Nissan is preparing a return to India’s highly competitive midsize SUV segment with the upcoming Nissan Tekton, which is essentially supposed to be the successor to the long-discontinued Nissan Terrano. Built on the CMF-B platform, which is a shared architecture with the next-generation Renault Duster, the Tekton is expected to be the torchbearer of Nissan’s renewed product offering in the country, starting in 2026.
The SUV is scheduled for its official unveiling in February 2026, a month after the India reveal of the 2026 Renault Duster. The vehicle’s market launch is projected for June 2026. Positioned as a direct rival to segment heavyweights like the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Honda Elevate and Maruti Victoris, the Tekton is expected to be priced between Rs 11 lakh and Rs 19 lakh (ex-showroom).
Nissan Tekton: ‘Baby Patrol’ styling and premium interiors
Nissan’s design team, led by Global Design Head Alfonso Albaisa, has drawn heavy inspiration from the brand’s flagship SUV, the legendary Nissan Patrol. The Tekton features a rugged, imposing stance with a sculpted bonnet and distinctive C-shaped LED DRLs. A unique design touch includes “Double-C” shaped accents on the front doors, which incorporate a subtle mountain range motif inspired by the Himalayas. At the rear, the SUV follows the modern trend of a connected LED lightbar spanning the width of the tailgate, highlighting its premium positioning.
Inside, the Tekton is expected to feature a sophisticated three-tone dashboard, likely combining soft-touch blue, black, and copper elements. Some of the tech highlights include:
– A 10.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system.
– A 7-inch digital driver’s display.
– Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and phone charging.
– Ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof.
Performance
Unlike many of its competitors, the Tekton is likely to launch with a petrol-only lineup. The engine options are expected to include:
1.3-litre Turbo-Petrol: Delivering roughly 156hp, paired with manual and automatic (CVT) gearboxes.
1.0-litre Turbo-Petrol: A higher-tuned version of the unit found in the Magnite for more budget-friendly variants.
While no diesel option is on the cards, industry experts suggest a strong-hybrid powertrain, similar to the one sold in international markets, could be introduced at a later stage to improve fuel efficiency and compete with Toyota and Maruti’s hybrid offerings.
7-seater Tekton to follow in 2027
The Tekton is the second product under Nissan’s “One Car, One World” strategy and will be manufactured at the Renault-Nissan alliance plant in Chennai. Following the 5-seater Tekton, Nissan has already confirmed that a dedicated 7-seater SUV derivative will join the lineup in 2027.
