India’s festive season is the most exciting time of the year for car buyers—and automakers know it well. Major brands like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Mahindra, and Tata are preparing to roll out new SUVs that promise fresh designs, advanced features, and better driving experiences. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your car, here are the four biggest SUV launches lined up this festive season.
Maruti Suzuki Escudo: A New Midsize SUV Under Arena
Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to introduce a brand-new midsize SUV, likely to be called the Maruti Suzuki Escudo. Positioned below the popular Grand Vitara, this five-seater will be retailed through Maruti’s Arena dealerships.
- Engines: The SUV will share its powertrains with the Grand Vitara, offering both a 1.5L mild-hybrid and a 1.5L strong-hybrid petrol engine.
- Design: Slightly longer than the Grand Vitara, its styling will draw inspiration from the upcoming e-Vitara and existing Grand Vitara models.
- Features to Expect:
- Large touchscreen infotainment system
- Six airbags as standard
- Automatic climate control
- Wireless charger and modern tech additions
With its blend of practicality and modern features, the Escudo is aimed at buyers looking for a budget-friendly yet premium SUV.
New-Gen Hyundai Venue: A Bold Makeover
Hyundai is preparing to launch the third-generation Hyundai Venue, which has already been spotted testing multiple times. This upcoming model promises a complete design revamp, more advanced features, and a refreshed cabin layout.
- New Additions:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
- Updated styling inspired by bigger Hyundai SUVs
- Engines:
- 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol
- 1.0L turbo petrol
- 1.5L turbo diesel
The Venue has consistently been a best-seller in India’s compact SUV segment, and this new-gen upgrade is expected to further strengthen its position.
Mahindra Thar 3-Door Facelift: Rugged, Modern, and Feature-Rich
The Mahindra Thar facelift (3-door) is also on the cards this festive season. Inspired by the Thar Roxx, the updated version has been spotted testing and is expected to carry several upgrades.
- Platform & Build: The Thar will continue to sit on a ladder-frame chassis, maintaining its rugged DNA.
- Interior Upgrades: Expect a more premium cabin with equipment borrowed from the recently launched 5-door Thar.
- Engines:
- 1.5L diesel
- 2.0L petrol
- 2.2L diesel
For off-road enthusiasts and adventure seekers, this facelift brings the perfect balance of tradition and modernity.
Tata Punch Facelift: Fresh Looks and More Features
Since its launch in 2021, the Tata Punch has been one of the best-selling micro SUVs in India. While its EV version recently received a fresh design, the ICE (petrol) variant has remained largely unchanged—until now.
- Exterior Changes: The facelift will bring design updates to align with the Punch EV, including sharper detailing and refreshed styling.
- Interior Improvements: Expect a more feature-rich cabin with upgraded tech and better material quality.
- Positioning: The Punch facelift will continue to cater to buyers looking for an affordable, compact SUV with a robust road presence.
Final Thoughts
The festive season always brings an exciting wave of car launches, and 2025 is no different. From the premium yet affordable Maruti Suzuki Escudo to the tech-loaded Hyundai Venue, the rugged Mahindra Thar facelift, and the refreshed Tata Punch, buyers will have plenty of choices this year.
If you’re planning to buy an SUV, this festive season might be the best time to bring home a feature-packed, stylish, and future-ready model from one of India’s most trusted carmakers.
