Upcoming 7 Seater SUVs in 2023

We have seen some prominent SUV launches into the Indian market this year. Cars such as Scorpio N and Grand Vitara have boosted the segment throughout. While the market might have been focused more on midsize & compact SUVs, we still have some 7-seater SUVs awaited. Let’s look at some cars coming up in the next year:

1. Maruti Suzuki Y17
   

   

   Maruti Suzuki launched the Grand Vitara & 2022 Brezza in the market this year. After both these SUVs have received a pleasant response, the company might make a 7-seater version of their most premium offering. It might be Grand Vitara XL and is known by the code name Y17 as of now. Maruti is planning to launch 3 SUVs: Baleno Cross, Jimny & Y17.

   Also Read: Upcoming Maruti Suzuki Baleno Cross – What We Know So Far

   This will be the brand’s most expensive & premium product and will be sold with the Nexa dealership network. It might share the platform & powertrain with Grand Vitara and Hyryder. A similar set of petrol engines with hybrid tech might be available with the e-CVT and Suzuki’s AllGrip AWD system with drive modes. It will compete with cars such as Alcazar & XUV700.

2. Citroen C3-Based SUV
   

   

   Citroen entered the Indian market with the C5 Aircross and is gradually expanding its lineup. They are diversifying as they launched a hatchback C3 and 2 SUVs & a sedan might be under development. Every manufacturer plans to target the hot SUV segment, and we might get a 7-seater version of this car.

   Also Read:Citroen 7-Seater Based On The C3 Spotted Testing!

   A 7-seater Citroen was spied testing and might enter the showrooms next year. It might be named the C3 Plus as it will be derived from this hatchback with similar design elements and interior. The brand has not confirmed any details yet, but it might be available with a similar interior cabin with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 16/17-inch wheels. The dimensions will be slightly extended along with the turbocharged powertrain.

3. Nissan Magnite-Based SUV
   

   

   The Magnite was a lifesaver for Nissan in the Indian passenger vehicle market. This SUV, with its affordable & wide price range, naturally & turbocharged engines along with modern features & a 4-Star NCAP rating, is one of the promising products in the segment.

   Also Read: Nissan Leaf Launching In India Very Soon?

   The brand is considering launching a 7-seater version of Magnite to capture more market in India. The design will be highly derivative with the same set of interior & features. We can expect a similar outcome like the Creta & Alcazar with a derived design but the same features & powertrain. Nissan might offer the turbocharged engine with this 7-seater. More details about this car are awaited.

4. Toyota New Gen Fortuner
   

   

   This is one of the bold & most loved SUVs in our country with a cult fan following. It is also a prevalent status symbol among Toyota’s best-selling products. The Fortuner has been through extensive updates throughout its time on the road with every generation & technology change. It still sells in reasonable amounts despite lacking some modern features and the high price.

   Also Read: Toyota Corolla Cross | Why India Needs It?

   This new generation might be built on the TNGA-F architecture. It will be equipped with ADAS features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, automatic parking assist, forward collision warning and lane departure warning. The hydraulic steering will be replaced with an electric one, and VSM will also be added. The major highlight would be the new hybrid powertrain with the 1GD-FTV 2.8L diesel engine equipped with mild hybrid tech and an ISG; integrated starter generator. The power & torque figures might be higher, along with better fuel efficiency.

5. Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus
   

   

   Mahindra is among the best SUV brands in India, mostly known for cars like Thar, XUV700 & Scorpio N. This year they launched the new generation Scorpio in the market and revealed their electric vision as well; we might get another 7-seater SUV from the brand in 2023.

   Also Read: Mahindra TUV300 vs Bolero NEO | Same-Same Or Different?

   Mahindra launched the TUV300 as the Bolero Neo to capture some market with the Bolero brand name. Now, a longer wheelbase version of the same is under development. Under the hood, it might be powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. It might be available with the same features but with another row of seats in the back. This can be taken as the rebadged TUV300 Plus with a better interior & features.

Further Considerations

While these offerings do seem promising, there is always more coming. Other brands, such as Skoda & Honda, are also planning to launch their 7-seater SUVs to compete in the trending segment. Zac Hollis, Director, Sales and Marketing Skoda India, revealed that the brand is considering launching a 7-seater SUV & another 5-seater SUV to compete with cars such as Alcazar & Venue, but no details or timeline is confirmed.

Honda is also considering a similar idea to launch a 7-seater based on the BR-V platform and City’s hybrid powertrain. On the other hand, there are also rumours about Hyundai Palisade making its way to the Indian market.

In addition, there are also rumours about the Duster returning to India in a 7-seater version. It will be based on the Dacia Bigster, Duster will be based on the CMF-B platform and will be equipped with mild hybrid tech.