Game-Changer Alert: Maruti Suzuki Escudo Ready to Redefine the SUV Segment in India
Maruti Suzuki, India’s top automaker, is set to unveil its much-awaited midsize SUV, Maruti Escudo, on September 3, 2025. Priced competitively between the compact Brezza and premium Grand Vitara, the Escudo will shake up India’s highly competitive midsize SUV market. With a mix of affordability, cutting-edge technology, and Maruti’s trademark fuel efficiency, this SUV is guaranteed to be a flagship product in the brand’s Arena dealership network. Here’s all you need to know about the Maruti Escudo, which is poised to take on the competition in the form of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
Design and Platform
Built on Suzuki’s robust Global C platform, shared with the Grand Vitara, the Maruti Escudo boasts a longer wheelbase, estimated between 4,330mm and 4,365mm, ensuring a spacious cabin and enhanced boot capacity compared to the Grand Vitara’s 373 liters. Its exterior design blends modern aesthetics with rugged appeal, featuring a bold hexagonal grille, sleek split LED headlamps, sculpted body panels, and connected LED tail lamps. Shod on 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, the Escudo has a bold stance apt for city roads as well as lightweight off-roading. The styling of the SUV is inspired by the Grand Vitara and the forthcoming e-Vitara, with some Indian-specific touches to suit domestic tastes.
Powertrain Options
The Escudo features a range of powertrains to meet varying tastes:
1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine: Producing around 103 bhp and 139 Nm of torque, this powertrain is equipped with mild-hybrid technology for better fuel efficiency. It is offered with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
1.5L Strong-Hybrid Variant: Blending a petrol engine with an electric motor, this configuration produces around 115 bhp and is mated to an e-CVT gearbox, which focuses on environment-friendlier performance.
CNG Option: A Maruti industry first, the Escudo offers an underbody mounted CNG tank, maintaining space in the boot and providing approximately 88 bhp. The factory-fitted CNG kit provides smooth integration with the engine, brakes, and suspension.
The Escudo will also be available with a four-wheel-drive (4WD) system, as opposed to the Grand Vitara’s all-wheel-drive setup, to better support its off-road capability for light use.
Cutting-Edge Features
The Maruti Escudo is set to be the most technologically advanced SUV in Maruti’s Arena lineup. It will be the first Maruti vehicle in India to feature Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking assist. Another highlight is the integration of Dolby Atmos audio technology, a first for Maruti, ensuring an immersive in-cabin experience. Other premium features include:
- A 9- or 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- A digital instrument cluster and heads-up display
- Front ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof (on variants above)
- Wireless charging, ambient LED lighting, and Suzuki Connect telematics
- A powered tailgate for convenience
- Safety First
Maruti Suzuki is focusing on safety with the Escudo, aiming for a high score in Bharat NCAP crash tests. The SUV will feature:
- Six airbags as standard on most variants
- ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and hill hold assist
- A 360-degree camera system
- All-wheel disc brakes
Pricing and Positioning
The Maruti Escudo is likely to begin at approximately ₹9.75 lakh for the lowest petrol variant, with high-end hybrid variants possibly going up to ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom). By offering the Escudo through its Arena dealerships, Maruti aims to make it accessible to a broader audience, particularly in smaller cities and towns. Positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Grand Vitara (sold through Nexa), the Escudo will compete directly with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, MG Astor, and others, blending premium features with Maruti’s hallmark affordability.
Market Impact
Given that the SUV market contributes to more than 54% of car sales in India in FY25, the launch of the Escudo could not have been better timed. The fact that Maruti has loaded it with sophisticated features such as Level-2 ADAS and Dolby Atmos, along with fuel-effective powertrains and a competitive price, makes it a force to be reckoned with in the midsize SUV space. The underbody CNG tank solves one of the pain points of CNG purchase for practicality without loss of cargo space. With Maruti diversifying its model portfolio, the Escudo is likely to bolster its leadership of India’s SUV market, supplementing the launch of the e-Vitara electric SUV later in 2025.
Conclusion
The Maruti Suzuki Escudo is more than just another SUV; it’s a bold step toward redefining Maruti’s Arena lineup with premium features, advanced safety, and versatile powertrains. Set to launch on September 3, 2025, the Escudo is poised to capture the hearts of Indian buyers looking for a stylish, tech-loaded, and fuel-efficient midsize SUV. As Maruti Suzuki continues to innovate, the Escudo stands as a testament to the brand’s ability to balance affordability with aspiration.
Business Connect Magazine hopes Maruti Suzuki success with this new launch and looks forward to the Escudo driving on Indian roads.
FAQ
What is the Maruti Suzuki Escudo?
The Maruti Suzuki Escudo is an upcoming midsize SUV, positioned between the Brezza and Grand Vitara in Maruti’s lineup.When will the Maruti Escudo launch in India?
It is scheduled for launch on September 3, 2025.Why is the Escudo called a “game-changer” SUV?
Because it combines affordability, premium features like Level-2 ADAS and Dolby Atmos, multiple fuel options (petrol, hybrid, CNG), and Maruti’s wide Arena network.Where will the Escudo be sold?
The Escudo will be retailed through Maruti Suzuki’s Arena dealerships.Which segment does the Maruti Escudo belong to?
It belongs to the midsize SUV segment, competing with Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Honda Elevate.
Design & Dimensions
What platform is the Escudo built on?
It is based on Suzuki’s Global C platform, also used by the Grand Vitara.What are the dimensions of the Escudo?
It is expected to measure 4,330–4,365 mm in length, with a longer wheelbase for more cabin space.What is the boot space capacity?
The Escudo will offer more than 373 liters, which is higher than the Grand Vitara.What are the key exterior design highlights?
Features include a bold hexagonal grille, split LED headlamps, sculpted panels, connected LED tail lamps, and 17-inch alloy wheels.Is the design inspired by other Suzuki models?
Yes, it draws inspiration from the Grand Vitara and e-Vitara, with India-specific styling cues.
Engine & Performance
What engine options are available in the Maruti Escudo?
Three options – 1.5L Petrol, 1.5L Strong Hybrid, and CNG.How much power does the 1.5L petrol engine produce?
It produces 103 bhp and 139 Nm torque.Does the petrol variant come with hybrid technology?
Yes, it comes with a mild-hybrid system for better mileage.What is the power output of the strong-hybrid variant?
The strong-hybrid variant produces around 115 bhp.What transmission options are available?
Petrol: 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
Hybrid: e-CVT gearbox
Will the Escudo have a CNG variant?
Yes, it will be India’s first midsize SUV with a factory-fitted CNG kit.What is the power output of the CNG variant?
The CNG engine produces around 88 bhp.Does the CNG variant affect boot space?
No, the Escudo uses an underbody-mounted CNG tank, retaining boot capacity.Will the Escudo offer a 4WD option?
Yes, it will get a 4WD system for mild off-road use.What is the expected mileage of the Escudo?
Mileage may range from 18–22 kmpl (petrol & hybrid), and 25+ km/kg (CNG).
Features & Technology
What makes the Escudo technologically advanced?
It is the first Maruti SUV to offer Level-2 ADAS and Dolby Atmos audio.What ADAS features does the Escudo include?
Lane departure warning
Adaptive cruise control
Emergency braking assist
What kind of infotainment system does it have?
A 9 or 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.Will the Escudo feature a digital instrument cluster?
Yes, it will have a digital display and a heads-up display.Does it come with a sunroof?
Yes, higher variants will have a panoramic sunroof.Does it support wireless charging?
Yes, wireless charging is available in top trims.Will it have premium audio?
Yes, the Escudo will feature Dolby Atmos sound technology, a Maruti first.Does it come with ventilated seats?
Yes, front ventilated seats are included in premium trims.Will it have connected car tech?
Yes, with Suzuki Connect telematics.Is a powered tailgate available?
Yes, selected trims will offer a powered tailgate.
Safety Features
What safety rating is expected for the Escudo?
It is expected to perform well in Bharat NCAP crash tests.How many airbags are available?
Six airbags will be standard in most variants.What braking system does it use?
The SUV will have all-wheel disc brakes.Does it include hill hold assist?
Yes, hill hold assist and electronic stability control are standard.Is a 360-degree camera available?
Yes, for better parking and safety assistance.Does it offer ABS with EBD?
Yes, ABS with EBD is standard.
Pricing & Variants
What will be the starting price of the Escudo?
It is expected to start at ₹9.75 lakh (ex-showroom).What will be the price of the top variant?
The strong-hybrid variants may cost up to ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom).Will the Escudo be more affordable than the Grand Vitara?
Yes, it is positioned as a budget-friendly alternative through Arena.How many variants will be offered?
Maruti is likely to launch multiple petrol, hybrid, and CNG trims.
Competition & Market Positioning
Which SUVs will the Escudo compete with?
It will rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, and MG Astor.How does the Escudo differ from the Grand Vitara?
The Escudo is Arena-based, slightly bigger, and more affordable, while the Grand Vitara is sold via Nexa.Why is the Escudo important for Maruti Suzuki?
It will help Maruti strengthen its hold in the fast-growing midsize SUV market.What share of car sales in India do SUVs hold?
SUVs account for over 54% of sales in FY25.Will the Escudo affect Brezza or Grand Vitara sales?
No, it fills the gap between Brezza and Grand Vitara, expanding choices.
Launch & Availability
Where will the Maruti Escudo be launched first?
It will debut in India on September 3, 2025.Will the Escudo be available for rural customers?
Yes, via Maruti Arena’s wide dealer network across small towns.Will the Escudo be exported to other markets?
Yes, Suzuki may export it to emerging markets in Asia and Africa.Can we book the Escudo before launch?
Bookings may start in August 2025 through Arena dealerships.When will deliveries of the Escudo begin?
Deliveries are expected from October 2025, ahead of Diwali.
