October 2026 SUV Rush: Honda Elevate Facelift, Hybrid Duster and 2 More New SUVs to Watch
October is shaping up to be an exciting month for SUV buyers in India. With the festive season in full swing, several carmakers are preparing to introduce new models and updates aimed at attracting buyers.
If you're planning to purchase an SUV this festive season, four upcoming models could be worth watching: the Honda Elevate facelift, Renault Duster Hybrid, a new Mahindra SUV and the Hyundai Bayon.
The updated Honda Elevate is expected to be one of the first major SUV launches of the month. Honda has already opened bookings for the facelift at ₹21,000 and has revealed glimpses of the updated design.
The refreshed SUV is expected to receive a redesigned front grille, horizontal LED daytime running lights and a revised lighting setup. At the rear, a connected LED light bar is expected to give the SUV a more modern appearance.
The feature list could also become more premium, with additions such as a 360-degree camera, electrically adjustable and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof.
The powertrain is expected to remain largely unchanged. The SUV is likely to continue with the 1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol engine producing around 119 bhp and 145 Nm, with manual and CVT automatic transmission options.
Renault Duster Hybrid: Expected on October 17The Duster Hybrid is expected to use Renault's E-Tech strong-hybrid technology, combining a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with two electric motors. The system is expected to produce around 160 bhp and 172 Nm, supported by a 1.4 kWh battery.
One of the key highlights is its focus on electric driving in urban conditions. Renault claims that a significant portion of city driving can be completed using electric power.
The hybrid setup will use a multi-mode automatic transmission and will take on hybrid SUVs such as the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
Mahindra's new SUV could arrive in OctoberMahindra is also expected to have an important SUV launch this month, although the company has not officially revealed all the details yet.
One possibility is the XUV 3XO CNG. If introduced, it could become Mahindra's first factory-fitted CNG passenger SUV.
The model would enter a growing segment that includes the Tata Nexon CNG and Maruti Suzuki Brezza CNG. It is expected to use a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine adapted for CNG and could be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
An official launch announcement from Mahindra will reveal whether the XUV 3XO CNG is indeed the model planned for October.
Hyundai Bayon: New SUV between Venue and CretaHyundai is also preparing to bring the Bayon into the spotlight.
At around 4.2 metres in length, the Bayon could occupy an interesting position between the Venue and Creta in Hyundai's SUV line-up.
The design is expected to feature H-shaped LED daytime running lights, split LED headlamps, redesigned wheel arches and bridge-style roof rails.
Under the hood, the SUV is expected to use a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, with manual and IVT automatic transmission options.
The cabin is expected to focus heavily on technology, potentially featuring a dual-screen setup, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, a 360-degree camera and connected-car technology. Hyundai could also bring its generative-AI-powered voice assistant, allowing occupants to interact with the car using more natural voice commands.
October could be a big month for SUV buyersFrom facelifted petrol SUVs and CNG models to strong-hybrid technology and new premium features, October could offer plenty of choices for Indian SUV buyers.
With the festive season driving demand, buyers will have several new models to consider before making their next SUV purchase.