Maruti Suzuki is quietly preparing to expand its SUV portfolio with an all-new model — the Maruti Suzuki Escudo. Though it will be positioned below the Grand Vitara in the lineup, early sightings of camouflaged prototypes hint at a surprising twist: it might actually be longer than its elder sibling.
Expected to launch in 2025, the Escudo will aim to fill a sweet spot between compact SUVs and larger mid-size models, while leveraging familiar powertrains and selling through Arena dealerships.
Here’s a deep dive into everything we know so far about the Escudo.
Sized Below Grand Vitara, But Possibly Longer
Don’t let the “below Grand Vitara” tag fool you. While the Escudo is intended to be a more affordable and accessible SUV, test mules have revealed proportions that suggest it could be slightly longer than the Grand Vitara — possibly around the 4.4-meter mark.
The added length may not translate into a more premium position, but instead hints at greater interior space, improved rear legroom, or even extra cargo capacity — making it appealing to Indian families who want more room without a bigger price tag.
Shared Powertrains with Grand Vitara
Under the hood, the Escudo is expected to borrow powertrain options from the Grand Vitara, which means:
- A 1.5L K15C petrol engine with mild hybrid tech (103 bhp, 137 Nm)
- A 5-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox
- Possibly, a Toyota-sourced strong hybrid powertrain with e-CVT in higher trims
This setup allows Maruti to reuse proven, fuel-efficient tech while keeping development costs low. The strong hybrid variant could deliver impressive fuel economy upwards of 27 km/l, making it a top choice for mileage-focused buyers.
Arena Dealership Positioning: Mass Appeal Strategy
Unlike the more premium Grand Vitara and e Vitara, which retail via Nexa, the Escudo will be sold through Maruti’s Arena outlets — the brand’s most widespread and mass-market dealership channel.
This signals two things:
- Affordability will be a focus. Expect a starting price below ₹10 lakh.
- Maruti is aiming to make this SUV widely accessible, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
The Escudo will likely come in multiple trims, covering everything from basic manual variants to feature-rich automatics and hybrids, catering to a wide spectrum of buyers.
Design: Rugged and Youthful Look Incoming
While the Escudo hasn’t been fully revealed yet, early spy shots show a boxier silhouette and chunky proportions, possibly taking inspiration from global Suzuki models like the S-Cross and Vitara Brezza.
Expected design elements:
- Squared-off wheel arches with plastic cladding
- Wide grille with honeycomb or slatted pattern
- Dual-tone alloy wheels
- Projector headlamps with LED DRLs
- Bold bumper designs to enhance its SUV appeal
It’s clear that Maruti is aiming for a rugged-yet-modern design to attract younger buyers and small families wanting an SUV with real road presence.
Interior Layout and Features
Though exact interior details are under wraps, the Escudo is likely to share cabin elements with the Grand Vitara and Brezza. That means we can expect:
- A 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SmartPlay Pro+
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Automatic climate control
- Push-button start, cruise control, and steering-mounted controls
- Digital-analogue instrument cluster
- Rear AC vents and a 60:40 split-folding rear seat
Top variants may also offer connected car tech, voice commands, and possibly a 360-degree camera, as seen in the Grand Vitara Alpha+.
Safety Tech and Platform
The Escudo will most likely be based on the Global C platform — shared with the Grand Vitara, Brezza, and Toyota Hyryder. This platform has already proven its structural safety in global NCAP tests, and the Escudo should benefit from that legacy.
Safety features expected:
- Dual airbags (standard), up to six airbags in top variants
- ABS with EBD, ESC, hill hold assist, and TPMS
- ISOFIX mounts and rear parking sensors with camera
Given increasing customer focus on safety, Maruti is likely to equip even the mid variants well.
Launch Timeline and Pricing Expectations
The Maruti Suzuki Escudo is expected to debut in mid-to-late 2025, with prices starting from ₹9.5 lakh to ₹14 lakh (ex-showroom). It will compete with:
- Hyundai Creta (base variants)
- Kia Seltos HTE
- Tata Nexon
- Renault Duster (2025 model)
- Mahindra XUV 3XO higher trims
Its value-driven pricing, longer footprint, and hybrid options could make it one of the most practical urban SUVs in its class.
Key Highlights
• Maruti Suzuki Escudo SUV in development, launch expected by late 2025
• Will sit below Grand Vitara in Maruti’s lineup, but could be longer in size
• Shares engines with Grand Vitara — 1.5L petrol mild-hybrid and possibly strong hybrid
• Will be retailed through Arena outlets, focusing on mass-market buyers
• Features to include 9-inch infotainment, wireless CarPlay, 6 airbags, rear AC
• Expected price range: ₹9.5–14 lakh, targeting Hyundai Creta base and Seltos HTE
• Will likely offer strong fuel efficiency, ADAS not confirmed yet
• Positioned as a spacious, feature-rich SUV for families and value seekers
A Smart New Addition to Maruti’s SUV Family
The Maruti Suzuki Escudo is shaping up to be more than just another entry-level SUV. With its longer profile, proven powertrains, and spacious interiors, it could easily become the go-to choice for Indian buyers who want the SUV stance of the Grand Vitara but at a more accessible price point.
By combining value, space, and trusted performance, the Escudo might just be Maruti’s next best-seller in the compact SUV space. Keep your eyes on this one — it could quietly steal the spotlight when it arrives in 2025.