Nissan’s upcoming midsize SUV, the Tekton, has been spied testing again in India, giving us the first-ever glimpse of its interior. The model will mark Nissan’s return to the midsize SUV space. While the latest test mule is heavily camouflaged, 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, just as the Nissan Terrano was based on the old Duster. The Tekton will feature different design elements inspired by larger Nissan models while remaining mechanically identical to the Duster.
- Tekton to sit above 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
Despite concealed body panels, 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 a 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 light graphics remain hidden.
Overall, the Tekton is likely to follow the brand’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
The first interior spy shot of the Tekton reveals a flat-bottom steering wheel, steering-mounted controls and a digital instrument cluster. Tekton is expected to feature its own dashboard design, colour schemes and trim finishes to give it a cabin identity distinct from the Duster.
Expected features could include a large touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera and an ADAS suite.
Nissan Tekton: Engine and powertrain options
While Nissan is yet to confirm the engine details for the India-spec Tekton, it is expected to share its core architecture with the new-generation Duster. This suggests that the Tekton could be offered with a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 163hp and 280Nm, paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DCT, as well as a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol putting out 100hp and 160Nm, offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox only.
Hybrid technology is also expected, as Renault has confirmed that the 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 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 4, but it has been delayed. An official launch timeline has not yet been announced.
Uday Singh
Lenny D'sa
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
