For decades, Maruti Suzuki held a dominant position in India’s automotive market by specializing in affordable, compact, and fuel-efficient cars. This formula helped the company achieve a market share close to 50% during India’s early years of motorization. But as Indian consumers began gravitating toward larger, feature-rich vehicles, Maruti’s small-car identity began to feel restrictive.
“Maruti’s strength became its constraint,” says industry expert Rahul Desai. “Consumers saw them as a budget brand, and that perception made it hard for them to crack the premium segments.”
Indeed, previous attempts like the original Grand Vitara, Kizashi, and S-Cross met with lukewarm market response despite being solid products. The public wasn’t ready to see Maruti as a premium player.
Enter the new Grand Vitara, a product of Maruti’s joint venture with Toyota (which offers a similar model as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder). With this SUV, Maruti takes a bold step forward in redefining its image.
Bold and Balanced Design
The new Grand Vitara stands out from Maruti’s usual conservative styling. It features a wide grille with chrome accents and piano black elements, flanked by split LED headlamps and angular DRLs. The side profile shows off strong lines, prominent wheel arches, and a roofline that balances style and practicality.
At the rear, connected LED tail lamps and a full-width light bar complete its modern look. According to designer Rajesh Sharma, “The Grand Vitara avoids flashy trends and focuses on timeless appeal-something many rivals miss.”
Dimensionally, it fits snugly into the midsize SUV category, measuring 4,345mm long, 1,795mm wide, and 1,645mm tall, with a 2,600mm wheelbase and 210mm ground clearance. It offers 9 paint choices, including dual-tone variants, making personalization easy.
Strong Hybrid Tech Comes to Maruti
The standout innovation in the Grand Vitara is its strong hybrid powertrain, a first for Maruti. The Intelligent Electric Hybrid system pairs a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle petrol engine with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery. Together, they deliver 115 hp and the ability to run short distances on electric power alone, enhancing urban efficiency.
This setup, coupled with an e-CVT, offers a refined driving experience and fuel efficiency of up to 27.97 km/l, beating many small hatchbacks.
“This is not your average mild hybrid,” explains engineer Vikram Mehta. “It’s a full-fledged hybrid capable of electric-only operation—something rare in this segment.”
For traditional buyers, Maruti offers its familiar 1.5-liter K-series petrol engine with 103 hp. It’s available with both manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions, and mild hybrid support for added efficiency. Select trims also offer AllGrip AWD, making the Grand Vitara the only SUV in the segment to offer such capability—ideal for India’s unpredictable roads.
Premium Interior Meets Practicality
Step inside, and it’s clear Maruti wants to play in the premium space. Soft-touch materials, leatherette upholstery, piano black accents, and satin chrome trim elevate the cabin. The dashboard design is modern yet functional.
The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and is complemented by connected car features. A 7-inch digital instrument cluster adds a tech-forward feel, while physical buttons remain for climate and audio control—maintaining practicality.
“The UI is intuitive and functional,” says UX designer Priya Venkatesh. “They’ve kept the touchscreen modern but wisely retained buttons where it counts.”
Comfort hasn’t been overlooked. Front seats offer good bolstering and thigh support. The rear seats, aided by a flat floor, easily accommodate three adults. Even with a panoramic sunroof, headroom remains decent. Boot space is rated at 373 liters, and split-folding seats boost cargo flexibility.
Driving Experience: Smooth and Confident
On the road, the Grand Vitara’s hybrid variant shines with its smooth electric propulsion at low speeds and near-seamless transitions to engine power. It’s especially quiet in city traffic. The petrol-only variant delivers decent highway performance but may need planning for overtakes.
The suspension is well-tuned for Indian roads—absorbing bumps while remaining composed in corners. “It walks the tightrope between comfort and control very well,” says dynamics specialist Arjun Nair.
Light steering at low speeds makes urban driving easy, while it firms up on highways for more confidence. Road and wind noise are minimal, thanks to better insulation and platform improvements. Braking is predictable, though the regenerative system on hybrids may take getting used to.
The AWD system, available on manual trims, offers real-world advantages in slippery conditions with driving modes like Auto, Snow, Sport, and Lock.
Safety and Features: A Step Ahead
Safety sees a big improvement over previous Maruti models. Up to six airbags are available, along with ESC, hill hold assist, TPMS, and a 360-degree camera. While advanced driver aids like adaptive cruise control are missing, Maruti has prioritized core safety.
The platform features high-tensile steel and has been engineered for crash protection. While GNCAP results aren’t yet available, the related Hyryder has received five stars, offering confidence in its safety credentials.
Pricing, Positioning, and the Road Ahead
Priced between ₹10.45 lakh and ₹19.65 lakh (ex-showroom), the Grand Vitara covers a wide market—from buyers upgrading from hatchbacks to those seeking a hybrid SUV under ₹20 lakh.
Incorporating cutting-edge tech and a refined design, it aims to reframe Maruti’s identity from a budget brand to a premium contender. The hybrid tech also positions Maruti well for India’s shift toward greener mobility without relying entirely on electric infrastructure.
“This is a strategic pivot,” says consultant Anand Mohan. “The Grand Vitara isn’t just a product—it’s Maruti announcing its ambition to lead in the evolving Indian market.”
Maruti Grand Vitara Launched at ₹12 Lakh: An Affordable SUV for the Masses
Final Verdict: More Than Just Another Maruti
The Maruti Grand Vitara could very well be a turning point. It proves that Maruti can build sophisticated, high-tech, desirable vehicles without abandoning its reputation for value and reliability.
While rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos remain strong competitors, Maruti’s unmatched service network, fuel efficiency, and new-age hybrid tech give the Grand Vitara a serious edge.
This isn’t just Maruti entering a new segment—it’s Maruti reinventing itself for a new generation of Indian buyers.
The Maruti Grand Vitara is a turning point for Maruti Suzuki. It shows a strong shift from small cars to a future focused on premium features and technology. Its bold design and strong hybrid powertrain challenge the view of Maruti as just a budget brand. The Grand Vitara mixes practicality, efficiency, and a smooth driving experience. It competes with top models and sets a new standard for Maruti. India’s automotive market is changing. This SUV shows that Maruti is a forward-looking player. It is ready to lead in a space that values sophistication, sustainability, and affordability.
