Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD – A Gimmick or a Genuine Advantage?

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD offers unique terrain modes, added features, and strong off-road ability at an affordable price point. Discover how it works, its benefits, price comparison, and whether it’s worth buying in 2025.

Introduction

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD is making headlines in India’s midsize SUV market, and for good reason. At a time when customer demand for traditional 4WD or AWD systems has reduced, Maruti Suzuki has gone against the tide by offering an all-wheel-drive variant in the Victoris. This positions it uniquely against rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Toyota Hyryder.

But is the Victoris AWD just a marketing gimmick, or does it deliver genuine value in the real world? Let’s take a deep dive into how the AWD system works, its real-world usability, its pricing compared to rivals, and most importantly — who should consider buying it.

What Makes the Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD Special?

At its core, an SUV is expected to deliver high ground clearance, capability to tackle broken roads, and some off-road potential. The Victoris AWD lives up to that definition by offering Maruti’s AllGrip Select AWD system, available with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (103hp, 139Nm) paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Unlike most midsize SUVs that only come in front-wheel-drive (FWD), the Victoris AWD ensures added versatility, making it a practical choice for buyers living in hilly terrain, snowy regions, or areas with rough roads.

How the Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD System Works

The AllGrip Select AWD in the Victoris offers four distinct terrain modes that can be toggled using a rotary dial on the centre console. Each mode adapts the power delivery and traction control settings for different driving conditions.

1. Auto Mode

• Default driving mode.
• Functions as a FWD for efficiency until slip is detected.
• Automatically transfers torque to rear wheels when required.
• Best suited for daily driving in cities and highways.

2. Snow Mode

• Engages permanent 4WD.
• Ensures stable grip on icy, wet, or slippery roads.
• Works alongside ESP to cut power to any wheel that slips.

3. Sport Mode

• Sharper throttle response for enthusiastic driving.
• Sends power to the rear wheels during cornering based on steering input.
• Ideal for winding hill roads or spirited driving sessions.

4. Lock Mode

• Splits torque 50:50 between front and rear wheels.
• Provides maximum traction for muddy, sandy, or uneven trails.
• Combined with hill-hold and hill-descent control, this mode makes the Victoris AWD surprisingly competent off-road.

During media drives, the SUV demonstrated impressive stability across rough patches, steep declines, and side slopes, proving it isn’t just a cosmetic feature but a capable AWD setup.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD Features

Apart from AWD functionality, this variant comes with premium features that give it an edge over its petrol MT, CNG, and strong hybrid counterparts:

• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
• Electronic parking brake
• Hill-descent control
• Automatic gearbox convenience (unlike manual-only AWD in Grand Vitara/Hyryder)
• Offered only in the fully loaded ZXI+(O) trim

This makes it the most feature-packed variant of the Victoris lineup.

Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD Price & Comparison

The Victoris AWD is priced competitively considering its capabilities.

• The AWD is ₹1.45 lakh more expensive than the standard Victoris petrol-AT.
• Despite the premium, it still undercuts the Creta Turbo DCT by around ₹83,000 while offering AWD capability.

Real-World Usability: Who Should Buy It?

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD isn’t for everyone. Its value depends on your lifestyle and driving needs.

Buy It If:

• You live in hilly areas with frequent inclines/declines.
• You face snowy or muddy terrains.
• You’re an off-road enthusiast who occasionally ventures onto trails but doesn’t need a full-fledged 4×4 SUV.
• You want added features + automatic convenience.

Avoid It If:

• Your driving is limited to city commutes and highways.
• You prefer better fuel economy (CNG or hybrid options are more efficient).
• You don’t see value in spending ₹1.45 lakh extra for AWD functionality you’ll rarely use.

Advantages of Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD

• Offers genuine AWD capability in the midsize SUV segment.
• Affordable compared to rivals.
• Terrain modes make it adaptable to multiple driving conditions.
• Rich feature list with ADAS and hill-descent control.
• Smooth 6-speed automatic transmission.

Also Read : Mulberry Cultivation – Government subsidy of Rs 3.55 lakhs for silk industry

Limitations of Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD

• Not as hardcore as full 4×4 SUVs with locking differentials.
• Premium of ₹1.45 lakh may feel high if AWD isn’t a necessity.
• Available only in top-spec trim, limiting affordability.
• Engine performance (103hp) may feel modest compared to turbo-petrol rivals.

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD is not a gimmick—it’s a genuine advantage for buyers who need added traction, versatility, and features. While it may not replace hardcore off-roaders, it confidently goes further than FWD competitors in tricky conditions.

If you live in areas with bad roads, hills, or snow, the extra ₹1.45 lakh is money well spent. But if your lifestyle is urban-centric, the standard petrol-AT or hybrid/CNG variants are more cost-effective choices.

FAQs on Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD

1. What is the price of Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD in India?
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris AWD ZXI+(O) is priced at ₹19.22 lakh (ex-showroom, India).

2. How is the Victoris AWD different from the petrol-AT variant?
The AWD costs ₹1.45 lakh more but offers AWD capability, additional terrain modes, hill-descent control, ADAS features, and better off-road performance.

Also Read : Top 10 Midsize SUVs August 2025 – Creta, Scorpio, Vitara, XUV700 & More

3. Does the Victoris AWD come with a manual transmission?
No, the Victoris AWD is available only with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

4. Is the AWD useful for city driving?
In urban use, AWD has limited benefits. It mainly helps in slippery conditions. For daily commutes, the standard petrol-AT is more practical.

5. How fuel-efficient is the Victoris AWD?
While exact mileage figures vary, the AWD is slightly less fuel-efficient than FWD variants since power is distributed to all four wheels when required.

6. Who should buy the Victoris AWD?
It’s ideal for people in hilly, snowy, or rough road regions, or for those who want a feature-packed SUV with occasional off-road capabilities.