Maruti Suzuki is preparing to shake up the midsize SUV segment once again, this time with an all-new five-seater SUV that’s expected to be called the Maruti Suzuki Escudo. Scheduled to debut on September 3, 2025, this upcoming model is set to rival popular offerings like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Honda Elevate.
This new SUV will be positioned just below the Grand Vitara in Maruti Suzuki’s lineup but could actually be slightly longer in terms of dimensions. Interestingly, unlike the Grand Vitara which is sold through Nexa outlets, the Escudo will likely be retailed via Maruti’s Arena dealership network, broadening its market reach.
Aimed at Volume with Arena Reach
Maruti Suzuki’s choice to distribute the Escudo through Arena dealerships is a strategic move. The Arena channel has a wider footprint across the country and caters to a broader audience. With the Grand Vitara already positioned as a more premium SUV via Nexa, the Escudo will target budget-conscious customers who still want a stylish and feature-packed midsize SUV.
Expected to be priced between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom), the Escudo will appeal to both urban buyers and small families looking for a mix of comfort, size, and performance.
What to Expect: Styling Inspired by Grand Vitara and e Vitara
Spy shots of the upcoming Escudo suggest that it takes design cues from both the Grand Vitara and the recently spied e Vitara electric SUV. The front fascia features a wide and upright grille with bold horizontal slats, flanked by sharp-looking LED headlamps. The bumper has been redesigned with a broader central air dam and vertically stacked LED fog lamps.
The bonnet appears more sculpted and flows into squared-off wheel arches that add some rugged character to the SUV. Other visible highlights include:
- Revised front and rear skid plates
- Connected LED light bar at the rear
- Updated tail lamp graphics
- Newly designed Y-pattern alloy wheels
- Redesigned tailgate with subtle creases
- Fresh paint options likely to be introduced
The Escudo might not look radically different from the Grand Vitara, but the tweaks give it a youthful and more mass-appeal friendly stance.
Feature-Rich Cabin Loaded With Tech
Inside, the Escudo is expected to carry forward a familiar dashboard layout inspired by the Grand Vitara. The cabin will likely feature a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features that could be on offer include:
- Semi-digital instrument cluster
- Automatic climate control
- Sunroof (possibly panoramic on higher trims)
- Rear AC vents
- USB Type-C fast charging ports
- Steering-mounted controls
- Push-button start with keyless entry
- Multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, hill hold assist, and more
Depending on the variant, soft-touch materials and dual-tone interior themes might also be offered to enhance cabin feel.
Powertrain Options: Hybrid Efficiency Expected
Maruti Suzuki is likely to equip the Escudo with the same 1.5-litre mild hybrid and strong hybrid petrol engines that currently power the Grand Vitara. The 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine makes around 102 bhp and 137 Nm, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
The 1.5-litre strong hybrid powertrain, co-developed with Toyota, combines a petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of around 114 bhp, mated to an e-CVT. The strong hybrid version offers excellent fuel efficiency and can run short distances on pure electric power.
While the mild-hybrid variant is expected to be offered in more trims, the strong hybrid could be reserved for top-end models. A CNG variant may also be introduced later, following Maruti’s current trend of offering multiple fuel options.
Rivals in the Segment
Once launched, the Escudo will take on some of the most competitive midsize SUVs in India. Its closest rivals include:
- Hyundai Creta
- Kia Seltos
- Honda Elevate
- Skoda Kushaq
- Volkswagen Taigun
- MG Astor
All these models come packed with features and strong brand presence. However, Maruti’s wide service network, reliability, and hybrid efficiency could give the Escudo a significant edge, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Is the Escudo Maruti’s Next Big Hit?
Maruti Suzuki has been consistently expanding its SUV portfolio in India. With the Brezza, Grand Vitara, Fronx, and Jimny already covering different price points, the Escudo will fill the gap for buyers looking for a spacious, petrol-powered SUV that is stylish yet budget-friendly.
Its positioning via the Arena channel, expected fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains, and proven feature set make it a strong contender in the crowded midsize SUV space. If priced right, the Escudo might become one of Maruti’s highest-selling SUVs yet.
FAQs
When will the Maruti Suzuki Escudo launch in India?
The official launch is scheduled for September 3, 2025.
What will be the price range of the Escudo?
Expected pricing will range between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom).
What engines will the Escudo offer?
It is likely to come with 1.5-litre mild-hybrid and strong-hybrid petrol engines, both already seen in the Grand Vitara.
Will the Escudo be sold via Nexa or Arena?
Unlike the Grand Vitara, the Escudo is expected to be sold via Maruti Suzuki’s Arena dealerships.
What are its main competitors?
The Escudo will rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, and others in the midsize SUV segment.