Toyota is gearing up to make a major move in India’s mid-size SUV market with an all-new 3-row SUV developed in partnership with Hyundai and Kia. This upcoming model will reportedly share its platform and mechanical components with the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, but feature Toyota’s unique styling, tuning, and brand identity. The SUV will cater to buyers who want a premium 7-seater family vehicle with Toyota’s proven reliability and comfort.
Expected to launch in mid-2025, this new Toyota SUV will feature a 1.5-litre petrol engine, optional hybrid technology, and premium features like a panoramic sunroof, ADAS safety, and a connected cabin experience. Priced between ₹17 lakh and ₹22 lakh (ex-showroom), it will bridge the gap between the Toyota Hyryder and the Innova Hycross — combining the best of both worlds.
Here’s everything we know so far about Toyota’s upcoming 3-row SUV built on the Creta/Seltos platform, and what makes it one of the most anticipated launches of 2025.
🚗 1. A New Segment Strategy for Toyota
Toyota has been successfully expanding its SUV lineup in India with models like the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Innova Hycross, and Fortuner. However, there’s a noticeable gap between the compact Hyryder and the premium Innova — a space currently dominated by the Hyundai Alcazar, Kia Carens, and Tata Safari.
The new 3-row SUV aims to fill that void, offering premium comfort, flexibility, and efficiency in a mid-size 7-seater form. It’s designed for families seeking a stylish yet practical SUV that offers Toyota’s long-term reliability and hybrid innovation, but at a more accessible price point.
🧱 2. Platform Sharing with Creta/Seltos
In an interesting development, Toyota’s new SUV will be built on the Hyundai-Kia K2 platform — the same architecture that underpins the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Alcazar. This platform-sharing strategy enables Toyota to save development costs while benefiting from a structure already optimized for Indian roads and conditions.
The shared platform means the upcoming SUV will have:
- Similar dimensions to the Creta/Alcazar family (approx. 4.5 meters in length).
- Wheelbase around 2,760 mm — ensuring ample interior space.
- High ground clearance of 190 mm for SUV practicality.
- Refined ride quality due to Kia-Hyundai’s suspension engineering.
However, Toyota will make significant changes in suspension tuning, styling, and interiors, ensuring the SUV feels distinctly Toyota in its ride and character.
🎨 3. Exterior Design — A Toyota Identity on a Familiar Base
While the underpinnings may be shared, Toyota will give this SUV a completely unique exterior design. Expect a bold, upright stance, a strong road presence, and signature Toyota elements that distinguish it from its Korean siblings.
Expected Exterior Highlights:
- Chunky front fascia with Toyota’s signature grille and chrome inserts.
- LED projector headlamps connected by a full-width DRL strip.
- Sculpted bonnet for a muscular appearance.
- Dual-tone body color options with black roof contrast.
- 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels for a premium look.
- Strong shoulder lines and flared wheel arches for a sporty stance.
- Connected LED tail lamps with Toyota’s new light signature.
- Panoramic sunroof for an airy, premium cabin experience.
Toyota is known for blending toughness with elegance, and this SUV will likely follow the same design philosophy — urban-friendly yet adventure-ready.
🏠 4. Interior and Cabin Experience — Comfort for Seven
Step inside, and you’ll find Toyota’s focus on comfort, space, and functionality. While it will share its platform with the Alcazar, the dashboard, layout, and materials will be redesigned to match Toyota’s identity.
Interior Highlights:
- Premium soft-touch dashboard with layered design and chrome accents.
- Dual 10.25-inch digital displays (infotainment + driver’s cluster).
- Panoramic sunroof enhancing cabin brightness and openness.
- Ventilated and powered front seats.
- Leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching.
- Captain seats (optional) for the second row in higher variants.
- Reclining and foldable third-row seats.
- Ambient lighting and rear AC vents for added comfort.
- Wireless charger, multiple USB-C ports, and rear tray tables.
Toyota may also use hybrid-friendly cabin insulation materials, ensuring the ride remains whisper-quiet, especially in electric-only mode.
⚙️ 5. Engine and Powertrain Options
Under the hood, the new 3-row Toyota SUV is expected to be powered by the same 1.5-litre petrol engine used in the Creta, Seltos, and Hyryder — but with Toyota’s own tuning and potentially a hybrid powertrain option.
Expected Powertrain Options:
- 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine
- Power: 115 bhp
- Torque: 144 Nm
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual / CVT (iVT)
- 1.5L Strong Hybrid Powertrain (E-CVT)
- Combined Power Output: 122 bhp
- Electric Mode Range: 3–4 km (city use)
- Transmission: e-Drive automatic
- Expected Mileage: 22–24 km/l
Toyota is likely to position the hybrid variant as a premium, fuel-efficient option, offering best-in-class mileage without sacrificing performance. The brand’s hybrid technology is already a proven success in the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Innova Hycross.
⛽ 6. Performance and Driving Dynamics
While sharing the same platform as the Creta and Seltos, Toyota will likely retune the suspension and steering setup to deliver a softer, more comfortable ride, prioritizing family comfort over sporty handling.
Expected Driving Highlights:
- Well-balanced suspension for city comfort and highway stability.
- Light steering for easy urban maneuvering.
- Drive modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) in automatic variants.
- Hybrid system tuning for silent EV starts and smooth acceleration.
- Refined NVH levels with cabin noise suppression.
The hybrid’s electric assist will also improve throttle response, especially in traffic, while regenerative braking will enhance efficiency.
🧠 7. Safety and ADAS Technology
Toyota’s upcoming SUV will feature a strong focus on safety. The brand’s Global Safety Platform and Hyundai’s K2 base together will result in a structurally rigid, crash-tested design.
Expected Safety Features:
- 6 airbags standard across all trims.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control (TCS).
- Hill Start Assist (HSA) and Vehicle Stability Management.
- ADAS Level 2 features, including:
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
- 360° Camera with Parking Sensors.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
- 5-star safety rating target under Global NCAP.
Toyota’s focus on reliability and safety will make this SUV one of the safest 3-row vehicles in its price range.
💡 8. Technology and Connectivity
The new SUV will carry Toyota’s latest Smart Connect system, offering seamless integration and intelligent features for connected driving.
Tech Highlights:
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Over-the-Air (OTA) updates for infotainment and navigation.
- Toyota i-Connect app for remote lock/unlock, AC control, and live vehicle tracking.
- Voice command features for AC, navigation, and infotainment.
- Premium JBL sound system for immersive audio.
- Heads-Up Display (HUD) with navigation and safety alerts.
- Digital Key for smartphone-based vehicle access.
Toyota is expected to fine-tune the user interface for smoother operation, focusing on simplicity and intuitive use.
💰 9. Price and EMI Details
Toyota plans to position this 3-row SUV between the Hyryder and Innova, offering strong value for money.
Expected Price (Ex-Showroom, India):
- Base Petrol Manual: ₹17.0 lakh
- Mid CVT Petrol: ₹18.5 lakh
- Hybrid Top Variant: ₹21.5–₹22 lakh
Estimated EMI (for ₹17 lakh loan):
At 9% interest for 5 years, the monthly EMI would be approximately ₹31,000–₹33,000, depending on the variant and down payment.
This pricing makes the SUV a strong competitor in the mid-size 7-seater space, balancing premium features with Toyota’s reliability.
📅 10. Launch Timeline and Availability
The Toyota 3-row SUV is expected to debut in India by mid-2025, with sales commencing by the festive season of 2025.
The model will be locally produced at Toyota’s Bidadi plant in Karnataka, ensuring competitive pricing and faster delivery schedules. Bookings could open a few months before launch, with both petrol and hybrid options available from day one.
⚔️ 11. Rivals and Market Competition
Toyota’s new SUV will face direct competition from several strong players in the 7-seater and crossover SUV categories.
Key Rivals:
- Hyundai Alcazar
- Kia Carens
- Tata Safari
- MG Hector Plus
- Mahindra XUV700 (lower trims)
Among these, Toyota’s hybrid powertrain, reliability, and resale value will be its biggest selling points.
🌟 12. Why This SUV Could Be a Game-Changer
Here’s why Toyota’s upcoming 3-row SUV could make a big impact:
- 7-seater flexibility with hybrid efficiency.
- Based on a proven Creta/Seltos platform for performance and comfort.
- Toyota’s hybrid system for unmatched fuel economy.
- Premium features like panoramic sunroof and dual displays.
- ADAS safety package for future-ready driving.
- Competitive pricing starting around ₹17 lakh.
Toyota will offer a package that blends Japanese reliability, Korean engineering, and Indian practicality, giving it a strong competitive edge in the mid-size SUV market.
Conclusion
The upcoming Toyota 3-Row SUV represents an exciting new chapter for Toyota in India. By developing this model on the proven Creta/Seltos platform, Toyota will be able to combine premium design, advanced hybrid technology, and family-friendly versatility in a single package.
With a 1.5L petrol and hybrid engine, panoramic sunroof, ADAS safety, and Toyota’s signature dependability, this SUV is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated launches of 2025.
For Indian families looking for a reliable, feature-rich 7-seater that balances efficiency with style, the Toyota 3-Row SUV could become the perfect blend of practicality and prestige. 🚙✨