Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, is gearing up to introduce a new contender in its SUV portfolio – the Maruti Suzuki Escudo. The Escudo badge, known globally under the Suzuki Vitara moniker, is expected to make its way to the Indian market with a refreshed identity, bringing together modern design, hybrid technology, and premium features. As competition in the compact and mid-size SUV segments continues to intensify, Maruti is betting on the Escudo to add momentum to its already strong SUV presence, which includes models like the Brezza and Grand Vitara.
The upcoming launch of the Escudo SUV has generated significant interest among enthusiasts and everyday car buyers alike. This article explores what we can expect from the new Maruti Suzuki Escudo in terms of styling, interior features, engine options, safety, and pricing.
A Familiar Global Model with a New Identity
While the Escudo name may sound new to Indian customers, it’s essentially the Japanese domestic market version of the Suzuki Vitara. The Vitara has long been a successful compact SUV globally and has evolved over time to meet the demands of various markets. Maruti Suzuki is expected to rebrand this model under the Escudo name in India, potentially to differentiate it from previous Vitara iterations and align it more closely with its refreshed design and positioning.
The Escudo is likely to be positioned above the Grand Vitara, targeting buyers looking for a premium SUV with more sophistication and global appeal.
Expected Design Language and Dimensions
The Maruti Suzuki Escudo is anticipated to carry a bold and contemporary design. Based on recent global versions of the Vitara/Escudo, the SUV features a strong, upright front fascia with a wide grille, sleek LED headlamps, and a chiseled bumper that gives it a sporty yet robust character.
On the sides, a high shoulder line, squared-off wheel arches, and tasteful chrome accents contribute to an athletic stance. The rear is expected to feature sharp LED tail lamps and a neat tailgate design with minimal clutter, making the Escudo look premium and well-balanced.
Dimensionally, the Escudo is likely to measure around 4.2 to 4.3 meters in length, placing it in the mid-size SUV category, competing with the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, and the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Expect a good balance of cabin space, ground clearance, and road presence.
Interior and Cabin Features
Inside the cabin, the Escudo is expected to take a premium approach. Based on Suzuki’s global standards, the interiors should feature:
- A layered dashboard design with soft-touch materials
- A large floating touchscreen infotainment system (likely 9-inch)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Digital or semi-digital instrument cluster
- Ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof in higher variants
- Dual-zone climate control
- Premium fabric or faux leather upholstery depending on variant
Seating comfort, especially in the second row, is expected to be well-catered to with decent legroom, reclining rear seats, and rear AC vents. Maruti Suzuki may also offer ventilated front seats and a powered driver’s seat in higher trims, features that have become increasingly important in this segment.
Powertrain Options and Hybrid Tech
One of the most anticipated aspects of the Escudo is its powertrain. Maruti Suzuki is expected to offer the SUV with a strong hybrid setup, similar to what we’ve seen in the Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder.
The international-spec Escudo comes equipped with a 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to Suzuki’s self-charging hybrid system. This system offers:
- Improved fuel efficiency (expected 22–25 km/l combined)
- Smooth and silent drive experience
- Idle start-stop and regenerative braking
For the Indian market, the Escudo may offer:
- A 1.5-litre K15C Smart Hybrid petrol engine (mild hybrid) in base variants
- A 1.5-litre strong hybrid option in mid to top variants
Gearbox choices are likely to include a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic for the mild hybrid, and an e-CVT for the strong hybrid variant. All-wheel drive (Suzuki’s AllGrip tech) might be offered, but only in select variants.
Safety Features and Technology
In terms of safety, the Maruti Suzuki Escudo is expected to come well-equipped, especially if it aims to be a premium product. Safety features could include:
- Six airbags (top variants)
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Hill hold assist and hill descent control
- 360-degree camera
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), if offered, would be a first in a Maruti outside of its luxury Nexa lineup
Though ADAS is still a developing space in India, rivals like the Honda Elevate and MG Astor have introduced it, and Maruti might follow suit, especially in a model with global lineage like the Escudo.
Positioning, Expected Price, and Launch Timeline
Given its expected features and powertrain options, the Escudo will likely be slotted above the Grand Vitara. The pricing could start from around ₹13 lakh (ex-showroom) for the mild hybrid variants and go up to ₹20 lakh for the strong hybrid, depending on trim levels and tech offerings.
Maruti Suzuki could use its Nexa premium dealership network to retail the Escudo, reinforcing its positioning as a premium lifestyle SUV. This would also allow Maruti to target a more urban, feature-conscious buyer segment.
As for the timeline, the SUV is reportedly in advanced testing phases in India. With teasers and leaks already generating buzz, the official launch is expected in the coming months, possibly before the festive season in late 2025.
Final Thoughts
The Maruti Suzuki Escudo has the potential to be a compelling addition to the Indian SUV market. By blending global design, efficient hybrid powertrains, and a modern tech-laden interior, it promises to be a well-rounded product for those seeking something beyond the typical compact SUV.
Its success will depend on how competitively Maruti Suzuki prices the Escudo and how it balances feature offerings across variants. If all goes as expected, the Escudo could not only strengthen Maruti’s SUV lineup but also open doors for more global models to be brought to India under new avatars.
Buyers looking for a reliable, efficient, and premium SUV with hybrid tech should keep a close eye on this upcoming launch.