New SUVs Coming to the UAE in 2026: What to Expect

The SUV market is among the most popular and fast-growing segments in the entire automotive industry in the UAE. This has led to heightened activity in the segment as more and more new cars are entering the market to attract buyers. Over the last few years, there has been quite a buzz, and 2026 seems to build on that even further. Buyers can look forward to a wave of major new SUV launches, covering electric, hybrid, and traditional petrol models. There is clearly a trend emerging among buyers who are now increasingly looking towards SUVs as extensions of their modern lifestyle, where they get a spacious cabin, latest tech and also superior capability for city and desert terrain combined.  

As we approach the new calendar year, there are some highly anticipated SUVs coming to the UAE. Right from premium global brands and emerging Chinese automakers have lined up launches as 2026 approaches. Some of the highly anticipated launches include the Volvo EX60 EV, the Hyundai Ioniq 9, and the powerful BYD Leopard 8 hybrid, among others. Whether you are waiting for a stylish, luxurious, efficient, or rugged SUV, the 2026 SUV launches will mostly fulfil the diverse tastes while advancing the region’s green mobility ambitions in terms of the UAE. 

Volvo EX60

The Volvo EX60 is one of the much-awaited SUVs of next year, and the Swedish brand has announced the global launch on January 21, 2026, globally. And you can expect its immediate arrival in the UAE after global availability. What makes the EX60 special is that Volvo says it will be priced like a plug-in hybrid but deliver full electric capability, something truly impressive for a lot of buyers here in the Emirates.

So expect premium quality at affordable EV pricing, this essentially means Tesla Model Y money but with Scandinavian design and safety focus.

The EX60 sits on Volvo's new SPA3 platform, and the structural battery pack integrates the battery into the car's structure itself, similar to Tesla and BYD's approach. As a result, you get a lighter weight, more interior space, and better efficiency. The range is expected to be around 640-700 km, depending on configuration, which covers Dubai to Abu Dhabi comfortably. Some of the notable features include an 11.2-inch touchscreen with Google built in, Android Automotive OS means familiar software, Google Maps integration, and over-the-air updates.

For the UAE specifically, the EX60 is engineered for Gulf heat with enhanced cooling systems and AC capacity tailored for 50-degree summers. While the prices will be known closer to the launch, we expect them to be around AED 200,000 for base models.

Hyundai IONIQ 9

Another notable launch in 2026 is the IONIQ 9, a three-row electric SUV, expected to arrive in the first half of the year. It is a family SUV, based on Hyundai's E-GMP platform. This 5-meter-long SUV with seven spacious seats, a flat-floor cabin, and premium touches like soft upholstery and ambient lighting.

In the booming UAE EV SUV segment, the IONIQ 9 clearly impresses as a fully electric rival to the petrol-heavy Toyota Grand Highlander. With a 110.3 kWh NCM battery, it could offer 480–540 miles (EPA) or up to 620 miles (WLTP) range, allowing easy Dubai–Abu Dhabi trips with ease. It may be priced between AED 200,000–280,000; this means it undercuts rivals like the Kia EV9 while qualifying for EV incentives (free Salik, charging rebates). 

Notably, Hyundai's UAE sales hit 15% EV share in 2025, and are likely to continue growing 2026, and which makes the INOIQ 9 key SUV launch next year. It's a smart, sustainable family SUV for people and cargo in equal measure and makes a big impact in the UAE's premium EV space.

Chinese Brands Making Real Moves

Next year will also see several key Chinese brands making a splash with their launches. These brands have already become big players in the automotive market, and continue expanding with their product offering by introducing some sleek and attractive SUVs in the Emirates.  They're in serious competition with real vehicles backed by warranty and service networks.

BYD Leopard 8 – Jan 2026

The world’s largest EV maker slowly but gradually making its presence felt in the UAE, the formidable BYD is planning to launch the Leopard 8 SUV. This is a hybrid SUV, not full electric, which means no charging anxiety for long trips.

This massive SUV produces 939 hp of combined output (petrol engine plus electric motor), comes with seven seats, which means a perfect family SUV. The hybrid system is a proven technology, and BYD dominates the global hybrid market. The Leopard 8 is another key launch that will be a great treat for buyers in the UAE to explore the expertise of this rising Chinese brand.

BYD Sealion 6

The Sealion 6 is another key launch from BYD. Arriving early next year, this hybrid SUV is expected to reach our shore  mid-year. These are genuine competition to Toyota and other established brands, not afterthought entries.

AITO 

AITO is another Chinese EV maker, a JV between Huawei and Seres Group, which has forayed into the UAE, and plans to expand with the launch of two EV SUVs next year. 

The AITO 7 and AITO 9 are electric SUVs from a Chinese brand that  is gaining real traction. The AITO 9, a flagship SUV, churns out 489hp of power and promises premium interior quality. These are not the typical budget SUVs; they are trying to compete in the premium segment with brands like Tesla by bringing advanced tech and competitive pricing. However, the brand will bring the smaller model, AITO 5, later in the year to enter at an affordable price point.

Established Brands

Chevrolet Captiva EV

Also expect some action from the established players with some exciting, well-known brands with new launches in 2026. American brand Chevrolet is going electric with the Captiva EV, and the internal combustion Captiva is already popular in the UAE., and now buyers get an all-electric version, we expect the launch to take place in the first half of the year. This significant SUV is coming our way, signalling that mainstream brands are accelerating the EV transition. You're not choosing between petrol and one EV. You're choosing between petrol and multiple EV options.

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

In March 2026, Toyota will launch its three-row hybrid SUV in the UAE market. This is significant for families needing seven genuine seats without the fuel consumption of a petrol V6. The Hybrid powertrain means 245 hp of power, smooth power delivery, and fuel economy around 10-12 km/l. Compare that to a standard petrol three-row SUV at 6-8 km/l.

More Notable Arrival

Also, watch out for some more interesting SUVs that are going to hit the market in 2026. This includes the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid coming in April 2026, and the Japanese brand brings its proven hybrid tech to the UAE market. 

iCaur models continue the Chinese manufacturer's expansion. Volvo EX90 continues its availability as a premium flagship.

2026 SUV Comparison: Key Players

Model	Type	Launch	Expected Price Range	Key Highlights
Volvo EX60	Electric	Jan 2026	AED 2,00,000	Premium EV at PHEV price
BYD Leopard 8	Hybrid	Dec 2025	AED 150,000-180,000	Highly powerful with hybrid efficiency
AITO 9	Electric	Jan 2026	AED 220,000-280,000	Cutting-age features and tech competitive pricing
Chevrolet Captiva EV	Electric	Jan 2026	AED 180,000-220,000	Established Automaker with well-known platform
Toyota Grand Highlander	Hybrid	Mar 2026	AED 160,000-190,000	Spacious, three-rows reliable hybrid
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid	Hybrid	Apr 2026	AED 140,000-160,000	Comes with AWD as standard
iCaur 03	Hybrid	Apr 2026	AED 130,000-150,000	Affordable hybrid with great performance

 

What This Means for Your Buying Decision

If you prefer mainstream reliability with electric benefits, the Volvo EX60 or the Toyota Grand Highlander are credible choices. These are well-known brands that come with reliability, established service networks, and proven reliability.

If you want maximum performance and are open to exploring new brands, then BYD Leopard 8 or AITO 9 are solid SUVs that deserve your attention in the new year.  checking out. They come with real engineering, serious power, features and competitive pricing.

If you want to be future-proof but keep budget in check: Subaru Crosstrek or iCaur could be your choices. The hybrid powertrain means no charging anxiety, efficiency is genuine, and the price is reasonable.

If you're ready to go full electric, the Volvo EX60 is the premium pick, also the Chevrolet Captiva EV if you want mainstream. AITO 9 if you want maximum tech at a good value.

It is a well-known fact that the SUV market is the fastest-growing one in the UAE, across different categories and price points. This also means more competition with more choices for buyers. Apart from the regular SUVs, EVs are no longer niche; rather, they are coming in a bigger way as more buyers find them worthy for use in the UAE. And the Chinese manufacturers aren't cheap novelties anymore. Similarly, hybrids work as well as petrol for daily driving but cost less to run. Your choice in 2026 isn't about which vehicle category to buy. It's about which specific vehicle best fits your actual needs and budget.

Conclusion

The year 2026 brings transformational SUV launches to the UAE market. There are many new SUVs set to make it into the Emirates. And many new trends are emerging as all top brands around the world are eyeing the promising growth in the UAE. It is no longer only the established brand anymore, but the Chinese ones are equally aggressive, and there will be a lot of action from them, too. Interesting to watch how the next year's turns out for SUVs will be, as one thing is clear, it will be a mix of EVs, Hybrid and ICEs. The market is highly competitive, pricing is more reasonable, and buyer options are genuinely diverse. Whether you need seven seats, extreme performance, budget efficiency, or cutting-edge tech, 2026 delivers legitimate options.