Maruti Suzuki Escudo SUV to Debut on September 3: A New Rival to Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos
Maruti Suzuki Escudo SUV to Debut on September 3: A New Rival to Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos
Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to make a major comeback in the midsize SUV segment with the launch of an all-new model, likely to be named Escudo, on September 3. Positioned between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara, this upcoming SUV aims to challenge popular rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and MG Astor, while offering a more budget-friendly yet feature-packed alternative.
Unlike the premium Grand Vitara, which is sold through Nexa dealerships, the Escudo will be retailed via Maruti’s Arena network, making it more accessible to a broader audience. Internally codenamed Y17, the Escudo will become the new flagship for Arena—filling the void between the Ertiga and Brezza.
Positioned for Practicality and Value
Targeted at buyers who want more space and features than the Brezza but find the Grand Vitara slightly out of reach, the Escudo is expected to offer excellent value for money, appealing to both family car buyers and urban SUV enthusiasts.
While official specs are yet to be revealed, it’s expected to share powertrains with the Grand Vitara:
- 1.5-litre petrol engine (103hp)
- CNG variant (88hp)
- Hybrid version (116hp)
Transmission options will likely include both manual and automatic gearboxes, allowing the Escudo to cater to a wide customer base—from mileage-conscious CNG buyers to eco-minded hybrid users.
Toyota-Tied and Globally Inspired
Maruti’s partnership with Toyota will likely extend to this SUV, with a rebadged Toyota version planned for a later launch. It is expected to sit above the Toyota Taisor in Toyota’s Indian portfolio.
Interestingly, the “Escudo” name has global roots. It’s the moniker used for the Vitara in Japan, and Maruti had trademarked it in India last year. Although a fresh product for the Indian market, the global lineage adds to its appeal.
Design and Features
Spy shots and early prototypes hint at a bold and modern design inspired by both the Grand Vitara and the upcoming e Vitara. Notable styling elements may include:
- Upright grille and angular LED headlamps
- Redesigned front bumper and LED fog lamps
- Connected LED tail lamps and updated rear styling
Inside, the Escudo is expected to offer a premium cabin layout with features such as:
- 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Semi-digital instrument cluster
- Sunroof
- 6 airbags
- Automatic climate control
What About the e Vitara?
While the electric e Vitara had generated buzz after its unveiling at the 2025 Bharat Mobility Show, its launch has reportedly been delayed due to a global shortage of rare earth magnets, crucial for EV motors. Originally built on the Heartect-e skateboard platform, the e Vitara was expected to offer two battery options (49kWh and 61kWh) with over 500 km range.
The EV will eventually become Maruti’s first vehicle with ADAS, along with high-end features like ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, and 7 airbags. But until then, all eyes are on the Escudo—a more conventional, practical, and timely addition to Maruti’s lineup.
Launching on September 3, the Maruti Suzuki Escudo is poised to be a strong midsize SUV contender, slotting between the Brezza and Grand Vitara. Sold via Arena, expected to offer petrol, CNG, and hybrid powertrains, and designed to be a value-packed rival to Creta and Seltos, the Escudo could be Maruti’s next big hit in the C-SUV space.
