4 Upcoming Compact Electric SUVs That Could Crush the Competition!

The demand for electric vehicles in the Indian market is continuously increasing and now the compact electric SUV segment has also gained momentum. In the next one and a half years, many big brands are preparing to launch their new electric SUVs in this segment. These new cars focused on affordability, practicality and better range are going to be a very attractive option for Indian customers. Especially brands like Hyundai, Tata, Mahindra and Kia are bringing new competition in this field.

Mahindra XUV 3XO EV

The XUV 3XO EV from Mahindra will be the electric version of the company’s popular SUV XUV 3XO. This model has been seen several times during testing, which makes it clear that its launch is not far away. This new EV will be placed in the category below the XUV400 and it is possible that the same battery and drivetrain setup of the XUV400 will be used in it. In terms of design, it will look similar to its ICE version, although some minor changes can be seen inside and outside for electric identity. After its launch, it will compete directly with models like Tata Punch EV and Nexon EV.

EV Hyundai Inster

Hyundai plans to introduce several new electric vehicles in India and the first model among them will be a compact EV based on Inster. This model has already been introduced in international markets and will now be modified according to local requirements for India. This EV is expected to reach Indian showrooms by the end of 2026. It is likely to get the option of two battery packs, giving customers options according to range. This EV will target customers who want style, compactness and reliability together.

Kia Syros EV

Kia’s Syros electric SUV will also emerge as a strong contender in this segment. This is the same model whose petrol version has already caught the attention of Indian customers. Now its electric version is getting ready to hit the Indian roads in 2026. It can be built on the platform of Kia Carens Clavis EV. The range of this SUV can be at least 480 km per charge on paper, making it a direct competitor to Tata Nexon EV and Mahindra XUV400. It will be given a modern and muscular look in the design, which will especially attract young buyers.

Tata Punch EV Facelift

Tata’s Punch EV is already one of the best-selling electric SUVs in the country and now its facelift version is about to come. This updated version can come in the market in early 2026. It will adopt Tata’s new design language which has been seen in other cars of the company recently. Along with this, it can also see new features, better technology and improvement in driving range. This facelift model will be liked by young customers and urban users as it will not only look smart but will also be more technically advanced.

Competition will increase in the compact EV segment

With the launch of these four electric SUVs, the competition in the Indian EV market will become quite fierce. All these companies are focused on those customers who are looking for a reliable, fuel-free and eco-friendly vehicle in a budget of less than ₹ 15 lakh. Apart from this, the increasing range, stylish design and advanced features of these models will make them much stronger than the existing competitors.

Better technology

After the launch of these upcoming electric SUVs, Indian customers will have more options. Each company will enter the market with its own specialties – like Mahindra is known for its strong built quality, Hyundai and Kia are ahead in technology and design and Tata has already won customer trust in the EV segment. All this together will make the EV market more mature.

Conclusion

2025 and 2026 can prove to be decisive years for electric vehicles in India. These four new electric compact SUVs coming from big companies like Tata, Hyundai, Mahindra and Kia will bring a new energy to the market. These will not only challenge the petrol-diesel options, but will also provide more safe, comfortable and economical options to the customers. If you are thinking of buying an electric SUV in the future, then definitely keep an eye on these four models.