3 upcoming SUVs with rugged styling, smart technology, multiple powertrain choices, 4×4 potential, & pricing ₹7 to ₹15 lakh are set to challenge the Mahindra Thar.
Mahindra Thar has long dominated the affordable lifestyle SUV and is always choice for buyers looking for a rugged and capable lifestyle SUV. But the segment is set to become more exciting with three new contenders on the horizon. Yes, the upcoming Renault Bridger, Tata Scarlet, and Nissan’s Bridger-based SUV expected to offer bold styling, modern features, and potential 4×4 capability that will make them strong rivals to the Thar that too with pricing under ₹15 lakh.
Renault Bridger 2027
The Renault Bridger expected to be one of the most exciting lifestyle SUVs arriving in India over the next few years. Built on Renault’s New RGMP platform, the sub-4-meter SUV is specifically develop for Indian buyers and likely to launch around Diwali 2027. With expected pricing between ₹7 lakh to ₹15 lakh, it will emerge as an affordable alternative to the Mahindra Thar.
The Bridger going to stands out with its rugged and boxy design, featuring a bold front fascia, squared wheel arches, high ground clearance, 18-inch wheels, and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel. Despite its compact dimensions, Renault claims class-leading cabin space and a practical 400-litre boot that will make it more family friendly than many lifestyle SUVs in the segment.
The SUV expected to offer multiple powertrain options, including a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, a new 1.2-litre petrol unit, hybrid technology, and even a fully electric version. Features such as a digital instrument cluster, large touchscreen, wireless connectivity, 360-degree camera, ADAS, and advanced safety equipment will going to strengthen its position as a strong rival to the Mahindra Thar and Maruti Jimny.
Tata Scarlet
The upcoming Tata Scarlet is going to be Tata Motors’ answer to the growing demand for lifestyle SUVs in India. Likely to launch by late 2026 or early 2027, the compact SUV expected to carry a price tag between ₹10 to ₹15 lakh which will place it directly against the Mahindra Thar’s entry and mid-spec variants. With its rugged styling and modern features, the Scarlet attract buyers who want SUV look without compromising on daily usability.
One of the biggest highlights of Scarlet is its powertrain options. Reports suggest Tata likely to offer a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine, more powerful 1.2-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol unit, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. An electric version is also expected with top variants potentially featuring a dual-motor AWD setup. Petrol and diesel versions will offer an estimated mileage of 17 – 21 kmpl that will make the Scarlet significantly more practical for everyday driving than many traditional off-road-focused SUVs.
The Scarlet expected to stand out with its Sierra-inspired boxy design, upright stance, and muscular bodywork. Inside, buyers can expect a premium cabin with a large touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, six airbags, and Level-2 ADAS. While the Mahindra Thar remains the benchmark for hardcore off-roading, the Tata Scarlet will going to attract customers looking for a stylish, feature-rich, and family-friendly lifestyle SUV with the possibility of AWD capability.
Nissan’s Bridger-Based SUV
Nissan also likely to strengthen its India portfolio with a new compact lifestyle SUV based on the Renault Bridger. This model expected to arrive by 2028, the upcoming SUV will share the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s RGMP platform and will priced between ₹9 lakh to ₹15 lakh. This aggressive pricing strategy would place it directly against the Mahindra Thar, Maruti Jimny, and other compact SUVs in the market.
A major highlight of this Nissan’ SUV will be its wide range of powertrain options. As per media reports Nissan likely to offer a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine alongside a new 1.2-litre petrol unit while hybrid and fully electric versions are also expected later. The EV variant will feature 35 kWh and 55 kWh battery packs with a claimed driving range of up to 500 km. There are also rumours of a 4×4 drivetrain option which will significantly boost its appeal among adventure enthusiasts.
The SUV expected to feature a rugged, boxy design with squared wheel arches, a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, high ground clearance, and a commanding road presence. Despite measuring under four metres, it will offer a spacious cabin and a 400-litre boot. Features such as a digital instrument cluster, large touchscreen infotainment system, Google-integrated connected technology, advanced safety systems, fast charging support, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality will help it stand out among rivals.
The affordable lifestyle SUV segment is set for a major transformation with the arrival of the Renault Bridger, Tata Scarlet, and Nissan’s Bridger-based SUV. And with expected price under ₹15 lakh, these models will challenge the Mahindra Thar by offering rugged styling, modern technology, multiple powertrain choices, and improved everyday practicality for a wider range of buyers.