New Toyota SUV Likely to Slot Between Taisor and Hyryder - Based on Maruti Escudo

It is no secret that Maruti Suzuki is gearing up for the launch of an all-new midsize SUV on September 3, 2025. The new SUV is most likely to be the new flagship SUV from ARENA dealership network, which has over 3,000 dealers across India. Rumoured to be called the Maruti Escudo, the SUV is likely to be positioned between the Brezza and Grand Vitara. Toyota and Maruti Suzuki are in a strategic partnership, and if rumours are to be believed, Escudo based Toyota midsize SUV is also under development. 

Toyota’s derivative of the Maruti Suzuki Escudo SUV will arrive at a later stage. This model was earlier planned to be a 7-seater SUV based on the Hyryder or Grand Vitara. Seeing the market trends and growing demand for mid-sized SUVs, the Joint Venture decides to introduce the new SUV as a 5-seater model. In fact, Toyota’s version of the SUV has already been caught testing on the Indian roads. However, the testing is halted after a change in plan. 

Toyota's Version of Escudo - What to Expect?

The new Toyota midsize SUV will slot between the Taisor and Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The Japanese car manufacturer is yet to make an official announcement on the same, but the previous sightings and latest developments suggest that Toyota’s version will arrive in our market. 

The new Toyota SUV will share the body panels and interior details with the Escudo, but with changes to front and rear. Moreover, the cabin is likely to receive a new interior scheme. The new model will be slightly longer than the Hyryder, and will offer bigger boot. The Hyryder mild-hybrid version offers a boot space of 373-litres, which is the smallest in its category. The boot space further slides to 265-litres with the hybrid powertrain. The increase in length will help Toyota to create more space in the second-row and in boot. 

Moreover, the new Escudo based Toyota SUV will come with features that are missing in the existing Hyryder. The SUV is likely to get LEVEL 2 ADAS tech with features like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane assist and others. Adding to it, the SUV could get front parking sensors, powered tailgate and a bigger touchscreen infotainment unit. 

The SUV is most likely to share the engine options with the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Toyota’s major focus will be on selling the hybrid version, while Maruti Suzuki will push hybrid and CNG versions more to the perspective buyers of the Escudo. The engine options likely to include a Suzuki’s 1.5L NA petrol and a 1.5L 3-cylinder TNGA hybrid engine. Similar to the Hyryder, the new Toyota midsize SUV could get a CNG powertrain. 

The new Toyota SUV will come as an affordable alternative to the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the upcoming Tata Sierra and Renault Duster. Stay tuned to CarLelo for more updates on the same.

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Source - AutoCarIndia