SUVs We Wish Were Launched In India!

If you’re an SUV enthusiast in India, you probably enjoy a lot of options already. But you’ve likely also felt that FOMO when scrolling through international car news, spotting those big, rugged machines and thinking, ‘Why can’t we have this in India?’. 

Some of these SUVs we think could be well-suited to our roads and driving conditions, and it almost feels unfair that they remain exclusive to overseas markets. Here’s our list of eight such SUVs we wish, and we’re sure you do too, could make their way to India.

Nissan Patrol

The Nissan Patrol is a legend in off-road circles and is considered Nissan’s Land Cruiser rival. It is currently sold in the Middle East and Australian markets. It is a boxy-looking looking stylish SUV that comes with the option of up to 22-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting elements, a plush cabin loaded with features like dual 14.3-inch displays, leather seats, and tri-zone climate control.

Globally, it is sold with a 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine producing over 400 PS and 560 Nm, paired with a 9-speed automatic and a 4-wheel drivetrain. 

We wish the Patrol came to India because it’s the missing full-size, go-anywhere flagship that can give Fortuner loyalists a true upgrade within reach of Nissan’s badge. Picture offroading in Ladakh/Spiti, the Patrol’s old-school toughness would hit that sweet spot enthusiasts love. It could reboot Nissan’s image beyond Magnite, pulling car lovers and influencers back into showrooms with a bona fide hero car.

Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco is an adventure-holic off-road icon sold primarily in North America. The Bronco roared back to life in the US and Canada with a heritage vibe. It comes in both 2-door and 4-door versions. It has a boxy, retro, and rugged design, appealing to off-road enthusiasts. Inside, it gets washable surfaces, large touchscreens with off-road navigation, and practical storage options. 

Engine options include a 2.3-litre turbo petrol and a 2.6-litre twin turbo V6 paired with either a 7-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission delivering up to 330 PS and 556 Nm of torque. It comes in 7 different driving modes.

If there is one SUV that could slot between the Thar or Jimny’s charm without jumping straight to Wrangler’s price tag, it's the Bronco. With a retro look, the Bronco can bring a genuine off-road thrill, say in some weekend trails around the Sahyadris or Goa, while also being usable in weekday commutes.

Jeep Avenger 

The Jeep Avenger is the English carmaker’s smallest and first-ever electric SUV in the European market. It is a city slicker with off-road DNA. Typical of Jeep fashion, it has a chunky design in a compact shell. Inside, it has a modern cabin with plenty of premium features.

The EV version uses a 54 kWh battery powering an electric motor that puts out 156 PS and 260 Nm. There are hybrids too: the 1.2-litre petrol engine produces 136 PS plus electric assist, totalling about 230 Nm of torque.  

India loves compact SUVs and is warming fast to EVs. But in this segment, you don’t really get an authentic off-road-ready machine. The Avenger can bridge this gap by offering you a city-friendly Nexon or XUV 3XO-like convenience while being equally capable of going muddy when pushed for. 

GMC Hummer

The Hummer has traversed through key iterations across its journey. It went from gas guzzler icon to electric off-road monster. In the US and Canada.  In its SUV variant, it offers around 830 PS and a mind-melting 1550 Nm of torque.

For a SUV of its stature, what makes the Hummer special are its capabilities like CrabWalk, air suspension that lifts high for rocky trails, gargantuan displays and a cabin ready for adventure or apocalypse.

While the electric SUV is not officially launched in India, it is being sold by a reseller who converts it from LHD to RHD. As India’s luxury-EV wave grows, the Hummer would be the outrageous halo that makes even non-EV folks grin.

Honda Passport

In the US, Canada, and the Middle East, the Passport is perceived as just the right-sized SUV, roomy like a big one, but easier to park and drive than the full-size alternatives. Talking about its equipment, leather seats, intuitive infotainment, adaptive cruise control, ADAS inclusion like lane-keep, and collision braking are seen.

Fueled by a 3.5-litre V6 producing 285 PS and 355 Nm of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and an all-wheel drivetrain.

Honda fans in India have long missed a proper, fuss-free, premium SUV above the Elevate. The Passport is exactly the ‘big enough but not bulky’ two-row tourer our market needs. For families that road-trip to the hills with mountain bikes and dogs, a tough-feeling, quiet, reliable Honda with ADAS would bring back the brand’s aspirational glow once held by the CR-V and Accord, this time tuned for Indian highways and parking realities. 

Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade plays a luxury tune in markets like the US, South Korea and the Middle East. Quilted leather, dual 12.3-inch screens, second-row captain seats, sunroof, and premium safety essentials join the line between six-figure comfort and Hyundai value.

Outfitted internationally with a 3.8-litre V6 that makes 291 PS and 355 Nm. Some regions even get a 3.5 litre unit with 277 PS and 335 Nm.

Hyundai is already well-regarded for its tech and features in India. The Palisade would crown that reputation. For chauffeur-driven owners looking beyond Creta or Alcazar, the Palisade would be the worthy flagship to consider that finally lets Hyundai fans stay in-brand at the top end.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

The Prado is the smaller sibling of the Land Cruiser, offering Toyota’s proven toughness in a more manageable size. It’s popular in Australia, Japan, the Middle East, and Europe. In India, it was expected to debut at Auto Expo 2025 as the Land Cruiser 250, but it didn’t.

It features rugged boxy styling, a bold grille, squared LED headlights, and a spacious three-row cabin with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, moonroof, wireless charging, and heated and ventilated seats. Safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.

Globally, it’s offered with a 2.8-litre diesel mild-hybrid making 204 PS and 500 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic and full-time 4WD. Some markets also get a 2.4-litre petrol-hybrid. Built on the TNGA-F platform, it features multi-terrain select, crawl control, and a locking rear differential for serious off-road work.

The Prado is the SUV Indian enthusiasts have been manifesting. It's the Land Cruiser toughness in a size, but a clear step above the Fortuner. It’s the one you’d trust for desert dunes, Himalayan slush, or a long family trip, then park in a city basement without dread. 

ZigSays…

If even a couple of these SUVs arrived in India, they could shake up the segment in a big way. From luxury cruisers to hardcore off-roaders to well-equipped EVs, they all have one thing in common – they make you dream. For now, all we can do is wait and wish. Which one would you like to see on Indian roads first?