With fuel prices steadily climbing and the global push for eco-friendly transportation gaining momentum, electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid cars are witnessing a surge in demand among Indian car buyers. In fact, the first half of 2025 saw sales of over 52,000 hybrid vehicles, reflecting a remarkable 62.5% year-on-year growth.
Recognizing this consumer shift, major mainstream original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are actively working to broaden their electric and hybrid portfolios, introducing multiple options across different market segments.
At present, hybrid cars tend to be more expensive than EVs. However, this scenario is expected to change in 2026 with the launch of two budget-friendly hybrid SUVs that promise to make hybrid technology more accessible to the masses.
Maruti Suzuki will debut its in-house-developed strong hybrid powertrain in the Fronx in early 2026, while Mahindra will kickstart its hybrid journey with the XUV 3XO.
Maruti Fronx Hybrid
The Indo-Japanese carmaker is placing significant emphasis on hybrids, introducing its very own series hybrid technology designed specifically for high-volume, mass-market models. The Fronx will be the first vehicle to showcase this innovation, followed by the next-generation Baleno and a sub-4 metre MPV scheduled for 2026.
This system is expected to be more cost-effective than the Toyota series-parallel hybrid setup currently used in the Maruti Grand Vitara and Invicto.
Under the hood, the Maruti Fronx Hybrid will feature a brand-new Z12E, 3-cylinder petrol engine, working in tandem with a generator, an electric motor, and a 1.5–2 kWh battery pack. Together, this setup is projected to deliver an impressive fuel efficiency of around 35 kmpl, making it a highly economical option for daily commuters.
Mahindra XUV 3XO Hybrid
Meanwhile, Mahindra & Mahindra is exploring its own strong hybrid system for the XUV 3XO compact SUV under a development initiative known internally as Project S226. The company is considering electrifying its well-proven 1.2-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.
From a design perspective, the Mahindra XUV 3XO Hybrid is expected to look nearly identical to its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, with the exception of select EV-specific design cues both inside and outside the vehicle. Additionally, Mahindra is evaluating range-extender hybrid technology for its future INGLO platform-based SUVs, internally codenamed M130 and M330, expanding its green mobility roadmap.
