By proceeding, I acknowledge that I have read and agreed to the Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, consent declaration, and the sharing of my information with lending partners, dealers, OEMs, and for marketing communication via Phone Calls, SMS & WhatsApp.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Maruti Escudo set to challenge Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in the mid-size SUV segment Escudo to offer petrol, hybrid, CNG, and all-wheel-drive options for Indian buyers Launch expected around Diwali 2025, sold through Maruti’s wide Arena dealership network
Maruti Suzuki is ready to launch a new mid-size SUV called the Victoris (Escudo). As SUVs continue to dominate Indian roads, Maruti aims to offer buyers a new choice that fits perfectly between its compact Brezza and the larger Grand Vitara.
The Escudo is expected to bring a mix of modern design, advanced features, and versatile engine options, all while competing directly with popular models like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
With a launch planned for the festive season in 2025, the Escudo could soon become a strong contender in its class. Let’s have an idea behind the launch of the Maruti’s Escudo:
Focus Shifts to 5-Seater SUV
Earlier, Maruti planned to build a 3-row SUV to compete with big names like the Tata Safari and Mahindra XUV700. But now, the company has changed its plan to focus on the five-seater SUV segment, where demand is high and competition is strong. The Escudo, internally called Y17, is designed to go head-to-head with the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, two popular models in this space.
Also Read: Tata Harrier EV Promises to Change the EV Game in India - Here’s How
Bigger and More Spacious Than Grand Vitara
The Victoris (Escudo) is expected to be longer than the Grand Vitara, which measures 4,345 mm. It may even match or slightly exceed the length of the Kia Seltos, which is 4,365 mm. This extra size will give the Escudo a stronger road presence and offer more space inside the cabin. Like the Grand Vitara, it will be built on Maruti’s proven Global-C platform, which means a smooth and comfortable drive.
Multiple Engine Options to Choose From
The new SUV will share engine options with the Grand Vitara. This includes a 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 102 bhp, a hybrid version with 91 bhp, and a CNG variant for better fuel efficiency. The petrol version will have both manual and automatic transmissions, while the hybrid will come with an e-CVT gearbox. There might also be an all-wheel-drive option, which is rare in this SUV segment and could make the Escudo stand out.
Sold Through Arena Dealerships for Wider Reach
Unlike the Grand Vitara, which is sold through Maruti’s premium Nexa outlets, the Escudo will be sold via Maruti Suzuki’s Arena dealerships. Arena has many more outlets across India, especially in smaller towns and cities. This means the Escudo will be easier to find and may be priced more affordably. This wider reach could help Maruti sell more Escudos compared to its rivals.
Launch Expected Around Diwali 2025
Although Maruti has not confirmed the exact launch date, the Escudo is expected to arrive during the festive season, likely around Diwali. The festive period is one of the best times to launch a new car in India because many buyers look to purchase vehicles then.
Why the Victoris (Escudo) Could Be a Big Success
The Victoris (Escudo) offers a mix of attractive design, roomy interiors, multiple fuel options, and the reliability of Maruti’s vast service network. If Maruti prices it right, this new SUV could challenge the dominance of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. With strong features and an affordable price, the Escudo might quickly become one of the top choices for Indian SUV buyers.
About Author
Konica Singh
Sub-Editor
Konica Singh is a passionate Automotive Journalist who brings the world of cars to life, from EV trends to exciting new car launches. Backed by 7 years in content creation, she is skilled in writing, editing, and SEO strategy that drives engagement.
Education: MA English (Delhi University)
Social Media: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Email: konica.carlelo@gmail.com
Location: New Delhi
ADVERTISEMENT
Explore Similar Cars
Top Car Brands in India
Trending Car News in India
Tata Aeris Could be the Name of Tigor Facelift; Launch on September 25
The Tata Tigor facelift is expected to be renamed as the Tata Aeris, and is scheduled to be launched on September 25, 2026.
Chhavi
Read More
Sub-4 Meter Mahindra Scorpio Arriving Soon - Interior and Design Details
Built on Mahindra’s all-new NU_IQ modular platform, the Vision S based SUV is rumoured to be the smallest member of the Scorpio family. Launch in early 2027.
Chhavi
Read More
Maruti Dzire CNG AMT and Swift CNG AMT Launched; Check Price and Mileage
The Swift CNG AMT is available at a price tag of Rs 7.92 lakh, while the Dzire CNG AMT is priced at Rs 8.53 lakh, ex-showroom, India.
Chhavi
Read More
Maruti Baleno CNG AMT Price Rs 8.32 Lakh, Mileage 34.47km/kg
The Maruti Baleno CNG AMT version is claimed to deliver a fuel efficiency of 34.47 km per kg, that’s 0.86 km per kg higher than the CNG MT variant.
Chhavi
Read More
Kia Carens Clavis CNG and Carens CNG Launched: Check Prices and Specifications
Kia India has launched the factory-fitted Carens CNG and Carens Clavis at Rs 12.39 lakh and Rs 12.13 lakh, respectively, ex-showroom.
Chhavi
Read More
Mahindra XUV 3XO REVX EDGE Price and Features Explained
The Mahindra XUV 3XO REVX EDGE trim launched at a starting price of Rs 9.39 lakh, new XUV 3XO REVX M(O) launched with automatic gearbox under Rs 10 lakh.
Chhavi
Read More
Maruti Suzuki Working on 2 New SUVs
Maruti Suzuki is working on two new SUVs, including the Y43 compact SUV and Fronx facelift, with new engine, hybrid and ADAS technology expected.
Konica Singh
Read More
Latest Maruti Suzuki Car News and Updates
Maruti Dzire CNG AMT and Swift CNG AMT Launched; Check Price and Mileage
The Swift CNG AMT is available at a price tag of Rs 7.92 lakh, while the Dzire CNG AMT is priced at Rs 8.53 lakh, ex-showroom, India.
Chhavi
Read More
Maruti Baleno CNG AMT Price Rs 8.32 Lakh, Mileage 34.47km/kg
The Maruti Baleno CNG AMT version is claimed to deliver a fuel efficiency of 34.47 km per kg, that’s 0.86 km per kg higher than the CNG MT variant.
Chhavi
Read More
Maruti Suzuki Working on 2 New SUVs
Maruti Suzuki is working on two new SUVs, including the Y43 compact SUV and Fronx facelift, with new engine, hybrid and ADAS technology expected.
Konica Singh
Read More
Next Big Launch From Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai
Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai will launch the Wagon R facelift and the Bayon midsize SUV by October-November 2026, before Diwali.
Amit Sharma
Read More
Upcoming Maruti Cars in India - 7-Seater SUV, YMC EV, Fronx Facelift
From the highly-anticipated 7-seater Grand Vitara to a born-electric MPV and mass-market updates, here is a detailed breakdown of Maruti's upcoming lineup.
Amit Sharma
Read More
Maruti Wagon R Facelift to Get 1.2L 3-cylinder Engine, Underbody CNG
The upcoming Maruti Wagon R facelift is likely to be powered by an 81bhp, 1.2L, 3-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine paired either with a 5MT or an AMT
Chhavi
Read More
Maruti Baleno Facelift Full Price List and Top Upgrades
The Maruti Baleno facelift is available in 5 trim levels - Sigma, Delta, Zeta, Alpha and Alpha (O) - priced between Rs 5.99 lakh and Rs 9.99 lakh, ex-showroom.
Amit Sharma
Read More
Latest Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara News and Updates
4 All-New Maruti Utility Vehicles Coming Soon - Y43 Micro SUV to YMC MPV
Maruti is planning to launch 4 all-new utility vehicles, including Y43 micro SUV, 7-seater Grand Vitara, YMC 7-Seat MPV and YDB sub-4 meter MPV.
Amit Sharma
Read More
Planning to Buy Maruti Grand Vitara? Check This Month’s Discount Offers
Buyers can save up to Rs 95000 on the Maruti Grand Vitara Sigma petrol manual variant. Customers can also save up to Rs 90000 on the Delta and Zeta CNG variants
Chhavi
Read More
Top 10 Car Sales June 2026 - Tata Beats Mahindra, Maruti Stays No.1
Top 10 car sales June 2026: Maruti leads, Tata beats Mahindra for second place, while Hyundai, Toyota and Kia complete the top five rankings.
Konica Singh
Read More
Maruti Hybrid Cars Get Discounts Up To Rs 2.15 Lakh This June
Maruti Suzuki is offering attractive discounts and benefits on its existing hybrid offerings including the Maruti Victoris, Maruti Grand Vitara and Maruti Invic
Chhavi
Read More
New Bharat e-Charge App Could Simplify EV Charging in India
India is working on a new Bharat e-Charge app that could help EV users find chargers and make payments more easily. Get more insights!
Konica Singh
Read More
Maruti Planning New SUVs and MPVs to Regain Market Share
Maruti Suzuki plans new SUVs, MPVs, hybrids, EVs, and facelifts including Brezza, Baleno, and Grand Vitara to regain market share.
Konica Singh
Read More
New CAFE 3 Norms Benefit Small Cars the Most
India’s new CAFE 3 norms ease emission targets, benefiting small cars the most. Revised rules also update EV and hybrid credits. Full details inside.
Konica Singh
Read More
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Price in India
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Trending Cars in India
Explore Similar Cars
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Price in India
Trusted Dealer
All Over India
Irresistible Offers
Stay Updated, Pay Less
Compare Cars
Choose the Right Car
Easy Finance
Multiple Finance Options
Monday - Saturday
10:00am - 6:30pm
contact@carlelo.com