Upcoming car launches and reveals in January 2026
From the high-tech halls of CES 2026 in Las Vegas to the SUV-dominated landscape of India, this month marks a decisive shift in how we perceive the “modern car.” Here is your comprehensive guide to the major car launches and reveals shaping the first month of 2026.
1. The Heavy Hitters: SUV & MPV Launches
January has traditionally been the month of fresh starts, and for several major manufacturers, it’s about reclaiming market share with iconic nameplates.
The Return of the King: Renault Duster (Jan 26)
The most emotional launch of the month is undoubtedly the next-generation Renault Duster. Set for an official reveal on India’s Republic Day, the new Duster ditches its aging bones for the modern CMF-B platform.
- What’s New: Expect a rugged “Y-shaped” LED signature, a more premium interior with a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen, and potentially a three-screen layout exclusive to certain markets.
- Powertrains: While the beloved diesel is gone, it is expected to feature a robust turbo-petrol and potentially a strong-hybrid variant.
The Tech Prodigy: Kia Seltos (Jan 2)
The second-generation Kia Seltos makes its market debut right at the start of the year. Built on the K3 platform, the new Seltos is larger and significantly more luxurious.
- Key Features: A “lie-flat” driver’s seat (perfect for charging sessions or road trip breaks) and a 12.3-inch dual-display cockpit.
- The Price Reveal: Having already been previewed, the official price list—expected to range between ₹11 lakh and ₹21 lakh—will be the final piece of the puzzle.
The Family Versatility: Nissan Gravite
Nissan is finally expanding its portfolio with the Gravite, a sub-four-meter, seven-seater MPV. Sharing underpinnings with the Renault Triber, the Gravite targets the budget-conscious family.
- Vibe: It sports a more upright, “tough” stance compared to its Renault cousin, aiming to look more like a micro-SUV than a van.
2. Electrification Goes Mainstream
The “EV curiosity” phase is over; January 2026 is when the biggest players put their cards on the table.
Maruti Suzuki e-Vitara
Maruti’s first-ever global electric SUV is the headline act for the mass market.
- Performance: Offered with 49kWh and 61kWh battery packs, the latter promises a range of over 540 km.
- Tech Upgrade: This isn’t the Maruti of old—the e-Vitara features a HEARTECT-e platform, Level 2 ADAS, and a radical interior redesign that signals a more premium direction for the brand.
Toyota Urban Cruiser EV
Working in tandem with Maruti, Toyota will unveil its version of the e-Vitara. While the specs remain similar, Toyota is expected to lean into its signature styling and “reliability” branding to attract long-term EV adopters.
3. Global Stage: CES 2026 and AI Trends
In Las Vegas (Jan 6–9), the conversation is shifting from “horsepower” to “agentic AI.”
- Sony-Honda Mobility (AFEELA): The joint venture returns with a “pre-production” version of the AFEELA 1. The focus here isn’t just the driving, but the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) experience—think of the car as a giant, mobile PlayStation/Workstation.
- Hyundai’s Robotics Strategy: Hyundai is moving beyond the car. At CES, they are showcasing AI Robotics under the theme ‘Partnering Human Progress,’ featuring the public debut of Boston Dynamics’ new Atlas robot.
- Agentic AI Copilots: Several manufacturers are expected to demo AI that doesn’t just wait for commands but “predicts” needs—like pre-conditioning the battery based on traffic or automatically booking a charging slot at your favorite coffee shop.
4. Facelifts and Feature Drops
Several best-sellers are getting “mid-life” refreshes to stay competitive against the new wave of tech.
| Model | Expected Reveal | Key Update |
| Mahindra XUV 7XO | Jan 5 | Facelifted XUV700; gets a 12.3-inch triple-screen layout and Harman Kardon audio. |
| Skoda Kushaq Facelift | Mid-Jan | Fresh “Crystalline” design language and the addition of Level 2 ADAS. |
| Tata Punch Facelift | Late-Jan | Styling inspired by the Punch.ev, featuring more premium cabin materials. |
| Tata Harrier/Safari Petrol | Jan | The long-awaited 1.5L T-GDI turbo-petrol engine finally joins the lineup. |
The Verdict: A Month of “New Normals”
January 2026 isn’t just about new metal; it’s about normalization.
- EVs are no longer niche; they are the flagship models for the biggest brands.
- Safety is becoming standard, with almost all January launches featuring 6 airbags and ADAS as standard or high-trim options.
- The Budget 7-Seater segment is heating up, proving that practicality still reigns supreme.
Note to Buyers: Keep in mind that many manufacturers (including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Nissan) have announced price hikes of 2–3% effective January 1, 2026. If you’re eyeing a current-gen model, the “year-end” stock from 2025 might be your last chance at current pricing.
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