The Indian SUV market is set for a dramatic three-day window in early December 2026. Three major manufacturers will reveal vehicles that represent three distinct powertrain philosophies. Honda will introduce its first mass-market electric SUV for India. JSW Motors will enter the passenger vehicle space with a plug-in hybrid off-roader. Toyota will unveil the next generation of its legendary ladder-frame Fortuner with mild-hybrid diesel technology. This article examines each powertrain in detail so buyers can understand what each approach offers.
Honda 0 Alpha EV – Born Electric Midsize SUV
Honda will reveal the production version of the 0 Alpha EV on December 2, 2026. The SUV will be built at Honda’s Tapukara plant in Rajasthan following the company’s “Thin, Light and Wise” global EV strategy. The design stays close to the concept shown at the Japan Mobility Show with a closed front grille, illuminated Honda logo, high roofline, thick C-pillar, and a vertical tailgate with a wrapping U-shaped LED light bar. It rides on 19-inch aero alloy wheels.
The powertrain uses lithium iron phosphate battery packs in two sizes, likely 65 kWh and 75 kWh. Honda claims a range above 500 kilometres on a full charge while real-world estimates suggest 450 to 500 kilometres. The vehicle is positioned as a midsize electric crossover with an expected price between 18 lakh and 25 lakh rupees. Key rivals include the Hyundai Creta Electric, Mahindra BE 6, and Tata Sierra EV.
Inside, the cabin features a large floating central touchscreen, a dedicated digital instrument console, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. Equipment lists mention ventilated seats, leatherette upholstery, a panoramic sunroof or glass roof, physical controls for key functions, and Level 2 ADAS with six standard airbags. Honda also plans to set up charging infrastructure before deliveries begin.
JSW Combat PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid Off-Roader
JSW Motors will launch the Combat on December 4, 2026, marking its debut as an independent automotive brand in India. The SUV is based on the Chery Jetour T2 and will be assembled at JSW’s facility in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. It adopts a boxy silhouette with a five-slat grille, rectangular LED headlamps, flared wheel arches, 20-inch alloys, roof rails, side steps, and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel.
The plug-in hybrid system pairs a 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine with two electric motors and an 18.4 kWh battery pack. The all-wheel-drive version delivers a combined 360 horsepower and 610 Newton metres of torque through a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. A front-wheel-drive variant produces 156 horsepower and 220 Newton metres. The electric-only range is quoted at 90 kilometres on the NEDC cycle with a combined range around 1,200 kilometres. DC fast charging at 50 kW can take the battery from 30 to 80 percent in about 27 minutes while a 6.6 kW AC charger needs three hours for a full charge.
The interior gets a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a crystal-like gear shifter, an all-black theme with red stitching, electronic parking brake with auto hold, customisable drive modes, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. Level 2 ADAS is also included. Expected pricing falls between 30 lakh and 44 lakh rupees. Rivals include the Jeep Meridian, Hyundai Tucson, and Mahindra XUV 7XO.
Next-Gen Toyota Fortuner – Mild-Hybrid Ladder-Frame SUV
Toyota will globally debut the next-generation Fortuner on December 1, 2026. The SUV continues on an updated IMV ladder-frame platform and appears slightly larger than the current model. Styling changes include a sharper front fascia with redesigned LED headlamps, a new grille, revised bumper, updated tail-lamps, and a rear section that echoes the recently launched Hilux pickup. Inside, the cabin receives a more premium layout with additional features.
The powertrain lineup retains the 2.7-litre petrol and 2.8-litre diesel engines, both now equipped with mild-hybrid technology. Four-wheel drive will remain available on select diesel variants. The current Fortuner price range spans 34.76 lakh to 50.46 lakh rupees, and the new generation is expected to stay in a similar bracket. This model targets buyers who need traditional body-on-frame capability with improved efficiency from mild-hybrid assistance.
Powertrain Comparison at a Glance
The three SUVs showcase the breadth of propulsion choices arriving in December 2026. The Honda 0 Alpha EV relies solely on battery electric power with a large LFP pack and no combustion engine. The JSW Combat PHEV blends a turbo-petrol engine with dual motors and a medium-sized battery to offer both electric commuting and long-distance petrol range. The Toyota Fortuner sticks to a proven ladder-frame architecture with mild-hybrid diesel and petrol units that assist the engine but cannot drive the vehicle on electricity alone. Buyers seeking zero tailpipe emissions for daily runs will lean toward the Honda. Those wanting electric capability for short trips plus unrestricted highway range may prefer the JSW. Customers prioritising rugged off-road hardware, towing capacity, and a familiar diesel driving experience will find the Fortuner unchanged in its core mission.
The Honda 0 Alpha EV arrives as a locally produced electric crossover priced accessibly for the midsize segment. The JSW Combat PHEV enters as a premium plug-in hybrid off-roader with high combined output and a combined range that reduces range anxiety. The next-gen Fortuner evolves the segment leader with mild-hybrid efficiency gains while preserving its body-on-frame DNA. Each vehicle addresses a different set of priorities and the December launch cluster gives buyers a rare chance to compare three distinct technologies side by side.
FAQs
When will each SUV be launched in December 2026?
The Toyota Fortuner global debut is scheduled for December 1, 2026. The Honda 0 Alpha EV will be revealed on December 2, 2026. The JSW Combat PHEV launch event is set for December 4, 2026.
What is the expected price range for each model?
The Honda 0 Alpha EV is expected between 18 lakh and 25 lakh rupees. The JSW Combat PHEV is likely priced from 30 lakh to 44 lakh rupees. The next-gen Toyota Fortuner should remain in the current 34.76 lakh to 50.46 lakh rupee band.
Which SUV offers a pure electric driving mode?
The Honda 0 Alpha EV is a fully electric vehicle with no combustion engine. The JSW Combat PHEV offers a pure electric mode of up to 90 kilometres on the NEDC cycle. The Toyota Fortuner mild-hybrid system does not provide a pure electric driving mode.
What are the key powertrain specifications for the JSW Combat PHEV?
The all-wheel-drive version uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with two electric motors and an 18.4 kWh battery producing 360 horsepower and 610 Newton metres. The front-wheel-drive version makes 156 horsepower and 220 Newton metres. A three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission is used.
Does the next-gen Fortuner get a new platform or engine?
The next-gen Fortuner uses an updated IMV ladder-frame platform, not an all-new architecture. It retains the 2.7-litre petrol and 2.8-litre diesel engines, both now equipped with mild-hybrid technology. Four-wheel drive continues on select diesel variants.