s more, is that it is likely to get the option of a 6-speed automatic gearbox, which would be shared with the Tata Hexa.

Expected Price: Rs 8-12 lakh / Launch Expected In: Early-mid 2017

Mahindra MPV/TUV500

Mahindra is expected to enter the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment next year. Spy shots of the purported ‘TUV500’ have already surfaced. While official details remain scarce, it is likely to go up against the likes of the Tata Hexa, while undercutting the Toyota Innova Crysta. It will be offered in 7- or 8-seater configurations, with power possibly drawn from the XUV500’s 2.2-litre mHawk 4-cylinder diesel engine.

Expected price: Rs 12-15 lakh / Launch Expected In: Late 2017

Mahindra XUV500/Scorpio Petrol

The petrol versions of the XUV500 and Scorpio could be introduced next year. The engine itself has been on test for over a year and is expected to be built new from the ground up, with only the lower block shared with the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine currently used in the SUVs.

Expected price: Rs 9-11 lakh / Launch Expected In: Mid 2017

Tata Hexa

One of the most highly-anticipated launches of 2017 and Tata’s first new launch since the Tiago. The Hexa is Tata’s answer to the XUV500 and while it’s based on the Aria’s platform, it features a butch new design and features like a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, 10-speaker JBL sound system and multiple drive modes. It also gets all-wheel drive and is powered by the same 2.2-litre Varicor400 diesel engine used in the Safari Storme. Both 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available, with the base variant offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Expected price: Rs 12-15 lakh / Launch Expected In: January 2017

Renault Kaptur

While Renault India has been focusing more on the Kwid, it will be moving up the price chain as well. The Kaptur SUV was revealed in Brazil this year and when sold in India, it will be placed above the Duster. It may share the 1.5-litre diesel engine with the Duster, though reports suggest a 2.0-litre petrol could be offered as well. The 5-seater will come with two-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available too.

Expected price: Rs 16-18 lakh / Launch Expected In: Mid 2017

Hyundai Tucson AWD

Hyundai has already launched the Tucson in India and the SUV is available with both petrol and diesel engines. It also gets 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions, but the Santa Fe’s baby brother will also get all-wheel drive next year. While the diesel will be offered with AWD, Hyundai sources are considering offering the option with the petrol variant as well. Either way, the addition of all-wheel drive will be a big boost to its positioning as an SUV.

Expected Price: Rs 26 lakh / Launch Expected In: April 2017

Jeep Compass

After an excruciatingly long wait, Jeep finally entered the Indian market with the Wrangler Unlimited, Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee SRT. With prices ranging between Rs 71.59 lakh-1.12 crore (ex-showroom Delhi), the upper end of the spectrum has been covered. 2017 will see Jeep launch the Compass. The SUV will be built in India and exported to markets overseas as well. While the petrol could be propelled by the 1.4-litre Multi Air turbo, the diesel is expected to be powered by the Multijet II 2.0-litre turbo powerplant. Power will be transmitted either through the 6-speed manual or the 9-speed automatic transmissions. Jeep will not offer 2WD in the Compass, but there are two different AWD options.

Expected Price: Rs 20-25 lakh / Launch Expected In: August 2017

Isuzu MU-X

Having launched the D-Max V-Cross pickup, Isuzu is set to continue its product offensive by launching the MU-X. Like the V-Cross, it too is based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Trailblazer and will get features like automatic climate control, dual airbags and projector headlights, while a touchscreen infotainment system may come as standard. On the engine front, though, it will most likely get a new 3.0-litre diesel mill, and a petrol variant is not expected.

Expected Price: Rs 14-18 lakh / Launch Expected In: Mid 2017

Chevrolet Trailblazer Facelift

The Chevrolet Trailblazer hasn’t tasted success in India, but the facelift is expected to make its way to India next year. The updated SUV was revealed in Brazil earlier this year and sports minor tweaks to the exterior along with a new dashboard. The facelifted Trailblazer will also have the new version of Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system, which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The hydraulically assisted power steering has been replaced with a new electrically assisted unit, for better urban usage. Currently, in India, the directly imported SUV is only available with 4x2 powertrain, with power coming from a 2.8-litre diesel engine. Hopefully, the 4x4 version will be offered with the update too.

Expected Price: Rs 26-28 lakh / Launch Expected In: Late 2017

Skoda Kodiaq

The Superb’s 7-seater SUV counterpart will be launched in India next year. The Kodiaq is based on Volkswagen’s MQB platform and will be available with 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines paired with 7- and 6- speed automatic transmissions, along with all-wheel drive. The SUV comes loaded with gizmos, including the latest infotainment and connectivity systems. Capacitive touchscreens will be seen across the range, while Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SmartGate and MirrorLink will be available as standard on higher variants.

Expected Price: Rs 25-30 lakh / Launch Expected In: Mid-late 2017

Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan shares its platform with the Kodiaq, but is a 5-seater. It will be positioned against the entry-level SUVs of Mercedes-Benz (GLA), Audi (Q3) and BMW (X1). It will share its engine options with the Kodiaq, with the main powerplant being the 2.0-litre TDI engine, paired with a 6-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

Expected Price: Rs 23-25 lakh / Launch Expected In: Mid 2017

Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V was revealed in its new generation at the Detroit Motor Show. It is likely to make its way to India next year, though it remains to be seen if a diesel engine will finally be offered. Highlights of the fifth-generation CR-V include LED headlights, a hands-free powered tailgate, a new dashboard and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Expected Price: Rs 23-28 lakh / Launch Expected In: Mid-late 2017

Nissan X-Trail

The 2017 X-Trail debuted in the USA and it’s expected to make its way to India as a completely built-unit (CBU). In India, the X-Trail nameplate will make its comeback as a hybrid. It is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine coupled to an electric motor and the powertrain is mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission).

Expected Price: Rs 25 lakh / Launch Expected In: March 2017