HPCL Presents Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026: SUV of the Year Nominations

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) presents Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026, a Times Network initiative, scheduled to take place on May 5, in New Delhi. Themed ‘India’s Mobility Mission 2030: Clean Tech, Smart Manufacturing, Global Vision’ this event brings together industry stakeholders, policymakers and experts. At the summit, Times Drive will recognise contributions across segments. In the SUV of the Year category there are five nominees - the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, the Tata Sierra, the Hyundai Venue, the Kia Seltos and the Mahindra XUV 7XO. Here is an overview of the nominees:

Also Read: HPCL Presents Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2026: Motorcycle of the Year Nominations

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris is positioned as a compact SUV sharing its platform with the Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. It is offered with multiple powertrain and drivetrain configurations. The Victoris is powered by a 1.5-L naturally aspirated petrol engine with smart hybrid technology, available with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. It also gets a 1.5-litre strong hybrid setup paired with an e-CVT. The petrol automatic variant also gets an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option. Additionally, the Victoris is available with factory-fitted CNG variants featuring underbody tanks. The relocation of the CNG tanks frees up the boot space making it more usable. With a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 10.49 lakh, the Vitctoris is retailed through Maruti Suzuki’s Arena network.

The Tata Sierra marks the return of a legacy nameplate in a modern five-door format. The SUV is offered with a panoramic glass roof and multiple engine options. It includes a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 104.55bhp and 145Nm of torque, this engine is paired with a 6-speed MT or 7-speed DCA. It gets a 1.5-L turbo-petrol engine which churns out 157.81bhp and 255Nm of torque; this engine is paired with a 6-speed AT. It is also offered with a 1.5L diesel engine producing 116.38bhp and up to 280Nm of torque, this engine is available with both manual and automatic transmission options. With a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 11.49 lakh, the Sierra combines size, multiple powertrain choices and a design approach that references the original model.

The Hyundai Venue is available with three engine options: a 1.2 L naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 81.86bhp and 114.7Nm of torque; a 1.0L turbo-petrol engine producing 118.35bhp and 172Nm of torque and a a 1.5L diesel engine producing 114.41bhp and 250Nm of torque. With a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 7.99 lakh, the Venue continues to be a major contributor to Hyundai India’s sales.

The second-generation Kia Seltos made its global debut in India and entered the market in early 2026. The updated model features revised exterior styling and a new interior layout while retaining its existing engine options. These include a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 113.18bhp and 143.8Nm of torque; a 1.5L turbo-petrol engine producing 157.57bhp and 253Nm of torque and a 1.5L diesel engine producing 113.98bhp and 250Nm of torque. The Seltos starts at Rs 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and continues to be a key product for Kia India.

The Mahindra XUV 7XO is offered with turbocharged petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol version houses a 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 200bhp and 380Nm of torque. The diesel version gets a 2.2L engine delivering 183.72bhp and 450Nm of torque. Both engines are available with 6-speed MT and 6-speed AT options. With a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 13.66 lakh, the XUV 7XO is positioned as the most premium international offering in the segment.