On September 3, 2025, Maruti Suzuki is scheduled to introduce its newest midsize SUV in India, which is most likely going to be called the Maruti Escudo. The Escudo will be released as a five-seater through Maruti’s Arena dealership network, putting it in a direct competitive position with the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
Positioning in the Market and Strategic Fit
Internally designated as Y17, the Escudo will function as a flagship vehicle for Arena stores, filling the gap between the high-end Grand Vitara and the XUV 3-seater Brezza. With a broader reach than Grand Vitara’s Nexa distribution, Escudo hopes to provide a compelling value proposition in the mid-size SUV market in India.
Priced between ₹10 lakh and ₹15 lakh (ex-showroom), the expected pricing is aggressive and competitive, undercutting base Grand Vitara variants while providing more features than top-tier Brezza vehicles.
Dimensions, Design, and Aesthetics
According to early spy photos and previews, the Escudo will resemble the Grand Vitara in terms of appearance, with dramatic cladding with skid-plate features, squared-off wheel arches, LED tail-light graphics, and upright LED headlights. Targeting consumers who want an SUV presence with a sporty edge, the design is anticipated to be sturdy and upright.
Notably, the SUV’s dimensions closely match those of the Creta and Selto and it is probably a little longer than the Grand Vitara (4,345 mm), providing ample boot capacity for family use.
Options & Powertrain
Escudo is anticipated to make use of Maruti’s Global C platform, which the Grand Vitara also shares. Options for the powertrain could include:
- 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine with 5 manual and 6 automatic gearboxes (103 PS and 139 Nm).
- Option for mild hybrid (e.g., the same engine combined with an e-Power Assist unit)
- Strong-hybrid variant (e.g., e-CVT and 115.6 ps)
- A kind of CNG that produces about 88 PS
Suzuki’s AllGrip 4WD system may also be available on some trim levels, matching the Grand Vitara’s off-road-ready models.
Features & Interior
The interior design of the cabin is anticipated to heavily reference Grand Vitara and e-Vitara features:
- Wireless 9-inch touchscreen infotainment CarPlay on Android and Apple
- Instrument display, either fully digital or semi-digital
- In more expensive models, a panoramic sunroof, automated climate control, and ventilated front seats
- ESC, six airbags, ABS with EBD, and a rear parking sensor or camera are examples of safety equipment; better trims may even have a 360° camera and Level 1 ADAS.
Wireless charging, air purification, and segment-first features for its price range are likely to be included in other technology.
Competitive Environment and Consequences
Escudo from Maruti emerges as a formidable rival to:
- The Hyundai Creta
- The Kia Seltos
- The Honda Elevate
- Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq
- MG Astor
Escudo is well-positioned to attract customers seeking more upscale features at reasonable prices thanks to its Arena distribution and wider dealer availability, including in tier-2 and tier-3 locations. At comparable price points, this could greatly extend the appeal of Creta and Seltos.
Escudo’s potential to revolutionize the arena-network advantage:
- increased availability and broader reach
- Grand Vitara is being undercut by affordable prices.
- Feature-rich: high-end features at a moderate cost
- Eco-friendly versions: CNG and hybrid options
- Six airbags and sophisticated driver assistance are safety features.
The Maruti Escudo is the company’s most calculated SUV push in years, and it will launch on September 3, 2025. The five-seater Escudo is aimed at the vast and fiercely competitive market that Creta and Seltos occupy. It claims to combine Maruti’s renowned dependability with contemporary style, hybrid drivetrains, and a wealth of safety technology, all while keeping prices affordable through Arena dealerships.
With the ideal balance of size, space, technology, and efficiency, Escudo may define the future generation of family-friendly, budget-friendly mid-size SUVs as India’s SUV market develops further.