Maruti Escudo is set to launch on 3rd September 2025 in India. Positioned between Brezza and Grand Vitara, the mid-size SUV will rival Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Check expected price, engine, features, and all details here.
Introduction – Maruti Escudo SUV
India’s automobile market has witnessed a massive transformation over the last decade, and the SUV segment has been the biggest contributor to this change. From micro SUVs to mid-size and full-size models, Indian buyers have embraced the SUV lifestyle more than ever.
Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos have been ruling the mid-size SUV market for years. However, Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest carmaker, has not been able to establish a strong presence in this particular category despite successes with compact SUVs like Brezza and premium offerings like Grand Vitara.
To bridge this gap, Maruti Suzuki is now preparing to launch an all-new Escudo in India on 3rd September 2025. The upcoming SUV has already created a buzz, and it is expected to directly challenge Creta and Seltos with its aggressive styling, feature-loaded cabin, and hybrid engine options.
Maruti Escudo – The Name & Trademark
Although the company has not officially announced the name, reports suggest that the new SUV will carry the Escudo branding. A few weeks ago, Maruti Suzuki filed a trademark for the Escudo nameplate, strengthening speculations. Globally, Suzuki Escudo has been a popular SUV, and the same legacy might now enter the Indian market.
The SUV is codenamed Y17 internally. Initially, it was rumored to be a 7-seater SUV, but fresh reports confirm that the Indian version will be launched as a 5-seater mid-size SUV.
Positioning in Maruti’s SUV Lineup
The Escudo will be positioned between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara in Maruti’s portfolio. This makes it larger than the Brezza but slightly more affordable and compact compared to the Grand Vitara.
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Brezza → Sub-compact SUV (under 4m)
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Escudo (Upcoming) → Mid-size SUV (Creta rival)
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Grand Vitara → Premium mid-size SUV
This positioning ensures Maruti can tap into a wider audience who prefer spacious and feature-packed SUVs but still want affordability.
Launch Date & Sales Network
Maruti Escudo will make its official debut on 3rd September 2025. Unlike the Grand Vitara, which is sold via Nexa dealerships, the Escudo will be retailed through Maruti’s Arena dealerships. This is an interesting move since Arena is Maruti’s more affordable and wider-reaching dealership chain, which will help the new SUV target middle-class families across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Engine & Performance of Maruti Escudo
The new SUV is based on Suzuki’s Global-C platform, the same platform that underpins both Brezza and Grand Vitara.
Expected Engine Options:
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1.5-litre K-Series Petrol Engine
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Power: Around 102 bhp
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Transmission: 5-speed MT / 6-speed Automatic
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Proven reliability and efficiency
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1.5-litre TNGA Petrol Hybrid (Toyota-sourced)
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Power: 115 bhp (combined output)
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Transmission: e-CVT
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Strong Hybrid Technology for better fuel efficiency
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Lower running costs compared to rivals
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The inclusion of a strong-hybrid engine could become a major USP for the Escudo, especially when Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos still depend mainly on turbo-petrol and diesel engines.
Features of Maruti Escudo
Maruti Suzuki has realized that Indian SUV buyers now demand premium features, and therefore the Escudo will not disappoint.
Key Features Expected:
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Panoramic Sunroof
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Ventilated Front Seats
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360-degree Surround Camera
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Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
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9-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System
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Wireless Phone Charger
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All-Digital Instrument Cluster
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Premium Sound System
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Connected Car Features (Suzuki Connect)
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Multiple Drive Modes
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Advanced Safety Suite with 6 Airbags
This comprehensive list will help the Maruti Escudo stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
Safety Features
Safety has become a top priority for Indian buyers, and Maruti Escudo is expected to carry a strong safety package, including:
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6 Airbags
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ABS with EBD
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Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
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Hill Hold Assist
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ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
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High-strength body structure
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Parking Sensors & 360-degree camera
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Expected Price of Maruti Escudo
While Maruti has not revealed the official pricing, industry experts expect Maruti Escudo price in India to start around ₹10.5 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base petrol variant and go up to ₹18.5 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top hybrid variant.
This will position it perfectly between the Brezza (₹8–14 lakh) and the Grand Vitara (₹12–23 lakh).
Competitors of Maruti Escudo
The Maruti Escudo will compete directly against the strongest rivals in the Indian SUV market:
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Hyundai Creta
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Kia Seltos
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Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
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Honda Elevate
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MG Astor
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Skoda Kushaq
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Volkswagen Taigun
Among these, the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos dominate the market, and Maruti will aim to steal a significant share with its hybrid technology and Arena dealership reach.
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Why Maruti Escudo Can Be a Game Changer?
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Hybrid Powertrain → Better mileage, lower running cost.
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Arena Dealerships → Wider reach in rural & urban markets.
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Feature-Loaded Cabin → Premium experience at affordable pricing.
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Brand Trust → Maruti’s strong after-sales and service network.
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Perfect Segment Positioning → Filling the gap between Brezza and Grand Vitara.
The Maruti Escudo is shaping up to be one of the most important SUV launches of 2025. With a launch date of 3rd September 2025, Maruti aims to disrupt the Hyundai Creta–Kia Seltos dominated mid-size SUV segment.
Loaded with features, hybrid engine technology, and a competitive price point, the Escudo could be the breakthrough Maruti has been waiting for in the mid-size SUV category.
For SUV buyers looking for a balance of power, fuel efficiency, features, and Maruti’s reliability, the Maruti Escudo might just be the perfect choice.
FAQs on Maruti Escudo
Q1. What is the launch date of Maruti Escudo in India?
Maruti Escudo will be launched on 3rd September 2025.
Q2. Will Maruti Escudo be a 5-seater or 7-seater SUV?
The Escudo will be launched as a 5-seater mid-size SUV.
Q3. Which platform will Maruti Escudo use?
It will be based on the Global-C platform, the same as Brezza and Grand Vitara.
Q4. What engine options will be available in Maruti Escudo?
It is expected to come with a 1.5L petrol engine and a 1.5L strong-hybrid engine sourced from Toyota.
Q5. What will be the price of Maruti Escudo?
The expected price range is ₹10.5 lakh to ₹18.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
Q6. Which SUVs will Maruti Escudo compete with?
Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Toyota Hyryder, MG Astor, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun.
Q7. Will Maruti Escudo be sold via Nexa or Arena?
The Escudo will be sold via Arena dealerships, making it more accessible to customers.
Q8. What are the key features of Maruti Escudo?
Panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, digital cluster, wireless charging, and advanced safety features.