Get ready for the Maruti Suzuki Escudo, launching around Diwali 2025! This blog covers everything about Maruti’s upcoming mid-size SUV (codename Y17) set to rival Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, including its features, engine options, expected price, and safety.
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Maruti Suzuki, a household name in India, is gearing up to introduce a significant new player in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment: the Maruti Suzuki Escudo. This upcoming 5-seater SUV, expected to launch around Diwali 2025, is poised to challenge established rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, aiming to carve out a substantial market share for India’s largest automaker.
A Strategic Positioning in the SUV Lineup
The Escudo (internally codenamed Y17) will be strategically positioned in Maruti Suzuki’s SUV portfolio, slotting comfortably between the sub-4 meter Brezza and the more premium Grand Vitara. This move aims to cater to a segment where Maruti currently has a gap in its Arena dealership network. While the Grand Vitara is sold through Nexa, the Escudo is expected to be retailed via the wider Arena network, ensuring broader accessibility and potentially more aggressive pricing.
Maruti Escudo launch date: The Maruti Escudo is expected to launch in India by the end of 2025, most likely around the festive season
Maruti Escudo price India: experts estimate the price range to be around ₹11 Lakh to ₹20 Lakh (ex-showroom) in India
The Maruti Escudo features :
Dimensions & Platform:
- Platform: Built on Suzuki’s Global C platform, which also underpins the Brezza and Grand Vitara.
- Size: Expected to be longer than the Grand Vitara (which is 4,345mm), with a longer wheelbase.
- Seating: Will be a 5-seater SUV, despite initial plans for a 7-seater, to meet current market demand.
- Cabin Space: Anticipated to offer improved legroom for rear passengers and a larger boot (exceeding Grand Vitara’s 373 litres).
Interior & Technology:
- Cabin Layout: Expected to feature an all-new cabin design.
- Infotainment System: Likely to include a large vertical touchscreen infotainment system, potentially 9.0-inch or 10-inch, supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Driver’s Display: An all-digital instrument cluster is expected.
- Premium Features (Expected on higher trims):
- Panoramic sunroof (could be the first Arena brand offering with this feature).
- Ventilated front seats.
- Wireless smartphone charging.
- Ambient lighting.
- Rear AC vents.
- Automatic headlights.
Safety Features:
- Airbags: Expected to come with six airbags.
- Standard Safety Tech: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ESC (Electronic Stability Control).
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): The inclusion of ADAS features is anticipated.
- Camera: A 360-degree camera system is likely on top-spec variants.
Engine Options:
The Maruti Escudo is expected to offer multiple powertrain choices:
- 1.5-litre K15C Petrol Engine: This mild-hybrid petrol engine is likely to be paired with both manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox options. It’s expected to deliver around 101.65 hp and 139 Nm of torque.
- Strong Hybrid Setup: A 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine (92bhp) combined with an electric motor (79bhp), delivering a combined output of 115bhp (or 113.97 hp total output). This will likely be paired with an e-CVT.
- CNG Variant: A CNG option is also expected to be available for budget-conscious buyers, potentially offering around 86.79 hp.
- Drive Options: Buyers may get choices between 2WD (Two-Wheel Drive) and 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) with Suzuki’s AllGrip technology for certain variants.
Sales Strategy:
- The Escudo will be sold exclusively through Maruti Suzuki’s ARENA dealerships, targeting mid-range SUV buyers.
- A Toyota-branded version of this model is also under development and is anticipated to launch in early 2026.
Rooted in a Legacy, Built for the Future
The “Escudo” nameplate itself carries a legacy, as it has been used for the Suzuki Vitara in international markets, particularly Japan, since 1988. While the global Vitara has evolved from an off-road SUV to a more road-oriented crossover, the Indian Escudo is being tailored specifically for local preferences. It’s expected to share the robust Global-C platform with the Grand Vitara, ensuring a stable and comfortable ride. Reports suggest it will be slightly longer than the Grand Vitara, potentially offering more cabin and boot space, a crucial factor for Indian families.
Powertrain Options: Familiarity with Flexibility
Under the hood, the Maruti Suzuki Escudo is likely to feature familiar and reliable powertrain options. The primary offering is expected to be Maruti’s tried-and-tested 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, delivering around 104bhp and 138Nm of torque. This engine will likely be paired with both a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
In line with Maruti’s focus on alternative fuels, a CNG variant is also highly probable, offering enhanced fuel efficiency. While a full-hybrid option, as seen in the Grand Vitara, might be skipped to maintain an aggressive price point for the Arena lineup, reports suggest a mild-hybrid technology could be standard with the petrol engine to further improve fuel economy. There’s also speculation about the availability of Suzuki’s AllGrip AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system on select variants, which would be a significant differentiator in this segment.
Feature-Rich and Safety-Conscious
The Escudo is poised to be one of the most feature-packed offerings under the Arena brand. Expected features include a large touchscreen infotainment system (possibly larger than the 9-inch unit in the Grand Vitara) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a fully digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof (potentially a first for an Arena model), wireless smartphone charging, and connected car technology.
On the safety front, Maruti Suzuki is reportedly aiming for a strong performance. The Escudo is expected to come with six airbags as standard, along with ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), hill hold assist, and a 360-degree camera system. Furthermore, there’s a possibility that the Escudo could also incorporate Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) in its top-spec variants, following the upcoming e-Vitara, showcasing Maruti’s increasing commitment to safety.
A Formidable Challenger
The Maruti Suzuki Escudo’s arrival is set to intensify the competition in the mid-size SUV segment. With its strategic positioning, expected comprehensive feature list, proven powertrain options, and an anticipated focus on safety, the Escudo aims to offer a compelling value proposition. As the festive season approaches, all eyes will be on Maruti Suzuki to see how the Escudo reshapes the SUV market in India.
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