New Toyota SUV Based on Maruti Escudo to Launch in India

It is no secret that Toyota is developing a new mid-sized SUV based on the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. While initially envisioned as a 7-seater, plans have shifted to a 5-seater configuration. The new SUV will be strategically positioned between the Taisor and Hyryder in Toyota’s line-up. Concurrently, Maruti Suzuki is also gearing up to launch a new 5-seater SUV this year, which is rumoured to be called the ‘Maruti Escudo.’

Toyota 5-seater SUV - Key Details

It is expected that the Toyota SUV will arrive in our market sometime in early 2026. This SUV is expected to be more accessible to masses in terms of pricing. It will be longer than the Hyryder, and likely to offer bigger boot space and more space in the second-row. 

The new Toyota mid-sized SUV will be based on the Suzuki’s Global-C platform that also underpins the Hyryder, Grand Vitara and Brezza. It is also expected to feature the same 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine with a mild-hybrid engine, and produces 103bhp and 136.8Nm of torque. The same powertrain will also be paired to a factory-fitted CNG-kit, which produces 87bhp of power. 

The 1.5L TNGA strong hybrid engine offers a maximum usable power of 114bhp, and is paired to an e-CVT. It is claimed to offer an ARAI certified mileage of over 27kmpl, and the same is expected with the new 5-seater Toyota SUV.

The new SUV is likely to share the features with the Hyryder, which includes a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a semi-digital driver’s display, a panoramic sunroof and others. The new SUV is not likely to receive the AWD system available in the Grand vItara and Hyryder. Six airbags, ABS with EBD, and ESP will be offered as standard. 

Upcoming Toyota SUVs

Toyota is also planning to launch the Fortuner MHEV, which is basically a mild-hybrid diesel version. This SUV is already on sale in South Africa, where it is available in the Legender model. Both 4x2 and 4x4 versions are likely on offer. Adding to it, the brand's first electric SUV for India, the Urban Cruiser EV, is also expected to arrive in our market in the end of 2025 or early 2026.

Also See - Maruti Victoris (Escudo) Launch Decoded - Strategy Behind the SUV Shift