Top 10 Electric SUVs to Watch in 2026

Electric cars are no longer just the future—they’re becoming the present, especially in India. By 2026, many popular car brands will launch their own electric SUVs, giving buyers more choices than ever before.

What’s exciting is how different these SUVs will be. Some will be small and perfect for city driving, while others will be big, powerful, and full of luxury features. You’ll see Indian brands like Tata and Mahindra leading the way with new models, while global names like Kia, Hyundai, and Audi bring in their latest electric technology.

These new SUVs won’t just save fuel—they’ll offer smooth drives, smart features, and faster charging. So whether you want an affordable family SUV or a premium electric ride, 2026 will be the year when electric SUVs truly take over Indian roads.

The Top 10 Electric SUVs to Watch in 2026 

1. Tata Curvv — India’s homegrown premium compact-coupe EV

Why watch: Tata’s Curvv is targeted at buyers who want a punchy design, modern tech, and the trust of a domestic brand experienced in EVs (Tata already leads India’s mass EV market). Expect strong connected tech, competitive range, and multiple battery/motor options to span affordable to premium trims. It’s positioned to attract urban buyers who want style plus daily usability.

Who it’s for: design-conscious couples and families who prefer locally supported EVs.

2. Kia EV9 — a premium 3-row electric flagship (global 2026 model)

Why watch: The EV9 is Kia’s three-row EV flagship globally — roomy, premium, and built for long-range touring. If Kia brings the EV9 (or a similar large 3-row EV) to India it will reshape the premium EV SUV category, challenging German and Japanese luxury brands with a compelling value-for-features package and strong charging tech.

Who it’s for: large families and premium buyers wanting a three-row EV with range and comfort.

3. Mahindra XUV 3XO EV & BE-series EVs — India’s local SUV powerhouse goes electric

Why watch: Mahindra is actively expanding its EV roadmap (multiple BE-series concepts and production models are planned). The XUV 3XO EV (compact) and Mahindra’s larger BE/Origin platform models aim to offer affordable, robust SUVs tailored to Indian roads. Expect competitive pricing, rugged suspension tuning for local conditions, and India-focused feature sets.

Who it’s for: buyers seeking locally tuned SUVs and value-for-money electric drivetrains.

4. Maruti Suzuki eVITARA — mass-market EV entry from India’s largest automaker

Why watch: Maruti’s eVITARA is pivotal: it’s the company’s first major BEV attempt at scale for India. If production ramps smoothly, the eVITARA (positioned as a compact/compact-plus SUV) can catalyze mainstream EV adoption because Maruti has unmatched service networks and affordability focus. Note: production targets and supply constraints (e.g., rare-earth supply) can affect near-term volumes.

Who it’s for: mass-market buyers who want a familiar brand, low running cost, and wide service coverage.

5. BYD Atto 3 — the proven Chinese-born compact e-SUV

Why watch: BYD’s Atto 3 already has a presence and sales momentum in India. It combines practical range, a comfortable cabin and mature EV tech. BYD’s strategy of local assembly and frequent model updates has made its models competitive on value and specs — expect expanded trim choices and updated variants in 2026.

Who it’s for: buyers looking for a proven, well-specced compact EV without paying premium luxury prices.

6. Hyundai Inster / HE1i (compact electric SUV) — Hyundai’s compact EV play

Why watch: Hyundai is preparing compact electric offerings designed for the city-SUV market segment. Expect attractive packaging, high levels of local content, and Hyundai’s typical feature list (connected car tech, safety assist). Hyundai’s manufacturing scale and dealer footprint make this a serious contender.

Who it’s for: urban buyers wanting a compact daily driver with contemporary features.

7. Kia Syros EV — compact EV targeted at younger buyers

Why watch: The Syros EV is one of the compact electric SUVs that Kia is preparing for India; it’s aimed at the sub-₹20–25 lakh bracket with youthful styling and tech. Kia’s ability to deliver feature-rich packages at attractive price points will make Syros one to watch in 2026.

Who it’s for: younger families and first-time SUV EV buyers prioritizing design and tech.

8. MG (MG4 / S5 / new MG SUVs) — expanding EV portfolio for India

Why watch: MG has been active with models and is preparing multiple new EVs (including MG4 hatch/sedan and MG-badged SUVs). MG’s push into both affordable and premium EVs, plus its dealer expansion, mean new MG SUVs launching around 2025–26 will be key to monitor — especially if MG replaces or refreshes the ZS EV with more modern platforms.

Who it’s for: buyers wanting a European-proportioned cabin and a good connected-car experience at competitive pricing.

9. Audi Q6 e-tron & premium electric SUVs — luxury EVs becoming more relevant

Why watch: Premium EV SUVs from the Volkswagen Group (Audi), BMW, and Mercedes are inching closer to India either as CKD/CBU or localized models. The Audi Q6 e-tron (and similar premium entries) will attract buyers who want an established luxury badge, advanced ADAS, and premium EV performance in a spacious SUV package.

Who it’s for: affluent buyers who want a luxury electric SUV with cutting-edge tech and brand cachet.

10. Skoda’s planned electric SUV for India — European engineering, localized plans

Why watch: Skoda has confirmed plans to bring an electric SUV to India within a 18–24 month window. As European brands localize EV models for India, expect them to fine-tune packaging for local buyers (suspension, cooling systems, in-car localization), bringing more premium and mid-premium options into the market.

Who it’s for: buyers who prefer European build and driving dynamics with localized value.

What to look for when choosing an EV SUV in 2026 

• Real-world range (not just WLTP/NEDC numbers): look for independent tests or WLTP/ICE-to-real world conversion.
• Charging speed & public-charging compatibility: NACS vs CCS adapters, DC fast-charging rates, and local fast-charger availability.
• After-sales & service network: local parts, battery warranty, and dealer presence make ownership easier.
• Local road handling: suspension tuning for potholes, ground clearance, and underbody protection.
• Resale & software support: OTA updates and battery warranty terms that protect long-term value.

Price bands & buyer match (expected)

• Sub-₹15 lakh: city-oriented small EV SUVs (compact hatch-like crossovers) — ideal for single/few drivers and small families.
• ₹15–30 lakh: mainstream compact-to-mid SUVs (e.g., Curvv, Atto 3, eVITARA range) — best blend of range, tech and comfort.
• ₹30 lakh and above: premium / three-row electric SUVs (EV9, Audi Q6 e-tron etc.) — for larger families and buyers seeking luxury/specs.

Conclusion 

This list mixes confirmed models already in India (or launched globally) with manufacturer roadmap entries expected to be relevant in 2026. Use it to track launches, compare test-drive reviews, and shortlist by the checklist above. For many buyers, 2026 will be the year when EV ownership choices broaden dramatically — whether you want a compact city runabout or a full-sized three-row electric family SUV, there’ll be strong options across price segments.