Toyota is Launching Its Most Affordable 7 Seater SUV This Year With a New Design

Following a relatively quiet 2024, Toyota is expected to maintain a low product rollout this year as well. According to reports, the company may launch only one new vehicle in 2025—a 7-seater version of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, which would likely be considered Toyota’s most affordable 7-seater SUV.

Shared Development with Suzuki

Toyota and Maruti Suzuki have been co-developing and rebranding models for years, and their collaborative strategy will continue in 2025. The existing Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Grand Vitara have performed well in their segment, and both automakers are now reportedly preparing to release 7-seater versions of these compact SUVs.

Prototypes of the Grand Vitara 7-seater have already been spotted on multiple occasions. Recently, a heavily camouflaged Toyota version of the 7-seater was also seen undergoing testing, giving further credibility to the speculation.

Launch Timeline and Competitive Positioning

Maruti Suzuki is expected to launch two new SUVs in 2025—the e-Vitara by September and another SUV, likely to be the Grand Vitara 7-seater, later in the year. Toyota is also expected to release its electric SUV based on the e-Vitara platform in the second half of 2025.

However, Toyota might move ahead of Maruti in launching the 7-seater version of the Hyryder. The reasoning stems from previous patterns—Toyota launched the original Hyryder before the Grand Vitara. If the brand follows a similar approach, the new Toyota 7-seater could arrive before Maruti’s model.

Once launched, the new 7-seater is expected to compete directly with the Hyundai Alcazar and could potentially disrupt sales of entry- and mid-level variants of the Mahindra XUV700.

Expected Features and Design Updates

Spy shots reveal limited details due to heavy camouflage, but the upcoming Toyota 7-seater will likely feature a revised design language. The front fascia could resemble Toyota’s Urban Cruiser EV or the upcoming e-Vitara, while a longer wheelbase is expected to accommodate the third row.

Interior updates may include a redesigned dashboard and the use of higher-quality materials. The SUV is also expected to offer advanced features, including Level 2 ADAS, and added comforts for third-row passengers such as AC vents, USB charging ports, and cup holders.