
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- January 2026 to see multiple upcoming cars in India, including new-gen models, facelifts, and fresh powertrain introductions
- Strong focus on SUVs, with both compact and mid-size segments seeing major updates
- Petrol, hybrid and electric options gaining prominence across price bands
The Indian auto market is set to kick off 2026 with a strong wave of launches, making upcoming cars in India one of the most closely watched topics as January approaches. From next-generation SUVs and long-awaited facelifts to important electric and petrol powertrain debuts, manufacturers are lining up key products to start the year on a high note. January 2026 is expected to bring a mix of mass-market crowd pullers and premium offerings, aimed at capitalising on renewed buyer sentiment and stricter emission and safety norms. For enthusiasts and buyers alike, the list of upcoming cars in India this January promises meaningful updates rather than token refreshes. Read on to find out more details, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
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1. Renault Duster

The SUV that once redefined the compact segment in India is preparing for a long-awaited return and one of the highly anticipated upcoming cars in India. Renault has confirmed that the next-generation Duster will make its comeback on January 26, 2026, reviving a nameplate that still carries strong emotional recall among Indian buyers. The original Duster earned its reputation with a tough build, torquey diesel engines and the rare availability of an AWD option, credentials that helped it stand apart in a crowded market. This new-generation model is expected to move with the times, adopting a completely fresh design and a far more premium interior compared to the spartan cabin of the past. Powertrain options are likely to shift exclusively to petrol, aligning with current market trends and emission norms, with an expected hybrid set-up to be introduced at a later stage.
2. Mahindra XUV 7XO

Mahindra is steadily building anticipation for the facelifted XUV 7XO, with recent spy shots of the top-spec variant offering the clearest indication yet of what's coming ahead of its official unveiling on January 5. The updated SUV is expected to push the premium envelope with subtle exterior refreshes, reworked bumpers, updated LED lighting, a revised grille, and new alloy wheels, while retaining the familiar XUV700 silhouette. Inside, the biggest leap is likely to be in technology and comfort, highlighted by a new triple-screen dashboard layout, a richer dual-tone cabin theme, ventilated seats, an illuminated steering wheel, and advanced features such as Level-2+ ADAS, boss mode and a powered tailgate. Mechanically, Mahindra is expected to continue with the proven 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines, with manual, automatic and 4WD options intact.
3. Nissan Gravite

Nissan is expanding its India portfolio with the Gravite MPV, an affordable, compact three-row family car that is expected to be fully unveiled around January 2026, ahead of its market launch in March 2026. Slotted below the Magnite, the Gravite will focus on practicality, space and value, targeting buyers upgrading from hatchbacks and compact SUVs. Built on the cost-efficient CMF-A+ platform, it combines sub-4-metre dimensions with flexible seating, a family-friendly feature set, and a strong safety package. With a familiar 1.0-litre petrol engine, optional AMT, and the possibility of a CNG variant later on, the Gravite could become a key pillar in Nissan's India upcoming cars, especially in the highly competitive budget MPV space.
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4. Kia Seltos

The all-new Kia Seltos has already made its global premiere, and it represents a clear step forward over the outgoing model. With sharper styling, a larger footprint and a cabin that's more tech-rich than ever, the latest iteration of Kia's midsize SUV feels thoroughly modern. Having driven it recently, it's evident that the new Seltos is a more rounded and mature package overall. Most details are now out in the open, with pricing being the final missing piece, which Kia is set to announce on January 2. For reference, the current Seltos retails between Rs 10.79 lakh and Rs 19.81 lakh ex-showroom, and the new-generation model is expected to command a modest premium over these figures.
5. Tata Safari/Harrier Petrol

After years of anticipation, Tata Motors is finally set to introduce petrol-powered versions of the Harrier and Safari, with a market launch expected in January. Both SUVs get the new 1.5-litre T-GDI turbo-petrol engine, shared with the upcoming Sierra but recalibrated to suit the larger, heavier Harrier and Safari. Alongside the new powertrain, Tata has also added more features and introduced a fresh top-end 'Ultra' variant, making this update more than just an engine swap. The petrol Harrier and Safari are expected to play a key role in petrol-heavy regions such as Delhi-NCR, while also widening the appeal of both SUVs nationally, with prices likely to start around Rs 13 lakh (ex-showroom).
Also Read- Mahindra Vision S Spied Testing: Rival To Sierra In Progress!
6. Maruti e-Vitara

Maruti Suzuki has finally unveiled the India-spec eVitara, its first all-electric SUV, signalling a decisive step into the EV space, with a market launch expected in January 2026. Built on the new HEARTECT-e platform, the eVitara combines long-range capability (up to 543 km ARAI), a strong safety focus with 5-star BNCAP ratings, Level-2 ADAS and seven airbags, and a noticeably more premium, tech-forward cabin than any Maruti before it. Beyond the car itself, Maruti is also rolling out a comprehensive EV ecosystem alongside the eVitara, including its Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) option, flexible ownership and subscription plans, and what it claims is India's largest OEM-backed charging network.
Verdict
The lineup of upcoming cars in India for January 2026 reflects a clear shift in the marke's priorities. Carmakers are focusing heavily on better safety, improved cabin technology, cleaner powertrains and broader variant spreads to appeal to diverse buyers. Whether it's petrol SUVs gaining relevance again, next-gen models raising the benchmark in design and features, or EVs becoming more mainstream, January 2026 could set the tone for the entire automotive year.
















































