Maruti Suzuki Escudo: Everything You Need to Know About the Upcoming Creta Rival
Maruti Suzuki is all set to shake up the midsize SUV segment in India with its latest offering—the Maruti Suzuki Escudo. Slated for launch on September 3, 2025, the Escudo (internally codenamed Y17) will rival popular models like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, positioning itself between the Brezza and Grand Vitara in Maruti’s lineup.
Platform and Powertrain
The Escudo will be based on the same platform as the Grand Vitara, ensuring a robust and refined driving experience. It will also borrow powertrains from its premium sibling, including:
- A 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine (non-hybrid)
- A strong hybrid version for better fuel efficiency
This dual-engine strategy will allow Maruti to cater to a wide range of buyers, from those seeking affordability to those prioritizing eco-friendly performance.
Dimensions and Boot Space
The Maruti Suzuki Escudo is expected to be larger than the Brezza and could even surpass the Grand Vitara (4,345 mm) in length. Reports suggest its dimensions will range between 4,330 mm to 4,370 mm, making it a strong competitor in the midsize SUV segment.
Additionally, the Escudo is rumored to offer a bigger boot space than the Grand Vitara’s 373-liter capacity, enhancing its practicality for family buyers.
From 7-Seater to 5-Seater: A Strategic Shift
Initially, the Escudo was speculated to be a three-row, 7-seater SUV, with media dubbing it the “Grand Vitara 7-seater.” However, Maruti Suzuki later revised its strategy, opting for a 5-seater layout to prioritize affordability and competitive pricing. This decision also influenced its sales strategy—the Escudo will be sold through Maruti’s Arena dealerships, unlike the premium Nexa-retailed Grand Vitara.
Expected Price and Positioning
The Maruti Escudo will slot between the Brezza and Grand Vitara in terms of pricing. While official figures are yet to be announced, industry experts predict:
- Starting price: Around ₹10 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Top-end hybrid variant: Upwards of ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom)
This pricing will place it in direct competition with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Volkswagen Taigun.
Bookings and Production
Maruti Suzuki has already begun series production of the Escudo to minimize waiting periods post-launch. Bookings are expected to open soon, allowing customers to reserve their units ahead of the official launch.
Will There Be a Toyota Badged Version?
Maruti and Toyota have a history of sharing models (like the Baleno-Glanza, Brezza-Urban Cruiser Hyryder-Grand Vitara). However, it’s still unclear whether the Escudo will get a Toyota counterpart**. If it does, expect minor styling tweaks and a different nameplate.
Final Thoughts
The Maruti Suzuki Escudo is shaping up to be a game-changer in the midsize SUV segment, combining Grand Vitara’s platform, hybrid technology, and competitive pricing. With its launch just around the corner, it could disrupt the dominance of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Maruti Escudo as we approach its September 2025 launch!
