Upcoming SUVs With Longest Waiting Periods! » MotorOctane

Waiting periods might be a positive sign for automakers, but they are a big problem for customers. For instance, demand for the XUV7XO was so high that waiting times for some variants stretched to up to 1 year. Here are some upcoming cars expected to have long waiting periods, along with how to get them as early as possible.
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Big SUV Launches – Renault Duster Hybrid

If you are planning to buy the Duster hybrid, you might already be too late. Renault has announced that the bookings for the MY2026 Duster hybrid have been fulfilled. It is set for launch this Diwali, but high demand would mean that you won’t get your hands on one until 2027.

What makes the Duster hybrid so desirable is the 1.8-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain, which promises high fuel economy. Not to mention that it will get the same extensive feature list as the conventional petrol models. This means it will be packed with amenities like Level-2 ADAS, a 10.1-inch infotainment screen, a 360-degree parking camera, a panoramic sunroof, powered and ventilated front seats, and an electric tailgate. The standard Duster costs between ₹12 lakh and ₹22 lakh (on-road, Mumbai), and if the hybrid powertrain is priced between ₹20 lakh and ₹25 lakh aggressively, it could be a strong alternative to the Victoris, Hyryder, and Grand Vitara.

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Big SUV Launches – Toyota Fortuner Facelift

This was the obvious pick. The popularity of the Fortuner has been never-ending, and it is only going to rise further with the facelift. And when you consider the additions that the facelift could get, the waiting period could be long. These additions include Level-2 ADAS, sunroof, fresher looks and a larger infotainment screen. So keep your wallets ready to book the Fortuner facelift. If Toyota offer an ADAS suite, we expect a ₹65,000- ₹75,000 price hike over the current price tag. It is expected later this year or early months of 2027, and you would need to book it at the earliest to avoid a long waiting period. We have seen the waiting periods for the Innova Hycross extend up to 2 years in the past, so the Fortuner facelift could suffer the same fate.

The powertrain options are expected to be carried over. The engine options include a 2.7-litre turbo-petrol and the fabled 2.8-litre diesel. Transmission options would include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed AT, with the option of a 4×4 drivetrain.

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Big SUV Launches – Next-Gen Hyundai Creta

The Hyundai Creta has been the SUV to beat for a long time, and with the next-gen Creta incoming, the popularity won’t be slowing down. The next-gen Creta will get a newer platform, which means more interior space, better safety, more features and also the possibility of a hybrid powertrain. The outgoing model is already feature-rich and would benefit from minor improvements, such as an enhanced ADAS suite, to keep it fresh. Despite being one of the oldest cars in the segment, the Creta manages to crack the top 3 in SUV sales every month. With the next-gen model, this popularity will reach higher limits.

The changes would be limited to the platform, looks, and feature list, as the same engine options would be carried over. A 1.5-litre NA petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel will be offered. US markets get a hybrid version of the Seltos, which means that a Creta hybrid could also be in the works. The next-gen Creta will be priced between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 25 lakh (on-road, Mumbai).

Also Read: 5 4X4 SUVs That Cost Less Than the Tata Sierra!

Big SUV Launches – Tata Nexon Facelift

You would be surprised to know that the outgoing Nexon is based on the Tata Indica’s platform. Tata is expected to introduce Sierra’s platform (ARGOS) on the next-gen Nexon to modernise it. This platform also supports hybrid tech, suggesting that a Nexon hybrid could see life in the near future. The platform promises improved safety, more precise driver-assist systems, and better packaging.

The 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel, along with underbody CNG, will continue to be offered with the next-gen Nexon. However, one key addition could be a CNG-AMT powertrain. Since the new Punch gets it, it is very likely that the Nexon gets that option as well. We could see the next-gen model in the next 6-10 months with a price hike of around Rs 25,000. Currently, the Sierra has a waiting period of around 4-6 months, depending on the variant you choose. You can expect similiar waiting periods with the next-gen Nexon.

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