Nissan’s upcoming midsize SUV, the Tekton, has been spied testing again in India under heavy camouflage. The model will mark Nissan’s return to the mid-size SUV space.The latest test mule remains fully covered, but proportions suggest a conventional upright SUV stance with a long wheelbase and short overhangs. The vehicle seen here appears to be riding on large 18-inch alloy wheels with 225 section tyres.
The Tekton is a badge engineered version of the new Duster, like the Nissan Terrano which was a badge-engineered version of the old Duster. The Tekton will feature different design elements inspired by larger Nissan models while remaining mechanically identical to the Duster.
- New SUV to sit above the Magnite in Nissan’s India line-up
- Expected to launch with turbo-petrol engines, hybrid likely to follow
- Styling and cabin theme to be distinct from its Renault sibling
Nissan Tekton: Exterior design
While the body panels are concealed, some design cues are visible through the camouflage. The Tekton is expected to feature a Nissan-specific front fascia rather than mirroring its Renault counterpart. The lighting signature appears to include slim, wide-set daytime running lamps, and a conventional lighting setup with full width LED strip.
The side profile looks relatively clean, with less pronounced body cladding. At the rear, the tail-lamp area appears to be horizontally oriented, and a wide tailgate surface can be made out, though final light graphics remain hidden.
Overall, the Tekton is likely to follow Nissan’s global SUV design language, inspired by the Nissan Patrol, sold overseas, while differentiating itself clearly from its platform sibling.
Nissan Tekton: Interior and features
First interior spy shots of the Tekton reveal a flat bottom steering wheel, steering mounted controls and digital instrument cluster. Tekton is expected to feature its own dashboard design, colour schemes and trim finishes to give it a distinct cabin identity from the Duster.
Expected equipment could include a large touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera and ADAS features.
Nissan Tekton: Engine and powertrain options
Official engine details for the India-spec Tekton are yet to be confirmed. However, it is expected to share its core architecture with the new-generation Duster, which suggests the Tekton is expected to be offered with a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 163hp and 280Nm, as well as a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that puts out 100hp and 160Nm. The bigger turbocharged engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DCT, while the smaller engine is mated with a 6-speed manual gearbox only.
Hybrid technology could also be expected, since Renault has already confirmed that new Duster will get a strong hybrid powertrain, which pairs a 109hp 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 49hp electric motor and a 20hp hybrid starter generator (HSG), backed by a 1.4kWh (280 V) battery. Renault is likely to be introduce it in India by Diwali 2026.
The Tekton is expected to be positioned as Nissan’s main offering in the midsize SUV segment, competing with models such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, MG Astor, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, Maruti Victoris, Tata Sierra and Tata Curvv. Nissan had earlier indicated an unveiling on February 4th, but the reveal has been delayed. An official launch timeline has not yet been announced.
