Toyota Working on a New 7-Seater SUV for India

Following the launch of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder and the Innova Cross, Toyota is now planning to introduce a new 7-seater SUV in India. The new model is part of the company strategizing and focusing on new C- and D-segment models for India to take on the likes of the Hyundai Tucson and the Jeep Meridian.

Toyota 7-Seater SUV: Exterior Design and Platform

SUV Interior

Design-wise, Toyota could give the new 7-seater car with a more squared-off SUV looks. Expect the new front-end to feature a projector LED headlamp setup and a muscular bumper with faux skid plate. The side profile of the four-wheeler is likely to be similar to the Corolla Cross but will get bigger rear doors to provide easy access to the third row of seats. The rear end too could get a redesigned boot lid and taillights.

SUV Seat

The new 7-seater SUV will share the TNGA-C platform with the recently launched Innova Hycross, meaning it can be built on the same production line and share powertrains options with the larger MPV. Toyota’s TNGA-C platform is already renowned for being very stiff and rigid which means no extra strengthening will be needed for the upcoming SUV, saving on weight.

SUV Interior

The SUV’s wheelbase will be extended by around 150 mm over the Urban Cruiser Hyryder to accommodate the extra row of seats. Toyota will also offer added flexibility in the new 7-seater SUV with rear seats that can fold flat along with an electrically operated boot lid. There will also a larger glass housing behind the C-pillar to create a sense of space for the third-row passengers.

Toyota 7-Seater SUV: Powertrain

Internationally, the Corolla Cross is sold with a 1.8-litre petrol motor. However, the new 7-seater SUV based on it is expected to be offered the same the powertrain options as the Innova Hycross.

This includes a 2.0-litre petrol-hybrid motor that makes 186 bhp with 197 Nm of peak torque and another 2.0-litre N/A petrol unit pumping 174 bhp with an identical 197 Nm of max torque. Transmission choices will include a CVT or e-CVT automatic gearbox. The strong-hybrid is likely going to be the popular choice as it is incredibly fuel-efficient, even compared to its diesel rivals.

Toyota 7-Seater SUV: Pricing and Rivals

While there is no word on the pricing yet, it is likely Toyota will position the new SUV a segment higher than the likes of the Hyundai Alcazar or MG Hector Plus.

The Toyota 7-seater SUV will rival the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Škoda Kodiaq, and the Jeep Meridian instead. Expect prices to start around the Rs 28 - Rs 30 lakh mark.