Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to launch its new mid-size SUV, the Maruti Escudo, in India on September 3, 2025. What makes this special is that it will be sold through Maruti Suzuki’s Arena dealership network, while premium SUVs like the Grand Vitara are sold through Nexa. The Escudo aims to attract customers who want the quality and features similar to the Grand Vitara, but at a slightly more affordable price.
Key Features of the Maruti Escudo (Expected)
Attractive Design and Strong Presence:
The Maruti Escudo’s design will draw some inspiration from the Grand Vitara but will have its own distinct identity.
- Length and Space: The Escudo is expected to be slightly longer than the Grand Vitara, offering more cabin and boot space. This will make it a practical choice for families.
- Styling: Spy shots suggest it will share some key styling elements with the Grand Vitara, but it may also feature some unique changes to help it fit into the Arena lineup.
- Exterior: It could feature LED headlights, LED DRLs, and a muscular design, giving it a strong presence on the roads.
- Wheels: It may come with 17 or 18-inch alloy wheels.
- Seating: Initial reports suggest it will be a 5-seater SUV, although there are some speculations about a 3-row (7-seater) variant as well.
Reliable Performance:
The Maruti Escudo will offer a dependable driving experience with its proven powertrain options.
- 1.5-liter Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine (Mild-Hybrid): It is expected to get the same 1.5-liter K15C naturally aspirated petrol engine from the Grand Vitara, which comes with mild-hybrid technology. This engine will produce approximately 103 bhp of power and 137 Nm of torque.
- Transmission: This engine will be available with 5-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission options.
- Strong Hybrid and CNG (Potential): Maruti might initially omit the strong hybrid powertrain to control costs and maintain differentiation between the Arena and Nexa product lines. However, a CNG option might be introduced in the future.
- Drivetrain: While the Grand Vitara offers an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, the Escudo’s higher variants are also expected to get a 4WD (four-wheel drive) option, making it capable of off-roading.
Feature-Loaded Interior:
The Maruti Escudo’s interior will be comfortable and equipped with modern features, similar to the Grand Vitara.
- Infotainment System: It will feature a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
- Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster: There will be a semi-digital instrument cluster to provide essential information to the driver.
- Sunroof: Higher variants may get a single-pane sunroof.
- Other Conveniences: Features like automatic climate control, rear AC vents, keyless entry and go, push-button start/stop, and electrically adjustable wing mirrors could be part of the standard kit.
- Premium Audio: It could be the first Arena-exclusive model to come with Dolby Atmos audio technology. It might also get a powered tailgate.
- Connected Car Tech: Suzuki Connect telematics features will also be included.
Safety and ADAS:
Safety will be another key highlight of the Maruti Escudo.
- Airbags: It will come with 6 airbags (fewer in base variants).
- Standard Safety Features: Features like Electronic Stability Control (ESC), rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will be provided across all variants.
- Level-2 ADAS: This will be Maruti Suzuki’s first Arena-exclusive offering to feature Level-2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). This could include features like adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation assist, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Maruti Escudo Expected Price in India and Rivals:
The starting ex-showroom price of the Maruti Escudo in India is expected to be approximately ₹9 lakh to ₹15 lakh. This will help it directly compete with SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and Honda Elevate.
The Maruti Escudo is certainly poised to be a strong contender in the Indian SUV market, especially due to its affordable price, features, and Maruti Suzuki’s reliable network.