Maruti Suzuki and Toyota are expected to launch as many as nine launches in 2022 and here we have listed the key products
Maruti Suzuki and Toyota are expected to launch a number of new SUVs this calendar year pertaining to different segments. The SUV category is certainly booming and both brands could take advantage of it by bringing in new products across different price ranges and here we have listed the likely launches this year:
1. Toyota Hilux:
The Hilux pickup truck is scheduled to go on sale on January 23, 2022, in India and it has plenty in common with the Innova Crysta and Fortuner including the IMV2 platform. It will more likely be priced around Rs. 28 lakh (ex-showroom) and propelled by a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine producing 204 PS maximum power and 500 Nm of peak torque.
2. Toyota RAV4:
The RAV4 is currently in its fifth generation globally and it could be brought into the country via the CBU route this year in limited numbers. The SUV, based on the modular TNGA platform, could be priced at upwards of Rs. 60 lakh (ex-showroom) and a 218 hp 2.5-litre, Atkinson-cycle petrol engine with a strong hybrid system is a likely choice for India.
3. Maruti Suzuki Brezza:
The Indo-Japanese manufacturer will introduce the second generation Brezza by mid-2022 and it comes with a raft of cosmetic changes while the interior will be more premium as well with an improved features list in response to the growing competition. It will get a wireless charging facility, sunroof, connected tech, new instrumentation, etc. The 1.5L petrol could get a higher degree of hybridisation as well.
4. Toyota Urban Cruiser
Since the Toyota Urban Cruiser is a rebadged version of the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, we can expect the next-gen UC to reach showrooms sooner rather than later as well with similar changes to its donor except for different badges.
5. Maruti Suzuki Vitara:
The five-seater version of the upcoming Maruti Suzuki midsize SUV could be called the Vitara and it could have several similarities with the global Vitara, which is waiting to get a big upgrade. It is expected to rival the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Nissan Kicks and others in the highly competitive space.
6. Toyota Midsize SUV:
The Maruti Suzuki midsize SUV is developed in partnership with Toyota and each brand will have its own take on the vehicle despite similar underpinnings. Both are said to be based on the DNGA platform currently being used by Daihatsu Rocky and Toyota Raize compact SUVs. Expect the price range to hover around Rs. 10-16 lakh (ex-showroom).
7. Maruti Suzuki Jimny:
The Jimny lifestyle off-roading SUV has received the nod for India and is expected to be launched as a three-door model first before the arrival of a five-door version. It will be powered by a 1.5-litre four-pot K15B mild-hybrid petrol engine developing around 105 PS and 138 Nm, and it will more likely be paired with a five-speed MT sending power to all four wheels.
8. Maruti Baleno Based SUV:
Internally codenamed YTB, a new compact SUV that will sit above the Vitara Brezza has been in the rumour mill for some time. It is said to be based on the same Heartect platform as the Baleno and the exterior will have a coupe silhouette as it will be based on the Futuro-e concept showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. It is believed to launch later this year.
9. Toyota Land Cruiser:
The LC300 made its global debut midway through last year and is expected to reach India this year as the nameplate is already popular here. Compared to the previous model, Toyota redesigned the exterior and interior but its signature off-roading capabilities are kept intact with advancements in technologies. It will be powered by either a twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 or a 3.3-litre turbodiesel V6 upon launch.