4 New Rs 12 Lakh SUVs Launching In 2026! » MotorOctane

A few years ago, the average SUV cost was above Rs 10 lakh. Thanks to some innovative products from multiple brands, SUVs are now priced from Rs 7 lakh. That said, in 2026, 4 new SUVs are expected to be launched – under Rs 12 lakh.
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SUVs Under Rs 12 Lakh – Tata Punch Facelift

So, let’s begin with Tata Punch – an SUV that started the micro-SUV segment in India. Since its launch in 2021, the Tata Punch has never received a major update. Today, although it is one of the best-sellers, it lacks premium appeal. To keep the SUV up to date, Tata Motors will launch a facelift that will share much with its EV sibling. And some spy shots do confirm the same.

That means the Punch facelift will get new design elements like vertically slatted LED headlamps, connected LED DRL, connected LED taillamps & new alloy wheels. What about the interior? Well, expect the SUV to get a new dashboard design, including new elements like touch-based AC controls, a digital instrument cluster and a 2-spoke steering wheel with an illuminated Tata logo. Other expected features include – 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera, updated sound system, ventilated front seats, powered driver seat and more. What will remain unchanged is the engine. The facelift will likely continue with the same 1.2-litre NA petrol engine (87bhp & 115Nm) – paired with 5MT & 5AMT gearbox options. Yes, an option for CNG is also available with this engine. That said, once launched, the Punch will see a hike from Rs 15,000 to Rs 55,000, depending on the variants.

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Hyundai Exter

Another SUV that is due for a facelift is the Hyundai Exter. It was supposed to be the Punch rival, but it never caught the attention of buyers. That said, a facelift is expected to do justice to a rather well-packaged SUV. The Exter is expected to get a complete design overhaul and could be similar to that of new-gen Hyundai SUVs like the Venue or the Creta. Even on the inside, we can see a much appealing design language from Hyundai. Possibilities include bigger screens, more features and a fresh colour theme.

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In terms of engine options, Hyundai will stick to the same as the current model. The Exter comes with a 1.2-litre NA petrol engine – mated with manual & AMT gearbox options. And honestly, Hyundai should carry forward the current setup the way it is, as the engine & AMT combination is one of the best at the price point. The Exter is currently priced between Rs 6.72 lakh & Rs 11.27 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). However, we can see a hike of upto Rs 60,000 for the top model.

SUVs Under Rs 12 Lakh – Maruti Fronx Hybrid

The next SUV on the list is not a facelift or a new model – it is rather an engine upgrade! We are talking about the Maruti Fronx, which has been silently drawing sales for the company. Yes, the exterior & interior design may get some tweaks, but that should be the least important factor. The biggest upgrade will be the introduction of a hybrid engine. Expected to be based on the new 1.2-litre, 3-cyl, Z-series petrol engine, the hybrid Fronx is expected to deliver mileage of around 35kmpl. Rest, the only feature addition we can expect for the Fronx hybrid is ADAS! Now, currently, Fronx is priced between Rs 8.01 lakh & Rs 14.09 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). However, the introduction of a hybrid might hike the Fronx price by up to Rs 70,000.

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Hyundai Bayon

The only SUV in the list that will be an all-new product is the Hyundai Bayon! Hyundai’s rival to the Fronx is expected to be launched anytime in 2026. Similar to the Fronx, the Bayon is a crossover SUV based on the i20. So yes, the design could be one of the USPs of the Bayon & we have seen that with the Fronx as well. Now, globally, the Bayon offers a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, 64-colour ambient lighting, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a sunroof, and much more.

In terms of engine options, Hyundai will likely equip the Bayon with a new 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine, a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine and a 1.2-litre NA petrol engine. Also, Hyundai may offer an option for CNG with its NA engine. Overall, the Bayon will be an all-new product, also expected to debut some new engine options for Hyundai in India. Once launched, we can expect it to be priced between Rs 8 lakh & Rs 14.50 lakh (on-road, Mumbai).

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