Diwali is one of the biggest car-buying periods in India, and 2026 is shaping up to be particularly interesting for SUV buyers.

Several manufacturers are preparing new SUVs, facelifts, electric vehicles and hybrid models around the festive season. From relatively accessible mid-size SUVs to premium electric flagships, buyers could have several new options to consider before making a purchase.

Some of the most notable names currently expected around the festive period include the Honda Elevate Facelift, Hyundai Bayon, Volvo EX90, new-generation Audi Q3 and Renault Duster Hybrid.

However, there is one important thing buyers should remember.

Automobile launch dates frequently change. Some dates have been announced or widely reported, while others remain expected timelines based on current industry information.

So if you’re planning to buy a new SUV around Diwali 2026, here’s a closer look at the models worth watching.

Upcoming SUVs Before Diwali 2026 at a Glance

SUV	Expected Launch	Expected Price*	Powertrain
Honda Elevate Facelift	October 6, 2026	Around ₹12 lakh onwards	Petrol
Volvo EX90	October 12, 2026	Around ₹1 crore+	Electric
Hyundai Bayon	October 2026	Around ₹10–12 lakh onwards	Petrol/Diesel expected
Audi Q3 New Generation	October 2026	Around ₹46–48 lakh onwards	Petrol
Renault Duster Hybrid	Around November 2026	To be announced	Strong Hybrid

*Prices and some launch timelines are estimates based on currently available information and may change at launch.

Let’s look at each SUV in detail.

1. Honda Elevate Facelift

Expected Launch: October 6, 2026

The Honda Elevate is expected to receive an important update ahead of the festive season.

Honda’s mid-size SUV competes in one of India’s most competitive segments, where buyers have several established options.

The facelift is expected to focus primarily on design and feature improvements rather than completely changing the vehicle’s formula.

What Could Change?

Expected exterior updates include:

• Revised front grille
• Updated front and rear bumpers
• Revised lighting elements
• New alloy-wheel designs
• New colour options

The cabin could also receive additional features and technology.

The biggest question is whether Honda will significantly expand the Elevate’s equipment list to make it more competitive against feature-heavy rivals.

Engine

The existing Elevate uses Honda’s 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.

Major mechanical changes have not been firmly confirmed, so buyers should wait for Honda’s final specifications at launch.

Expected Price

Current estimates place the facelift around the existing Elevate’s pricing territory, although individual variants could become slightly more expensive after the update.

For buyers looking for a petrol mid-size SUV during the festive season, the updated Elevate could be one of the important October launches to watch.

2. Hyundai Bayon

Expected Launch: October 2026

One of the more interesting potential additions to Hyundai’s Indian SUV portfolio is the Hyundai Bayon.

The Bayon is already available internationally and is positioned as a compact crossover.

Its arrival in India could give Hyundai another product in the highly competitive compact and mid-size crossover market.

Design

The Bayon is known internationally for a more unconventional crossover design than traditional boxy SUVs.

The India-spec model is expected to receive modern styling and a technology-focused cabin.

Depending on the final configuration, buyers could expect features such as:

• Large touchscreen infotainment system
• Digital instrument cluster
• Connected-car technology
• Automatic climate control
• Wireless smartphone connectivity
• Multiple airbags
• Advanced driver-assistance features on higher variants

The final India-spec equipment list will only become clear closer to launch.

Engine Options

Reports suggest Hyundai could offer turbo-petrol and diesel options.

However, buyers should treat these as expected specifications until Hyundai confirms the final India powertrain lineup.

Expected Price

Current estimates generally place the Bayon at roughly ₹10–12 lakh onwards, depending on positioning and variant strategy.

If Hyundai prices it aggressively, the Bayon could become an interesting option for buyers who want something different from the brand’s existing SUV lineup.

3. Volvo EX90

Expected Launch: October 12, 2026

At the premium end of the market, Volvo is preparing its flagship electric SUV, the EX90.

The EX90 represents Volvo’s next generation of large luxury electric SUVs and combines a minimalist Scandinavian design with advanced technology and safety systems.

Battery and Range

The EX90 is expected with a large battery pack of around 106 kWh usable capacity.

Depending on the final India-spec configuration, the electric SUV can offer a claimed range of roughly 600 km or more.

That puts it firmly in long-range premium EV territory.

Performance

The dual-motor all-wheel-drive version produces substantial power and can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in roughly the mid-five-second range, depending on specification.

That’s impressive considering the EX90 is a large three-row luxury SUV.

Interior and Technology

Expect features such as:

• Large central touchscreen
• Digital driver display
• Premium audio system
• Connected-car functionality
• Advanced driver-assistance technology
• Three-row seating
• Premium sustainable interior materials
• Comprehensive safety technology

Volvo has historically placed safety at the centre of its brand identity, and the EX90 continues that approach with extensive sensing hardware and driver-assistance systems.

Expected Price

The EX90 is expected to sit at the premium end of India’s electric SUV market, with estimates around ₹1 crore or higher.

It will primarily compete with other luxury electric SUVs rather than mainstream EVs.

4. New-Generation Audi Q3

Expected Launch: October 2026

Luxury SUV buyers will also have another important launch to watch.

Audi is expected to introduce the latest generation of its Q3 in India around the festive season.

The Q3 has traditionally served as one of the more accessible entry points into Audi’s SUV lineup.

The new model brings substantial changes to its design and technology.

Exterior

Expect a sharper and more modern interpretation of Audi’s current design language.

Updates include changes to areas such as:

• Front grille
• LED lighting
• Bumpers
• Alloy wheels
• Rear styling

Overall, the new Q3 is expected to look considerably more contemporary than the outgoing version.

Interior

The cabin should receive one of the biggest upgrades.

Digital displays, infotainment technology and cabin design are expected to move closer to Audi’s newer-generation models.

Buyers can expect premium materials and a stronger emphasis on digital controls and connectivity.

Engine

For India, reports currently point toward a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, with all-wheel drive expected depending on the final specification.

Audi will confirm the exact India powertrain and variant structure at launch.

Expected Price

Current estimates suggest pricing could begin in the ₹46–48 lakh region, ex-showroom.

Final prices will depend on the variants and equipment Audi chooses for India.

5. Renault Duster Hybrid

Expected Launch: Around November 2026

The return of the Renault Duster is already significant for the Indian SUV market.

But another potentially important development is the arrival of a strong-hybrid version.

The Duster name has a strong history in India and played an important role in popularising the compact/mid-size SUV format.

The new-generation model is much more modern than the original Duster sold in India.

Strong-Hybrid Powertrain

Reports indicate that the Duster Hybrid could use a strong-hybrid system combining a petrol engine with electric assistance.

A reported configuration involves a 1.8-litre petrol engine paired with a small battery and electric motors.

The combined output is expected to be around 160 PS, although final India specifications need to be confirmed.

Why the Hybrid Matters

Strong hybrids can operate on electric power during certain low-speed situations without needing to be plugged into an external charger.

The system automatically manages the petrol engine, battery and electric motor.

Potential benefits include:

• Better city fuel efficiency
• Reduced fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic
• Smooth low-speed operation
• No need for external charging

For buyers who want better efficiency but are not ready to move completely to an EV, a strong-hybrid SUV can be an attractive middle ground.

Expected Price

Renault has not yet provided final pricing for the hybrid version.

Expect it to carry a premium over comparable petrol variants because of the additional hybrid hardware.

Other SUVs Worth Watching

The five SUVs above are among the notable festive-season models currently being discussed, but they aren’t the only ones appearing on upcoming-car calendars.

Depending on manufacturer schedules and possible delays, buyers may also encounter other new or updated SUVs around this period.

Some current upcoming-car listings include models such as the VinFast VF3 and additional new or updated SUVs expected later in October or November.

Because these timelines can move quickly, buyers should treat aggregator launch calendars as estimates until the manufacturer announces an official date.

Petrol, Hybrid or Electric: Which Type Makes Sense?

The 2026 festive-season launches also highlight how much India’s SUV market has changed.

Buyers are no longer choosing only between petrol and diesel.

They increasingly have several powertrain options.

Petrol SUV

A petrol SUV remains one of the simplest choices for buyers who want easy refuelling and predictable ownership.

It can make sense for people who drive relatively moderate distances and don’t have convenient EV charging.

Diesel SUV

Diesel can still appeal to buyers who regularly travel long distances or prefer the torque characteristics of diesel engines.

Availability, however, increasingly depends on the manufacturer and model.

Strong-Hybrid SUV

A strong hybrid can be particularly useful for urban driving.

It can provide improved efficiency without requiring the owner to install a charger.

The trade-off is usually a higher purchase price.

Electric SUV

An EV can offer very low local running emissions and potentially lower energy costs, particularly for owners who can charge conveniently at home.

However, buyers should consider:

• Real-world range
• Home charging availability
• Public charging infrastructure
• Highway usage
• Battery warranty
• Charging speed

The right choice depends heavily on how and where you drive.

Should You Buy an SUV Now or Wait Until Diwali?

If you’re planning to buy a car in October or around Diwali 2026, waiting until you’ve seen the upcoming launches could give you more choices.

That doesn’t automatically mean a newly launched SUV will be better for you.

Older models can sometimes receive attractive festive discounts when manufacturers and dealers want to clear inventory.

So buyers effectively have two strategies.

Wait for a New Launch

This can give you:

• Newer styling
• Updated technology
• More features
• New powertrain choices
• Potentially better safety equipment

Buy an Existing Model During Festive Discounts

This can potentially give you:

• Larger dealer discounts
• Exchange bonuses
• Corporate benefits
• Accessory packages
• Faster delivery
• A product with an established ownership record

A newly launched vehicle can sometimes have long waiting periods and fewer discounts.

Therefore, compare the final on-road price, not just the advertised ex-showroom price.

Things to Check Before Booking a Newly Launched SUV

Festive-season excitement can make buyers rush into bookings.

It’s better to check a few important details first.

1. Final On-Road Price

Ex-showroom price is only one part of the purchase.

Also calculate insurance, registration, taxes, accessories and other applicable charges.

2. Variant Features

A ₹2 lakh jump between variants may not necessarily provide ₹2 lakh worth of features that matter to you.

Compare variants carefully.

3. Safety Equipment

Check the actual safety features offered on the variant you’re buying.

Do not assume every advertised feature is standard across the range.

4. Real-World Fuel Efficiency or Range

Official figures are useful for comparison, but real-world results can vary.

Wait for independent road tests where possible.

5. Waiting Period

Popular new SUVs can develop long waiting periods immediately after launch.

If delivery before Diwali matters to you, get the expected delivery date in writing from the dealer where possible.

6. Insurance

Compare the dealer’s insurance quote with outside options rather than automatically accepting the first quote.

7. Extended Warranty

For a newly introduced vehicle, a reasonably priced extended warranty can sometimes provide additional peace of mind.

Read exactly what is and isn’t covered.

8. Test Drive

Never choose a vehicle only from specifications and YouTube videos.

Driving position, ride quality, visibility, seat comfort, steering and cabin ergonomics can feel very different in person.

Which Upcoming SUV Could Attract the Most Attention?

Each of these models targets a different buyer.

The Honda Elevate Facelift is relevant to mainstream mid-size SUV buyers looking for an updated petrol SUV.

The Hyundai Bayon could introduce another option in Hyundai’s already broad SUV portfolio.

The Renault Duster Hybrid is particularly interesting because it combines the returning Duster name with strong-hybrid technology.

At the luxury end, the new Audi Q3 targets premium compact-SUV buyers, while the Volvo EX90 represents a much more expensive, technology-heavy electric alternative.

That means there isn’t one single SUV here that directly competes with all the others.

Why Diwali Is Important for Car Manufacturers

India’s festive season is traditionally an important period for vehicle purchases.

Manufacturers often coordinate product launches, marketing campaigns and special editions around this period.

Dealerships may also introduce:

• Cash discounts
• Exchange bonuses
• Finance offers
• Corporate discounts
• Accessory packages
• Loyalty benefits

However, an advertised “festive benefit” isn’t automatically a good deal.

Buyers should compare the final transaction price across multiple dealerships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which new SUVs are expected before Diwali 2026?

Current launch calendars and automotive reports include models such as the Honda Elevate Facelift, Hyundai Bayon, Volvo EX90 and new Audi Q3 around October, while the Renault Duster Hybrid is expected around the festive period.

When will the Honda Elevate Facelift launch?

Current automotive reports list October 6, 2026 as its expected launch date.

When will the Volvo EX90 launch in India?

The Volvo EX90 is currently listed for an expected October 12, 2026 India launch.

When is the Hyundai Bayon expected in India?

Current reports place the Hyundai Bayon’s expected India launch in October 2026. Exact dates can vary between current listings, so buyers should wait for final manufacturer confirmation.

What could the Hyundai Bayon cost?

Current estimates generally place it around ₹10–12 lakh onwards, although official pricing will only be known at launch.

When is the new Audi Q3 expected?

The latest launch calendars place the new-generation Audi Q3 in October 2026, with some current listings pointing to mid-October.

Is the Renault Duster Hybrid coming to India?

Current automotive reports expect a strong-hybrid Duster around the festive period, with November being mentioned as an expected timeline. Final specifications, launch timing and pricing should be confirmed closer to launch.

Should I wait until Diwali to buy an SUV?

It depends on your priorities. Waiting can provide access to newly launched models and festive offers, while existing models may receive stronger dealer discounts. Compare both before making a decision.

Are the prices mentioned here confirmed?

Unless specifically announced by the manufacturer, prices mentioned for upcoming models are estimates. Final ex-showroom and on-road prices can differ.

Final Thoughts

Diwali 2026 could be an interesting time to buy an SUV in India.

Mainstream buyers have models such as the Honda Elevate Facelift and Hyundai Bayon to watch, while the Renault Duster Hybrid could provide another option for buyers interested in strong-hybrid technology.

Luxury buyers, meanwhile, have the new Audi Q3 and fully electric Volvo EX90 on the horizon.

But don’t make a purchase decision based only on an expected launch date or introductory price.

Wait for the final specifications, compare variants, take a test drive and calculate the complete on-road cost.

Most importantly, if you’re planning to take delivery before Diwali, confirm the expected delivery timeline before paying a substantial booking amount.

With multiple launches happening close together, a few weeks of patience could give SUV buyers significantly more options to compare during India’s 2026 festive season.