India's premium utility vehicle segment is set for a fresh wave of competition, as automakers prepare challengers to the long-dominant Toyota Fortuner.This segment with base prices starting at ₹30 lakh forms less than 2 per cent of India's total utility vehicle sales, but provides brand prestige and fat margins to manufacturers. Demand is also strong with changing buyer preferences and rising aspirations pushing customers towards higher end utility vehicles. The South Korean automaker plans to offer the GV80 SUV under its luxury brand Genesis in 2027, followed by a premium multipurpose vehicle in 2028. It is also expected to introduce the Staria MPV and the Palisade SUV around 2028 and 2029, respectively.Skoda Auto Volkswagen India, which sells the Kodiaq SUV in the premium segment, plans to introduce the sportier Kodiaq RS. Two out of every three passenger vehicles sold in India today is a utility vehicle.>

Source: Economic Times March 07, 2026 08:41 UTC