Should You Buy A SUV Now or Wait It Out?

The Indian SUV market has seen a busy year in 2025. Models like the Maruti Victoris, Hyundai Venue facelift, Skoda Kylaq, Kia Syros, and most recently, the all-new Tata Sierra and Seltos have hit the roads and grabbed attention. 

These are all great cars, with good features and prices that fit many budgets. With many carmakers offering year-end deals, it can be tempting to buy a new car right now. However, January 2026 is set to bring more excitement, with multiple new SUVs set for a launch, offering better designs, tech, and value. 

Below, we have listed some of the major models set for launch in January that are worth waiting for and you will get a lot more options to choose form

Mahindra XUV 7XO

The Mahindra XUV 7XO, a facelift of the popular XUV700, will debut on January 5, 2026, with sales starting around January 20. 

It will carry over the same set of powertrains - a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine making 200 PS and 380 Nm of torque, and a 2.2-litre diesel unit with up to 185 PS and 450 Nm. Both engines pair with a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox. 

This facelift brings sharper looks, new interiors, and features from the electric XEV 9S, making it even more desirable than before.

Expect the starting price to hover around ₹14 lakh (ex-showroom). You can buy 700 if you don't care form minor tweaks but you might get even more discounts as the new 7XO prompts dealers to clear out their existing inventory at even lower prices 

Kia Seltos 2026

The all-new Kia Seltos was recently revealed globally, and is set to launch on January 2, 2026. It continues with the current Seltos’s three 1.5-litre engine choices - a naturally aspirated petrol, a turbo petrol, and a diesel. 

The design turns slightly boxier for a tougher SUV feel, with a revamped cabin that includes dual screens and better tech. The Seltos could become the top pick for many buyers over rivals like the Hyundai Creta.

Prices should start at ₹12 lakh and go up to ₹21 lakh (ex-showroom). Again the new Seltos is all about cosmetics, and the old one is not at all a bad looking car form any angle. You can check the old one out or wait for theprices to be revealed next month. 

Also Read - Cheapest 2026 Kia Seltos Base HTE Variant Explained

New Renault Duster

The Renault Duster makes its India return on January 26, 2026. 

On launch, it will use a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine with 156 hp, paired to a 6-speed manual or CVT automatic. A strong-hybrid option may follow later, using a 1.6-litre petrol with electric motors for 140 hp total and an e-CVT. Unlike before, there will be no diesel on offer. 

Built on Renault’s CMF-B platform, it sports a rugged look and could offer optional all-wheel drive. 

Prices are set from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom).  This is essentially a brand new car for Renault and is worth waiting for if you want to test ride of the OG SUV that started the craze of big cars 

Skoda Kushaq Facelift

The Skoda Kushaq facelift is expected to arrive in the second half of January 2026. 

It continues with the same powertrains- a 1.0-litre TSI petrol (113 BHP) and 1.5-litre TSI (148 BHP), with a 6-speed manual, 6-speed torque converter automatic, or 7-speed DCT options.

Changes in the facelift will include a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS for safety. The design will get subtle tweaks, likely to the front and rear. The Kushaq suits drivers who value build quality and engaging driving dynamics over outright premium features.

Prices could range from ₹11 lakh to ₹19 lakh (ex-showroom).  Most recent spyshot indicate very minimal design changes. You can check out the current on for year-end offers

Also Read - Confirmed Upcoming Car Launches in India in 2025-2026

Other Major Car Launches in Early 2026

Even in the months following January, exciting launches are waiting in the pipeline. 

The Maruti Brezza facelift may hit the roads in May, likely keeping its 1.5-litre petrol with manual, plus an underbody CNG setup, likely priced around ₹9 lakh to ₹14 lakh. 

The Volkswagen Taigun facelift follows in March, with the 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre turbo-petrol shared with the Kushaq, and expected to be priced from ₹12 lakh to ₹21 lakh. 

Nissan will launch the Duster-based SUV, the Tekton, in April, likely with the same 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, priced from ₹10 lakh to ₹18 lakh. 

The Mahindra Scorpio N facelift rounds it out mid-year, holding its 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel starting from around ₹13-14 lakh. 

If you really need an SUV now, go for a 2025 model to catch the best year-end deals. But if you are not in a hurry, these launches may offer better bang for your buck.