Upcoming three-row SUVs, MPVs in India: 2021 and beyond

2022 Mahindra Scorpio

Next on the list is yet another Mahindra and its none other than the venerable Scorpio. The upcoming new-gen Scorpio marks a big generational change over the current Scorpio as is the XUV700 over the XUV500. It will be both wider and longer than the current model, and while it will boast a completely fresh design, it will retain the upright and boxy silhouette of the older models. Its interior will also get a major overhaul and is expected to be more premium than the current version.

The next-gen Mahindra Scorpio will be underpinned by an updated ladder-frame chassis that currently also does duty on the Mahindra Thar. Under the hood, the next-gen Scorpio will be powered by the 2.2-litre turbo-diesel and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines, although their power outputs are not yet known. Expect Mahindra to introduce the Scorpio in the Indian market sometime early next year.

2022 Jeep Meridian

While the above two SUVs are genuine three-row SUVs, here again is an example of a three-row derivate of an existing 5-seater mid-size SUV. The Meridian is the three-row SUV based on the Compass platform, which is sold as the Jeep Commander overseas. While the Meridian is likely to share some of its body panels up front with the Compass, beyond the B-pillar is where the major changes will lie. It will feature longer rear doors and a more upright rear design.

On the inside, the Meridian will have a similar interior layout and features as the recently launched Compass facelift, although Jeep will step things up with higher-quality materials in a bid to increase its luxury quotient. The Meridian is expected to come in both 6- and 7-seater configurations. Under the hood, the new Jeep Meridian will come with a more-powerful version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine used in the Compass, although final output figures are yet to be revealed. The Jeep Meridian will go on sale in India towards the middle of 2022.

KIA KY MPV

Earlier in April this year, Kia announced that they would enter an all-new segment in India sometime early next year, and particularly stressed on the seven-seater segment. We can confirm that this new model from Kia will be an all-new MPV which goes by the internal codename, KY, and will be more affordable than the Kia Carnival. In fact, it will be positioned in a very sweet spot in between the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Innova Crysta in the market.

Incidentally, the upcoming Kia MPV will be based on the same platform as the Seltos and is expected to measure around 4.5 metres in length. This is a notably different approach than Hyundai’s Creta-Alcazar treatment. The new Kia MPV will have a typical people-mover silhouette and will come with a three-row layout that will include seating for six or seven. Earlier spy shots have revealed that some of the body panels up front could be shared with the Seltos, although it will have its own distinct styling. There are not much details on the powertrain front either, although that too could be shared with the Seltos.