Five Upcoming Seven-Seat SUVs to Rival the Toyota Fortuner in India

Automakers are preparing to launch several new seven-seat SUVs in India, targeting the segment led by the Toyota Fortuner. These new models promise improved comfort, advanced features, and a mix of road-focused and off-road capabilities.

Key Highlights

• Five new seven-seat SUVs are set to compete with the Toyota Fortuner in India
• Tata Safari EV, MG Majestor, and Kia Sorento will offer advanced features and multiple powertrains
• Skoda Kodiaq RS and MG Starlight 560 will expand options with hybrid and performance variants

Key Upcoming Seven-Seat SUVs

Tata Motors will soon introduce the electric version of its three-row Safari. The Tata Safari EV will sit above the Sierra EV and Harrier EV in the Tata.ev lineup. It is expected to use the 75kWh battery pack from the Harrier EV as a base, with a larger battery likely for the three-row configuration. The Safari EV should offer higher power output and an all-wheel drive system, known as QWD in Tata terminology.

MG is preparing to launch the Majestor, which has already been seen and driven by some. The MG Majestor features three differential locks, 10 off-road modes, twin wireless chargers, a panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS, and powered front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage. It is powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing 213bhp and 478Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The MG Majestor aims to compete directly with the Toyota Fortuner, offering more advanced features and off-road capabilities.

Kia is also entering the segment with the Sorento, which has been spotted testing in India. The Sorento is not a traditional off-roader but offers a range of features and powertrains. It comes with a 1.6-litre petrol engine delivering 178bhp and 265Nm, assisted by a 65bhp and 250Nm electric motor. This setup uses a six-speed automatic transmission and offers both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. A 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 190bhp and 441Nm with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is also available.

Additional Rivals and Features

The Skoda Kodiaq, recently updated with ADAS, will soon get a more powerful RS version. The standard Kodiaq uses a 2.0-litre TSI engine producing 201bhp and 320Nm, paired with a seven-speed DSG gearbox. The upcoming Kodiaq RS increases output to 261bhp and 400Nm, accelerating from 0 to 100kmph in 6.3 seconds. The India-spec Kodiaq RS is expected to arrive as a completely knocked down (CKD) unit.

The Wuling Starlight 560, seen testing in India and near MG’s Halol factory, is expected to launch as an MG model. It will likely replace the Hector Plus due to similar size and price. The Starlight 560 should offer strong-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains initially, with an electric version to follow.

These new models will provide Indian buyers with more choices in the seven-seat SUV segment, offering a mix of features, powertrains, and capabilities to suit different needs.