If there’s one thing Indian car buyers love more than a sunroof or touchscreen, it’s mileage. And Maruti knows this better than anyone else. After giving the Grand Vitara a successful entry into the compact SUV segment, Maruti Suzuki has now launched the CNG version of the Grand Vitara in 2025, and trust me, this one is going to tickle the fancy of budget-conscious SUV lovers all across the country. The petrol version was already doing well thanks to its premium looks, hybrid tech, and SUV stance. But now, with the CNG variant added to the lineup, the Grand Vitara suddenly becomes even more tempting for those who want that SUV feel with the monthly running cost of a hatchback.
So, what does the Grand Vitara CNG 2025 bring to the table? Is it the perfect SUV for middle-class India? Let’s find out — from mileage to features to how it drives, we’ve got the full scoop.
Design – Still Stylish, No Visible Compromise
First off, the CNG variant looks exactly like the petrol version. And that’s a good thing. No weird stickers or “I run on gas” badges screaming from the side. The front fascia still gets that big chrome grille, stylish LED DRLs, and that mature, muscular stance which has made the Grand Vitara a favorite in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. The build quality feels solid, paint quality is rich, and overall, it still holds up against rivals like the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos. No one on the road is going to guess you’re driving a CNG vehicle unless they peep into the boot.
Boot Space – Thoda Adjustment Toh Chalega
Speaking of the boot, yes — this is where the CNG cylinder lives, and yes — it does eat into the space a bit. Compared to the petrol or hybrid variants, the CNG version has a smaller boot. So, if you’re planning that Manali road trip with four full-sized bags and a dog, you may have to get creative with packing. But for daily office runs, family outings, or grocery hauls? More than enough.
Interior – Premium Feel with Practical Touches
Step inside and the Grand Vitara CNG greets you with the same premium cabin layout you see in the other variants. You’ve got a dual-tone dashboard, a solid 7-inch or 9-inch infotainment screen depending on the variant, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and yes — Maruti’s SmartPlay Pro interface which works smoothly and supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The seats are comfy, the cabin feels airy, and the layout is practical — bottle holders, wireless charging in top trims, USB ports, rear AC vents, all present and accounted for. The good news? No feature compromise on the CNG version. So you’re not getting some stripped-down “base ka base” treatment.
Engine and Performance – Chill Drive, Paisa-Bachao Mode Activated
Now to the heart of it — the engine. The Grand Vitara CNG is powered by the same 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine found in the petrol version, but here it’s been tuned to run on CNG with dual fuel technology. The CNG mode delivers around 88 PS of power and 121.5 Nm of torque, which sounds less on paper but honestly, in city driving, it’s more than enough. The power drop compared to the petrol version is noticeable only if you’re trying to do highway overtakes like Schumacher. But if you’re the kind who drives chill, respects red lights, and keeps the AC on medium, this is right up your alley. It’s not built for speed, but it’s smooth, predictable, and extremely refined, which is exactly what 90% of Indian buyers want.
Transmission – Manual Only for Now
As of launch, the Grand Vitara CNG is only available with a 5-speed manual transmission. No automatic option yet — which is a bit of a bummer for urban drivers who’ve gotten used to two-pedal comfort. But hey, you can’t have everything at this price. The clutch is light, gear shifts are smooth, and it doesn’t feel like a punishment to drive even in city traffic. For those who don’t mind rowing gears, it’s a pretty fuss-free experience.
Mileage – The Star of the Show
Here’s where things get spicy. The claimed mileage of the Grand Vitara CNG is a jaw-dropping 26.6 km/kg, which, in plain English, means you can literally go from Delhi to Jaipur on a budget lighter than a weekend Zomato binge. With fuel prices doing cardio and running marathons every month, a CNG SUV that gives you this kind of economy? That’s a no-brainer for thousands of Indian families. Real-world figures may hover around 22–24 km/kg, depending on your driving style, AC usage, and how heavy your right foot is, but even then, it’s way cheaper than petrol or diesel running costs.
Features – Loaded Enough to Keep You Happy
Depending on which variant you pick — the CNG is offered in Delta and Zeta trims — you get a pretty decent set of features. There’s push-button start, reverse parking camera, cruise control, rear AC vents, steering-mounted controls, and even connected car tech in higher trims. No sunroof in the CNG version though — so if that’s a dealbreaker for your Instagram selfies, you’ve been warned. But overall, it doesn’t feel like Maruti is skimping. It’s got everything you actually use in daily life, not just features for the brochure.
Safety – Standard Pack with Trusted Build
On the safety front, the Grand Vitara CNG gets dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, high-speed alert, and seatbelt reminders — standard across all trims. The Zeta variant offers a few extra bells like hill-hold assist and ESP, but if you’re worried about basic safety, even the lower variant covers your essentials.
Pricing – Budget Friendly Without Looking Cheap
The Grand Vitara CNG is priced starting from ₹13.05 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Delta variant, and around ₹14.85 lakh for the Zeta variant. That’s a solid price considering you’re getting SUV size, Maruti service backup, CNG economy, and modern looks — all without needing a loan that lasts till your kid’s college admission. Compared to other compact SUVs like the Creta, Seltos, or Taigun, this one is easily among the most budget-friendly in the long run. Even in Maruti’s own lineup, it gives Ertiga CNG a tough fight if you don’t need third-row seats.
Verdict – Should You Buy It?
If you’ve been waiting for an SUV that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket every time you refill, the Maruti Grand Vitara CNG 2025 is a no-brainer. It looks premium, drives smooth, sips fuel like it’s saving for retirement, and comes with features that matter. Sure, it doesn’t offer turbo power or DCT auto gearbox or fancy ventilated seats, but for practical Indian buyers who care about monthly fuel bills, service ease, and a car that just works — this one hits all the right notes.
So if you’re the kind who calculates mileage even before taking a test drive, loves the SUV vibe, and wants something that feels premium but runs like a budget boss, the Grand Vitara CNG might just be your perfect fit.