January 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest starts to a year the Indian automotive industry has seen in recent times. With a mix of all-new generations, strategic facelifts, long-awaited petrol powertrains and key EV price reveals, manufacturers are using the opening month of the year to recalibrate their line-ups. SUVs continue to dominate the conversation, but within that umbrella lies everything from compact urban runabouts to full-size family haulers and electric crossovers. Here’s a look at the most important cars lined up for January 2026.
Kia Seltos New Generation – Price Reveal
The second-generation Kia Seltos will begin January with its official price reveal. Built on an updated platform, the new Seltos is larger, more premium and more technology-focused than before. Design updates give it a more upright and SUV-like stance, the cabin has also been updated with a longer feature list and large connected displays, advanced driver assistance systems and improved material quality. Engine options are expected to continue with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol producing 115 hp, the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol making around 160 hp, and the 1.5-litre diesel with 116 hp. Pricing will be critical as the Seltos continues to battle well-entrenched rivals.
Mahindra XUV7XO
Mahindra is all set to unveil their new flagship ICE model, the XUV 7XO, the Mahindra XUV7XO is essentially a facelifted and updated version of the XUV700. Visual changes are expected to be evolutionary rather than radical, with refreshed lighting, new wheel designs and a revised interior with a triple screen layout as seen on the XEV 9e and 9s. Under the hood, Mahindra is likely to retain the proven 2.2-litre mHawk diesel and the 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol engines. The focus with the XUV7XO will be on refinement, added features and improved user experience rather than outright mechanical changes. With a global premiere set for January 5th, the 7XO will be one of the most anticipated car launches this year for customers and the one the most important for Mahindra.
All-New Renault Duster
The all-new Renault Duster marks a significant return for a nameplate that once defined the compact SUV segment in India. The new model adopts a tougher, more squared-off design inspired by Renault’s global SUVs and is built on a modern modular platform. Interior quality, safety and technology are all expected to see major upgrades. Engine details for the Indian market remain unconfirmed, making the Duster one of the more intriguing launches of not just January but the entirety of 2026.
Nissan Gravite
The Nissan Gravite is essentially Nissan’s version of the Renault Triber, aimed squarely at budget-focused family buyers. It will share the same platform and mechanicals, including the 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 72 hp and 96 Nm of torque. Nissan may also explore a turbo-petrol option to add differentiation. Practicality, space efficiency and affordability will be the Gravite’s key selling points.
Skoda Kushaq Facelift
Skoda’s Kushaq facelift is a mid-cycle update designed to keep the SUV competitive in a crowded segment. Exterior revisions are expected to be subtle, while the interior is likely to gain additional features and improved tech. Skoda is expected to continue with the same powertrain options—the 1.0-litre TSI turbo-petrol producing 115 hp and the 1.5-litre TSI turbo-petrol making 150 hp both of which remain strong performers in this class. As per spy shots the Kushaq should recieve which is line with Skoda’s newer models like the Kylaq and bigger global SUVs.
Tata Punch Facelift
The Tata Punch facelift brings a fresh update to one of India’s best-selling micro SUVs. Styling changes are expected to align it more closely with Tata’s newer models like the Sierra and Curvv, while the cabin could receive a larger touchscreen and enhanced connectivity features. The Punch is expected to continue with the 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 86 hp, with improved design and tech remaining a key focus of the update.
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara – Price Reveal
Maruti Suzuki’s e Vitara will finally see its official price reveal in January 2026. The electric SUV is expected to be offered with two battery options a 49kWh and 61kWh, with the larger pack delivering a real-world range close to 500 km. The 49kWh version comes paired with a front-axle-mounted motor producing 143hp, while the larger 61kWh unit delivers 173hp. Torque output remains identical at 192.5Nm for both variants. Rather than chasing outright performance, Maruti’s approach with the e Vitara centres on reliability and mass-market usability, backed by the brand’s extensive service network and the newly introduced charging infrastructure ecosystem.
Tata Harrier and Safari Petrol – Price Reveal
Tata Motors will introduce petrol power to both the Harrier and Safari in January 2026. Both SUVs will be powered by the new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol Hyperion engine, producing 168 hp and 280 Nm of torque. This move broadens the appeal of Tata’s flagship SUVs, especially for urban buyers who prefer petrol refinement over diesel. Pricing will be key in determining how well these petrol variants integrate into Tata’s existing line-up.
Together, these launches and price reveals underline just how competitive the Indian market has become. January 2026 won’t just deliver new cars—it will set the tone for buyer expectations and product strategies for the year ahead.
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