Toyota’s partnership with Maruti Suzuki provided a much-needed breath of life to the former’s operations in India. The Maruti-rebranded models from Toyota like Glanza and Urban Cruiser were responsible for driving sales for the Japanese carmaker in the post pandemic period.
Sales further improved with the introduction of models like the HyRyder and Innova HyCross last year which have also been rebranded into Maruti Suzuki models. This new rejuvenation has led to Toyota planning to expand its lineup in the Indian market.
Toyota new mid-size SUV in works: Details
As per recent report, Toyota is developing a new mid-size SUV for the Indian market. The report further adds that this SUV will bridge the gap between the HyRyder and the bigger multi-purpose vehicle Innova Hycross. Codenamed 340D, this new C-segment SUV is slated to be launched in early 2026. Toyota intends to sell 60,000 units of this new SUV per year.
The new mid-size SUV from Toyota will be built in the company’s new facility in Bidadi, Karnataka, currently under construction. This will be Toyota’s third manufacturing plant in the same premise and its proposed initial capacity would expand Toyota’s existing manufacturing strength in India by as much as 30% from 400,000 units currently.
As for powertrain, we expect Toyota to offer both a petrol and a petrol hybrid powertrain with the new C-segment SUV. In our opinion, it could borrow the same powertrain options as the Innova Hycross— including a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre strong hybrid petrol. Upon launch, the 340D could rival the likes of Tata Harrier, MG Hector and Mahindra XUV700.
The report goes on to add that Toyota is also looking at introducing a “mini” Land Cruiser in India, though the carmaker is not forecasting a large amount of sales and has yet to make a final decision. If Toyota does decide to press ahead with the model, parts would be imported for assembly in India.
(With inputs from Reuters)
