Hyundai Creta: Hyundai Creta has dominated Indian roads since 2015, dominating the midsize SUV segment and becoming India’s best-selling SUV for five consecutive years. Over the next 12 months, new marques from Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Renault, and Nissan will attempt to overthrow it with new design, tech, and improved pricing.

Maruti Escudo Launching Soon

Escudo is to be positioned between Grand Vitara and Brezza by Maruti. It has been extensively road-tested in India several times, reaffirming a five-seater configuration rather than a three-row plan. In a wider size than Brezza, Escudo will offer an expanded boot space, which will ensure that it becomes a practical option for families.

Maruti Escudo will use a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with mild-hybrid technology. This combination will help keep costs competitive, offering buyers an attractive value package within Maruti’s trusted Arena dealership network. Its launch is expected in the next two or three months, giving buyers another solid midsize SUV option.

Tata Sierra Comeback in Festive Season

Tata is set to bring back its iconic Sierra nameplate almost 20 years since it made its exit. The SUV will come in petrol and diesel engine variants to cater to diverse needs. Tata displayed its production-ready Sierra at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Global Expo, pointing to a familiar design with slight adjustments.

Interestingly, Tata will also create an all-electric Sierra, which is set to go head-to-head against the forthcoming Creta EV. With its robust design and dual powertrains, Sierra promises to set off huge interest in India’s midsize SUV segment once it arrives in showrooms later this year.

Renault Duster New Generation

Renault Duster is yet another well-established name coming back to India. The new-generation Duster will return after a four-year hiatus in 2026 with a range of engine options. These are a 1.0-litre petrol for frugal buyers, a more punchy 1.3-litre turbo petrol, and a 1.6-litre petrol hybrid with 140 bhp in combined power due to two electric motors.

Renault’s move to revive Duster indicates confidence in the Indian SUV market. With the inclusion of hybrid technology, Renault is hoping to attract attention from customers who require a fuel-efficient but powerful SUV in the midsize segment.

Nissan Kait May Enter the Fray

Nissan is also planning to bring a midsize SUV that will be a rebadged Duster and could be named Kait. Nissan recently dropped teasers of its upcoming SUV and MPV, indicating its plans in 2026 for India.

The Kait will share the Duster’s engine options, features, and platform but could wear a distinct look. This new SUV aims to offer another alternative to buyers looking beyond Hyundai’s popular Creta, with details expected soon as its launch approaches.

Final Thoughts on Upcoming Rivals

India’s midsize SUV space is going to see a massive upheaval in the next year. With Maruti, Tata, Renault, and Nissan all launching new products, customers will have plenty of solid options to the Hyundai Creta. Whether it is Escudo’s competitive pricing, Sierra’s heritage return, or Duster’s hybrid technology, the fight is going to intensify.