The new modern-day SUVs, in true terms, are nothing more than enhanced cars. They mostly offer better ground clearance, and some even offer an all-wheel-drive system. But you can’t think of doing serious off-roading with them as they are simply not made for that; at best they can blaze through dirt or a gravel track. Well, Jeep has decided to bring some seriousness to the SUV segment by launching one of the most iconic off-roaders in the world, the Wrangler. Jeep India has started assembling it at FCA’s Ranjangaon manufacturing plant near Pune and has become only the second plant in the world to roll out this 4x4 after the Toledo factory in Ohio, USA. The Wrangler is available in two versions—the Unlimited and the Rubicon. The former is priced at INR 5,390,000 and the latter at INR 5,790,000, both ex-showroom India. The new completely knocked down unit (CKD) is now almost INR 1,000,000 cheaper than the previous completely built unit (CBU) versions.

Commenting on the launch of the locally assembled Wrangler, Dr Partha Datta, Jeep India Managing Director, said, “Indian customers have always desired the legendary Jeep Wrangler, and I am pleased that today we are able to bring this to them, assembled in India. We have extended our points of sale and service for the locally assembled Wrangler to 26 across the country. I’m also happy to announce that we have introduced a MOPAR-original suite of over 120 Wrangler accessories and value packs which customers can order at our dealerships.”

Dr Datta added, “Jeep Wrangler’s capability is unmatched because our engineers always have and continue to test and improve our 4x4 technology to make it a global benchmark. This capability is complemented with a timeless design, modern comforts, the latest in infotainment technology and open-air freedom.”

The Wrangler has a colossal presence with its typical squarish design, the classic round headlamps, which are now all-LED, the imposing seven-slate front grille, raised wheel arches housing daytime running lights (DRLs) along with LED indicators and, of course, the solid-looking chunky bumper with LED front foglamps. The Wrangler is only available as a five-seater in India, but it comes in both hardtop and open-roof options.

Both the variants are powered by a 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that has an output of 265 bhp at 5,150 rpm and torque of 400 Nm at 3,000 rpm. It comes standard with an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Wrangler Rubicon

The top variant, the Rubicon gets state-of-the-art RockTrac Full Time 4x4 technology. This sophisticated system is operated by an electronic clutch which engages and disengages automatically depending on the amount of traction required. With a mechanical shifter, the gear range can be changed from 2H to 4L, 4H Auto and Part-Time 4L. 4H Part-Time and 4L modes. The Rubicon gets a Dana 44 front axle, which is ideal for off-roading due to its increased thickness of the axle tube, making it rigid and durable. To ensure that off-road trails don’t spring a nasty surprise at the Rubicon, Jeep has also installed TruLok electric front- and rear-axle lockers to neutralise any extreme condition.

The Front Sway Bar in the Rubicon can be electronically disconnected, allowing the front suspension to travel up to an additional 30 percent. With a press of a button, the Offroad+ feature lets the Rubicon adapt to different terrains by making adjustments to the throttle, Selec-Speed Control which uses hill-ascent and hill-descent control, traction control and transmission shift mode. It also sports a crawl ratio of 77:1 with a 4:1 low range ratio. The Rubicon gets 17-inch alloy wheels for extreme off-roading conditions and thick gauge boron steel underbody skid plates to protect its underbody.

Wrangler Unlimited

The Unlimited is a capable off-roader and can tackle the urban jungle as well.

Equipped with the Selec-Tran 4x4 system, the Wrangler Unlimited can automatically switch from 2WD to 4WD depending on the requirement of the conditions. It also sends power to the wheels with the optimum traction to overcome challenging driving situations. Like the Rubicon, it also comes with the Smart Lock feature for constant 4WD mode when needed. The Unlimited version comes with 18-inch aluminium alloys with all-season tyres.

The Rubicon boasts a ground clearance of 217 mm, while the Unlimited offers 214 mm. While both the variants have the same water wading capability of 760 mm (at 8 km/h), approach and departure angles at 36 degrees and 21 degrees, but Rubicon’s break-over angle is one degree superior to the Unlimited at 21 degrees.

Both the Wrangler models offer an array of features like an 8.4- inch touchscreen that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster that reads out active safety and security features, vehicle speed, navigation, radio information as well as full-framed removable doors, a three-piece modular hardtop and a fold-flat front windshield. Both the models come equipped with two USB ports on the dashboard, another one in the centre armrest and additional ports for rear passengers. For additional practicality and safety, both the glove box and centre console are lockable.

In India, the Wrangler’s direct competition is the Land Rover Defender, which is available in both petrol and diesel and is priced from INR 7,657,000 lakhs to INR 11,200,000, ex-showroom India. (MT)

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has expanded its Alcazar SUV range with a new Corporate variant with diesel powertrain at prices starting INR 1.78 million and an expansion of automatic transmission options in the Prestige DCT Petrol (7-speed) at INR 1.86 million.

The Alcazar Corporate variant is equipped with a voice-enabled smart Panoramic Sunroof and is available with both 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic transmission choices, and is designed to appeal to the evolving aspirations of Indian SUV buyers.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At Hyundai Motor India, we are continuously listening to customer feedback and evolving our product offerings to meet their aspirations. The introduction of the Corporate variant in Alcazar Diesel with a voice enabled smart panoramic sunroof and the inclusion of DCT in the Prestige Petrol variant reflects our commitment to providing a more personalized and premium SUV experience. With these updates, we aim to offer more choice and delight to our customers who seek performance, technology and sophistication in their vehicles.”

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When Tata Motors launched the Harrier.ev, it wasn’t just introducing another electric vehicle — it was signalling a shift in India’s premium electric vehicle landscape. Based on Tata’s Gen 2 EV (acti.ev+) architecture, the Harrier.ev blends familiarity with futuristic design, making electrification a natural progression rather than a disruptive leap.

Interestingly, the company is providing a lifetime warranty on the battery for the first vehicle owners, applicable only to private owners. 

Anand Kulkarni, Chief Product Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, told Motoring Trends, “We have said that our Gen 2 approach is basically a pure EV approach. Much the same way, the acti.ev+, in fact, we have taken that architecture further ahead on the Harrier.ev to make sure that you can get the seating comfort of a regular SUV without any compromise on the battery or powertrain.”

While rivals explore born-electric platforms from scratch, Tata’s strategy with the Harrier.ev is different – marrying known aesthetics with a ground-up EV design. That’s not just a technical decision, but as Kulkarni stated, it’s rooted in customer behaviour.

“There is a section of people who are saying, who want the comfort and the familiarity of the product that they are using. So we have ​made a product that retains that familiarity, while giving them the benefits of electrification,” Kulkarni explained.

The Harrier.ev isn’t just about powertrains and batteries – it’s about creating a ‘third space.’ With features like a 14.5-inch Neo QLED screen and Dolby audio, Tata wants the Harrier.ev to be as comfortable and connected as a living room.

“You have office, you have home, and everything in between is where you spend a lot of time in the car. People expect it to be comfortable, convenient, connected and safe,” Kulkarni said.

Even as the EV market rapidly matures, Tata remains mindful of long-term viability. Decisions around battery size, AWD vs FWD configurations, and software-driven features were all taken with a delicate balance of affordability and future-readiness in mind.

“We worked with two sizes of batteries. This was about making the right choices,” said Kulkarni, noting how Tata’s dual-battery strategy is now industry standard.

As Kulkarni explained, For Tata, the Harrier.ev is more than a product – it's a culmination of years of foresight, strategic evolution and a deep understanding of the Indian consumer. It’s a vehicle that reflects not just where the market is headed, but how Tata Motors is determined to lead it there.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has launched the Fortuner and Legender in a new Neo Drive in a hybrid avatar, featuring a 48-volt system that delivers improved fuel efficiency. The models are priced at INR 4.47 million and INR 5.09 million, respectively.  

Since its debut in 2009, the Toyota Fortuner has defined the premium SUV segment in India, admired for its rugged design, robust performance and unmatched all-terrain capabilities. The stylish and feature-rich Legender complements the Fortuner, exemplifying Toyota’s core values of quality, durability and reliability. Together, they have cultivated a loyal following among urban adventurers and off-road enthusiasts alike.

The new Neo Drive variants introduce Toyota’s advanced 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with a 48V system comprising a belt-integrated starter generator and lithium-ion battery. This technology mirrors hybrid electric systems by recuperating braking energy during deceleration, contributing to smoother low-end acceleration, quieter operation and improved fuel efficiency. The Smart Idle Start-Stop function further enhances efficiency by automatically shutting off the engine when stationary, resulting in lower emissions and fuel savings.

Importantly, the company claims that these enhancements do not compromise the Fortuner and Legender’s formidable payload capacity, durability or off-road performance. The Multi-Terrain Select system optimises throttle response, braking and traction control to deliver a superior driving experience across diverse terrains.

On the design front, the Fortuner retains its bold, purposeful stance, ideal for rugged adventures, while the Legender exudes a more dynamic and premium appeal with dual-tone body colours, split LED headlamps and a sleek fascia. Both models offer dual-tone leather upholstery, soft-touch materials and ergonomic seating designed for long-distance comfort.

In terms of safety the SUVs come with ABS, Vehicle Stability Control with Brake Assist, WIL Concept Seats, Hill Assist Control, Traction Control and more. Toyota’s focus on customer convenience extends to tailored finance solutions, including up to 8-year funding plans, Toyota Smart Balloon Finance and pre-approved value-added services such as extended warranty and genuine accessories. Buyers will also benefit from five years of complimentary roadside assistance and a standard 3-year/100,000 km warranty, extendable to 5 years/220,000 km, along with the customisable Toyota Smiles Plus service package.

Varinder Wadhwa, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “As the SUV market in India grows steadily, customers are seeking advanced features and differentiated styling. The new Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants meet these expectations with bold design, powerful performance, and comprehensive features, underscoring Toyota’s commitment to delivering ever-better cars and advancing towards carbon neutrality.”

Bookings for the Fortuner and Legender Neo Drive variants commenced on 2 June 2025, with deliveries set to begin from the third week of June.

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Hyundai Motor India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer, has onboarded popular actor Pankaj Tripathi as its new brand ambassador.

The company shared that Tripathi, who is known for his versatility and grounded charm, embodies Hyundai India’s values of reliability, authenticity and a deep-rooted connection with the country’s diverse audience. With this association, HMIL further strengthens its ambassador lineup that already includes iconic personalities.

Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “At HMIL, we celebrate stories of progress and inspiration. We are delighted to welcome Pankaj Tripathi to HMIL family. His grounded persona, exceptional talent and widespread appeal resonate with the values of HMIL and our vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’. Together, we aim to drive deeper emotional connections with our diverse customer base across India.”

Pankaj Tripathi, said, “It is an honour to associate with Hyundai Motor India, a brand that has long stood for trust, innovation and customer-first approach. My first car was a Hyundai, and over the years, that relationship has grown into something truly personal. As someone who deeply values simplicity, sincerity and staying true to one’s roots, I find a natural alignment with HMIL’s ethos. I look forward to this partnership where together, we can connect with people across the country - not just through technology, but through shared stories and values.”

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