Maruti Suzuki Escudo - Arena’s Game Changer

Maruti Suzuki has been the India’s largest car manufacturer, thanks to its affordable and reliable cars. With NEXA showrooms, MSIL entered the premium space and launched multiple products, including Grand Vitara, XL6, INVICTO MPV, Baleno and Fronx. The vast ARENA dealership network focused on affordability and volume. However, the perception is about to be changed with the upcoming Escudo SUV. 

Codenamed internally as Y17, the Maruti Suzuki Escudo will arrive as the flagship ARENA SUV on September 3, 2025. This SUV is reportedly to create a new sub-category and will slot between the Brezza and Grand Vitara. However, it is ready to surprise many with an array of features combined with affordability. The SUV is set to challenge the dominance of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. 

LEVEL 2 ADAS and DOLBY ATMOS

The Escudo will come with several advanced features, which are not offered on any of the current Maruti product in India. The most significant is that it will be the first Maruti Suzuki model in India to feature LEVEL 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This will add several active safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, auto high beam and others. 

The Escudo will also be the first Maruti Suzuki car to feature Dolby Atmos audio technology. This system offers an immersive sound experience, which we have seen in higher segment cars. 

4WD System, Hybrid Engine 

Maruti Suzuki Escudo is reportedly to get a proper 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) option, which makes it the only model in the category to offer off-road capabilities. For people not in the know, the Grand Vitara is available with AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) system. 

The 4WD set-up is expected to be offered on the higher-spec petrol-only models. The Escudo 4WD will target the adventure lovers who want to occasionally venture for the off-beat locations. The SUV will be powered by the tried & tested 1.5-litre K15C mild-hybrid petrol engine with 5-speed manual and 6-speed torque convertor automatic. A CNG variant is also expected to join the line-up. The hybrid version could also be introduced with a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with an e-CVT. 

Positioning and Pricing

The Maruti Suzuki will be exclusively sold through the ARENA dealership network. It is expected to be positioned between the Brezza and Grand Vitara, and could cost somewhere around Rs 11 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. The new Escudo is expected to be slightly longer than the Grand Vitara, translating to bigger boot space and extra legroom for the rear occupants. 

Also See - Car Sales Report July 2025