Five 4X4/AWD SUVs Launching Soon: Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler To Tata Safari EV
Written By: Ajeesh Kuttan
Published: August 16, 2026 at 07:33 PM
Updated: August 16, 2026 at 07:33 PM
SUVs have generally seen a rise in demand over the last decade. Almost every brand has shifted its focus to SUVs. Even the new EVs that are getting launched are mostly SUVs. While most of these vehicles are called SUVs, only a few of them are actually capable of doing what a true SUV can. Most of them are 2WD crossovers that are meant for the urban jungle.
Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler
The Mahindra Scorpio-N Facelift has already started reaching dealerships across the country. The next big thing from the Scorpio brand is the Lifestyler. The Mahindra Lifestyler pick up truck will make its official debut in April 2027, when it will be offered with a four wheel drive version in specific trims.
It is expected to offer 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine options. Both engine options will be available with manual and automatic transmissions, while the 4×4 system could remain limited to select diesel variants.
Mahindra Thar 3-door Facelift
The Thar 3-door got an update last year, and it seems like Mahindra is once again working on a facelift for the SUV. As part of the facelift, Mahindra will be making changes to the front grille, headlamps, and bumper of the SUV. We are also likely to see a new set of alloy wheels on the Thar.
Apart from these minor cosmetic changes, the SUV is likely to remain more or less the same. The Thar 3-door will be offered with the same 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with RWD, a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with both 4×4 and RWD, and a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine with a 4×4 option.
JSW Jetour T2
Chery, in partnership with JSW, will be launching the Jetour T2 SUV in India this year. The SUV has been spotted testing several times, and we have also seen multiple videos of it from several international auto journalists. The Jetour T2 gets a boxy SUV design that is inspired by the likes of the Defender.
It will be offered as a PHEV, and this version uses a 1.5-litre engine paired with a 26.7 kWh battery pack. It is available in both 2WD and AWD versions internationally. The SUV will offer a good balance between performance and efficiency.
Kia Sorento
The official launch of the Kia Sorento Hybrid is scheduled for September 4. The Sorento is going to be Kia’s flagship SUV and is expected to rival the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota Fortuner in the segment.
The Kia Sorento will feature the same design as the international version. It will be offered with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid engine and a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine option. Globally, select hybrid variants of the Sorento are available with AWD as an option.
Tata Safari EV
Tata launched the Harrier EV last year, and we have now also got the Sierra EV. The next launch from Tata is going to be an electric version of the Safari.
Tata is expected to launch the Safari EV around the festive season this year. The exterior design of the Safari EV is expected to remain similar to the ICE version but with EV-specific changes such as a revised front end with a closed grille, aerodynamic wheels, updated LED tail lamps, and more.
It will become Tata’s first three-row electric SUV and is expected to be the flagship model in the brand’s EV portfolio. It is also expected to retain premium features such as leatherette upholstery, memory seats, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).