Toyota Likely to Launch Maruti Escudo Based SUV; Slot Between Taisor and Hyryder

We informed you earlier that the long-awaited Maruti Escudo will launch on September 3, 2025. The all-new mid-sized SUV will be retailed through ARENA Channel and will be positioned below the NEXA-only Grand Vitara. Interestingly, Toyota is also planning to introduce its own version of the Escudo in the Indian market. 

The new Toyota mid-sized SUV will be positioned between the Urban Cruiser Taisor and the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. It will share the platform and engine options with the Hyryder. The new model will come as an affordable alternative to the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and others in the category. 

It was earlier planned to be a 7-seater model; which is not likely to happen. The new model will be launched as a 5-seater practical SUV, which is likely to be more accessible to masses in terms of pricing. It will be longer than the Hyryder and could 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 underpins the Hyryder, Grand Vitara and Brezza. Toyota is currently selling the Taisor in a sub-compact SUV category, leaving enough price gap for the company to introduce a new SUV. Likely to be positioned between the Taisor and Hyryder, the new Toyota SUV is expected to get the same 102bhp, 1.5L, 4-cylinder petrol engine with a mild-hybrid set-up. A factory-fitted CNG kit is also expected to join the line-up. 

The SUV could get a 1.5L TNGA strong hybrid engine that offers a maximum usable power of 114bhp. The Hyryder hybrid is claimed to offer an ARAI certified mileage of over 27kmpl, and the same is expected with the new 5-seater mid-sized Toyota SUV. 

In terms of features, the new SUV is likely to be packed with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, a semi-digital driver’s display, a panoramic sunroof, powered driver’s seat and others. The hybrid model is likely to get a digital driver’s display, ventilated front seats and powered driver’s seat. Six airbags, ABS with EBD, and ESP will come as standard.

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