The SUVs That Got 2025 Right: Our Picks Across Petrol, Diesel, and Electric SUVs

It is no surprise that 2025 was one of the best years the Indian auto industry has ever seen, and at the centre of it were a plethora of SUVs, ranging from family crossovers, to futuristic EVs and even premium long-distance mile-munchers. But while we saw nearly two dozen new options, some stood out for their uniqueness, popularity or something else. So let’s take a look at what were the best SUVs that launched this year:

Hyundai Venue: Subcompact SUV With Premium Technology

Price: Rs 7.90- Rs 15.69 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Venue has been one of the most popular models for Hyundai in recent times, and to keep it fresh, the carmaker brought us the second-generation of the SUV with a sharper design, opulent interiors and a plethora of features. While the prices certainly saw a rise, a wide range of powertrains, including petrol, turbo-petrol and diesel engine options along with a rounded-off appeal made it a major highlight in the SUV space. 

Under the hood, the Venue is powered by 1.2-litre petrol, 1-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine options. The petrol is available with a 5-speed manual only while the turbo-petrol and diesel get manual and automatic transmission options. Here are the detailed specifications of the Venue’s powertrains:

Kia Syros: Subcompact SUV With a Premium-Tech Focus

Price: Rs 8.67- Rs 15.94 lakh (ex-showroom)

After the blockbuster success of the Sonet, Kia decided to expand its SUV lineup with yet another model, the Syros, albeit this time with a radically different approach. The Syros stands out in its segment by offering a spacious and roomy interior, along with a premium feel and cutting-edge technology like rear ventilated seats, Level 2 ADAS and the ‘Trinity Panoramic Display’ consisting of two 12.3-inch screens for the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment, along with a third 5-inch climate control screen.

It gets powered by a choice of 1-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine options, both of which are offered with manual and automatic gearboxes: 

Maruti Suzuki Victoris: Versatile Powertrains and Top Safety

Price: Rs 10.50- Rs 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom)

Maruti Suzuki’s biggest launch this year came in the form of the Victoris, which now sits as the flagship product of its Arena sales channel. 

Despite operating in the same segment as its sibling, the Grand Vitara, the Victoris brings forward many innovations and new equipment including an underbody CNG setup to free up more boot space as well as features like a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Level 2 ADAS suite and a massive panoramic sunroof.

Notably, it is also the first Maruti to score 5-stars at both the Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP crash tests, and has also been declared the Indian Car Of The Year 2026.

Under the hood, it gets an option of 1.5-litre petrol, CNG and strong-hybrid powertrain options, which are detailed below:

Tata Sierra: Modern SUV With Broad Powertrain Choices

Price: Rs 11.49- Rs 21.29 lakh (ex-showroom)

Possibly one of the most anticipated SUV of 2025, the Tata Sierra made its comeback after more than two decades, this time in a modern, retro-styled avatar. Based on an all-new ARGOS platform, the Sierra is an important product for Tata Motors, as it plus a major gap in its portfolio in the meat of the market. 

Besides the smashing looks, the Sierra also brings to table a lot of technology including a three-screen layout consisting of dual 12.3-inch screens for the infotainment system and passenger entertainment display, along with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-speaker JBL sound system with a soundbar, frequency dependent dampers and a Level 2 ADAS suite. 

The Sierra gets powered by 1.5-litre petrol, turbo-petrol and diesel engine options:

Hyundai Creta Electric: Practical EV With Balanced Performance

Price: Rs 18.02- Rs 24.55 lakh (ex-showroom)

Another highlight for Hyundai this year, came in the form of the Creta Electric, which further expanded its star-performer’s range of powertrain options, which now include petrol, turbo-petrol, diesel and now, electric avatars making sure that there is something for every kind of buyer.

Keeping a more conventional theme for the Creta, Hyundai has not messed much with the tried-and-tested formula, instead banking on the seamless integration and familiar feel of the car. 

Underneath, it gets a choice of 42kWh and 51.4kWh battery pack options, offering a claimed range of up to 510km. Here are its detailed specifications:

Mahindra XEV 9S: Seven-Seat Electric SUV Option

Price: Rs 19.95- Rs 30.20 lakh (ex-showroom)

Mahindra’s blockbuster this year came in the form of the XEV 9S, which is positioned as an electric alternative to the XUV700. Being a 7-seater, it is one of the few EVs in the mass-market segment today to offer the flexibility of a third row along with the green credentials of going all-electric. 

Based on the same INGLO platform, the XEV 9S borrows a lot of equipment from the XEV 9e and BE 6 including a 12.3-inch three-screen layout, 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, an AR-based heads-up display and a panoramic sunroof. Furthermore, it also gets equipped with an electric ‘Boss mode’, ventilated front and rear seats, dual wireless chargers and a Level 2+ ADAS suite. 

Underneath, it gets 59kWh, 70kWh and 79kWh battery options, offering a claimed range of up to 679km:

Tata Harrier EV: Electric Continuation of a Proven SUV

Price: Rs 21.49- Rs 30.23 lakh (ex-showroom)

Earlier this year, Tata’s Harrier took the electric route and became Harrier EV. One of its segment’s favourites, the Harrier has always been known for its ride quality, butch looks and a long list of equipment. So, it was only natural then for Tata to also make an EV version which just builds upon these values with stupendous levels of performance to boot.

In terms of features, it gets gadgetry such as a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, powered and ventilated front seats, 10-speaker JBL sound system, a Level 2 ADAS suite, panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting. 

The Harrier EV gets powered by a choice of 65kWh and 75kWh battery packs, with the latter also getting a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup offering a mind-boggling 396 PS and 504 Nm:

Skoda Kodiaq: Premium Seven-Seat SUV for Highway Touring

Price: Rs 39.99- Rs 45.96 lakh (ex-showroom)

Skoda’s Kodiaq may not have set the sales charts on fire, but it carved out a niche for itself in the premium SUV segment with a strong reputation of quick performance, comfort for the family and an almost luxury-car-like sophisticated feel that reeks of quality. Given that the first-generation was getting a bit long-in-the-tooth then, Skoda took the opportunity of introducing a new generation with a roomier cabin and a comprehensive refresh inside and out. 

In terms of features, the Kodiaq offers equipment such as a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 13-speaker CANTON sound system, dual wireless chargers, powered, ventilated, heated and massaging front seats as well as a panoramic sunroof. It also gets a Level 2 ADAS suite and 9 airbags for enhanced safety credentials.

Under the hood, the Kodiaq continues with a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox: 

ZigSays…

2025 was an action-packed year for SUVs with a lot of new launches across all kinds of cars, right from the elegant Creta Electric, to the spaceship-like BE 6 and even the nostalgia-filled return of the Tata Sierra. As we move into 2026, we see that the action is not stopping anytime soon. 2026 is going to be a busy year too. 

What is your favourite SUV from this list? Let us know in the comments below!