Top New Car Launches in Early 2026: The first quarter of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the busiest periods for the Indian car market in recent years. From electric SUVs and long-awaited facelifts to the return of popular nameplates, several major manufacturers have lined up important launches between January and March. For buyers, this means more choice across price bands and powertrain types, including petrol, hybrid and electric options.
Here is a look at the key models that will define the start of 2026.
Also Read: Tata Punch Facelift 2026 Features: New Trims, Turbo Petrol, 6 Airbags
Tata Punch Facelift
The Tata Punch facelift will be launched on January 13. This update brings a sharper exterior design with new LED headlamps, DRLs, revised bumpers and fresh alloy wheels.
Inside, Tata is introducing a larger touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster and a new steering wheel. The Punch facelift will also get additional features such as a 360-degree camera. Tata is also expected to add a new turbo-petrol option alongside the existing engines, which could improve performance and appeal.
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara
Maruti Suzuki will begin its electric journey in the SUV segment with the e Vitara. The model has already been revealed and will go on sale in Delta, Zeta and Alpha variants. It will be offered with two battery packs – 49 kWh and 61 kWh – with a claimed driving range of up to 543 km.
Built on the new Heartect-e platform, the e Vitara is a front-wheel-drive electric SUV aimed at combining long range with everyday usability. For Indian buyers, this marks Maruti’s most serious step into the EV space, where it will go up against new mid-size electric SUVs launching around the same time.
Skoda Kushaq Facelift 2026
Skoda is set to introduce a refreshed version of the Kushaq later this month. The 2026 facelift will feature styling updates at both ends, new alloy wheels and a more modernised cabin.
The biggest changes are expected on the feature front, with Skoda likely to add advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), a 360-degree camera and possibly a panoramic sunroof. The petrol engine options are expected to continue unchanged. For buyers, this update will help the Kushaq stay competitive in a crowded mid-size SUV segment.
Toyota Urban Cruiser EV
Toyota will enter the electric SUV space with the Urban Cruiser EV on January 19. The model is closely related to the Maruti e Vitara and will share battery options of 48.8 kWh and 61.1 kWh, with a claimed range of up to 500 km.
This electric SUV will target buyers looking for a reliable mid-size EV backed by Toyota’s service network. It will compete directly with new electric SUVs arriving from Indian and international brands.
Also Read: Toyota Urban Cruiser EV Teased Ahead of India Launch: Expected Range, Features & Rivals
Nissan Gravite MPV
Nissan will unveil the Gravite on January 21. Based on the Renault Triber, this compact MPV is aimed at family buyers who need a practical three-row vehicle at an affordable price.
It will use the CMF-A+ platform and is expected to be powered by a 1.0-litre petrol engine with manual and AMT gearbox options. Nissan will also give the Gravite its own styling and interior layout to differentiate it from its Renault sibling.
Renault Duster 2026
The Renault Duster will make its return to India on January 26 after a long absence. The new-generation Duster is built on the CMF-B platform and will feature a more modern design along with improved safety and technology.
It is expected to be offered with a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, with a hybrid option under consideration for later. The Duster’s return will bring back a familiar nameplate in the competitive mid-size SUV category.
Volkswagen Tayron
Volkswagen has confirmed that the Tayron will be launched in India in the first quarter of 2026. This seven-seat SUV will be positioned above the Tiguan and will be sold only in the R-Line trim.
The Tayron will be imported via the CKD route and powered by a 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine paired with a DSG automatic gearbox. It will mark Volkswagen’s return to the three-row SUV space.
Top New Car Launches in Early 2026- What This Means
Top New Car Launches in Early 2026 will give Indian buyers a wide range of new options, especially in the SUV and electric vehicle segments. Whether it is a long-range EV, a refreshed compact SUV or a family MPV, the market will see strong competition and more choice.
With so many important launches happening in a short span, buyers may benefit from comparing features, prices and technologies before making a decision.
Disclaimer: Launch timelines, specifications and features mentioned in this article are based on official announcements and manufacturer information available at the time of writing. Final details may change at the time of launch.
Also Read: Volkswagen Tayron Teased for India Ahead of 2026 Launch | Three-Row Tiguan-Based SUV
Raj Prajapati is a senior automobile journalist at AutoIndia24, reporting on car, bike, EV, and auto industry developments in India.
