Maruti Victoris or Escudo Vs Grand Vitara - How Arena SUV Will Differ From its NEXA Sibling

Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch its all-new mid-sized SUV on September 3, 2025. It was speculated to be called the Maruti Escudo; however, the latest media reports claim that the new SUV could be called the Maruti Victoris. For reference, these two names are already trademarked by Maruti Suzuki in India. 

The new Maruti Victoris will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate and others in the category. The new SUV is based on Suzuki’s Global-C platform that also underpins the Grand Vitara. Various media reports and spy images reveal key differences between the upcoming Victoris and the Grand Vitara. 

Longer than Grand Vitara

This SUV was initially planned to be a 7-seater model; however, the plan changed due to changing market dynamics and the rise in demand for 5-seater SUVs. The new Maruti Victoris is reportedly to be slightly longer than the Grand Vitara. It is expected to offer a bigger boot, as the Grand Vitara offers the segment lowest 373-litres of luggage space. 

To be sold via ARENA dealerships

The Maruti Grand Vitara is sold through the NEXA dealership network, which has around 600 dealers across India. MSIL would aim to make the new model more accessible to the masses by selling it through the ARENA network. It will be sold through over 3000+ ARENA dealers present in almost all major cities, semi-urban and rural regions. 

More Features Expected

If media reports are to be believed, the Victoris SUV will come equipped with several high-end features which are missing in the current Grand Vitara. The mid-sized SUV is likely to get LEVEL 2 ADAS, new sound system with DOLBY Atmos for an immersive audio experience, and a powered tailgate. 

Likely to get Underbody CNG Kit

The new Maruti Victoris will share the engine options with the Grand Vitara, including petrol, hybrid and CNG. If media reports are to be believed, the mid-sized SUV could get an underbody CNG tank to free space in the boot. 

Affordable than Grand Vitara

The new Maruti Victoris will be positioned between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara in the brand’s line-up. This mid-sized SUV will come as an affordable alternative to the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos or even the Maruti Grand Vitara. We expect the new SUV to cost somewhere between Rs 10.50 lakh and Rs 18.5 lakh. 

Engine Options

The new Victoris will come with three engine choices - 103bhp, 1.5L petrol with a mild-hybrid tech, a 116bhp, 1.5L Atkinson cycle strong hybrid and a 88bhp, 1.5L petrol with a CNG kit. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed torque converter automatic, and an e-CVT (Hybrid). The 1.5L NA petrol with automatic gearbox will also get an AWD drivetrain. 

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