The Indian SUV market has changed a lot in the past ten years. Most new SUVs these days are made for comfort in the city, with soft suspensions and platforms that look like cars. They look tough, but only a few are made to be used off-road a lot.
But there are still a lot of people who want real 4×4 SUVs with ladder frame construction, low-range transfer cases, and the ability to go off-road.
That niche is going to get interesting again in the next year. MG, Mahindra, and Toyota are just a few of the car companies getting ready to make tough SUVs that will bring real off-road hardware back into the spotlight.
There are four real 4×4 SUVs that are likely to come to India in the next year. They are the heavily updated Gloster and the next generation Fortuner.
MG Majestor
MG Motor is getting ready to launch the Majestor, which is basically a heavily updated and repositioned version of the Gloster.
The new SUV looks a lot tougher than the old one. Spy photos and early previews show that the Majestor has split LED headlights, a more aggressive grille, and a bigger front bumper, which makes it look much more powerful.
But the real story is below.
MG says that the SUV can wade through 810 mm of water, making it one of the most capable factory SUVs in its class. It will also have three differential locks and a crawl control system, which are things that are usually found on dedicated off-road vehicles.
MG is also pushing luxury forward inside the cabin. People who buy this car can expect massage seats in the front row, Level 2 ADAS advanced driver assistance systems, and a high-end interior layout.
A 2.0-liter twin-turbo diesel engine with 212 hp and 478.5 Nm of torque will power the car. It will come with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an optional 4WD system.
Mahindra Scorpio N Facelift
The Scorpio N from Mahindra is already one of the most popular ladder-frame SUVs in the country. The company is now getting ready for a facelift update that should come out in April.
The changes will probably be gradual rather than sudden.
The SUV might get new 18-inch alloy wheels, updated headlamps, redesigned tail lamps, and a new front grille. Mahindra is also likely to improve the cabin by adding a bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and changing the themes inside.
Things should stay the same under the hood, though.
The Scorpio N will probably keep its 2.0-liter turbo petrol and 2.2-liter diesel engines, as well as the option of Mahindra’s 4XPLOR four-wheel-drive system, which has already shown that it can handle tough off-road conditions.
The updated Scorpio N will still be a strong choice for buyers who want something tough but still need something that works for their family.
Mahindra Thar Facelift
Mahindra is also getting ready to update the Thar, which is one of India’s most well-known off-road SUVs.
The facelift should come out around the third quarter of the year. Early reports say that the design will be based on the Thar Roxx.
This means that the front fascia has been changed to have a six-slot grille, new LED headlights, and C-shaped daytime running lights. These changes give the SUV a more modern and fresh look.
More importantly, it looks like Mahindra is fixing one of the Thar’s biggest problems: how easy it is to use every day.
The facelifted model might have ventilated front seats, passive keyless entry, and wireless smartphone charging, which would make the SUV more comfortable to drive every day.
The formula will probably stay the same mechanically, with options for petrol and diesel engines and a 4WD system for serious off-road adventures.
Next Generation Toyota Fortuner
The next generation Toyota Fortuner is probably the most anticipated SUV on this list.
The third generation Fortuner from Toyota is expected to come out between late 2026 and early 2027. It will have a big redesign inside and out.
The SUV will probably take design cues from the newest global Hilux, which will make the outside sharper and more muscular and the inside much nicer.
We expect big changes to the technology. Reports say that the new Fortuner might have a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ventilated seats, electric power steering, and a sunroof that opens all the way around.
Toyota is also expected to add Level 2 ADAS and up to seven airbags, which will make the Fortuner safer and more in line with modern global safety standards.
The SUV will probably still have the reliable 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV turbo diesel engine under the hood, along with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission and an optional 4WD system.
