The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara represents Maruti’s ambitious move into the mid-size SUV segment, combining sophisticated hybrid technology, modern design, and practicality. Since its launch in India, the Grand Vitara has sparked considerable interest, thanks to its fuel-efficient powertrains, premium features, and competitive pricing. In this blog, we will deep dive into its history, design, performance, variants, safety, pros and cons, and why it’s one of the most compelling SUVs in its class.
1. A Brief Introduction & Market Positioning
Maruti Suzuki launched the Grand Vitara in India on 26 September 2022, marking its entry into the rapidly growing mid-size SUV segment.
The Grand Vitara is sold via Maruti’s NEXA premium channels, positioning it as a more aspirational SUV compared to its smaller siblings. As a flagship medium SUV, it competes with other segment rivals such as the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, MG Astor, and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara – Features Table
| Category | Feature | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Engine Options | 1.5L Smart Hybrid Petrol / 1.5L Strong Hybrid Petrol |
| Power Output | 103 PS (Smart Hybrid) / 115 PS (Strong Hybrid combined) | |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, 6-Speed Automatic, e-CVT (Strong Hybrid) | |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD (AllGrip in select variants) | |
| Performance & Efficiency | Mileage | 20–21 km/l (Smart Hybrid) / 27+ km/l (Strong Hybrid) |
| Drive Modes | Eco, Normal, Power (strong hybrid) | |
| AllGrip Modes | Auto, Snow, Sport, Lock | |
| Exterior | Body Style | Mid-size SUV |
| Headlamps | LED Projector Headlamps & LED DRLs | |
| Tail Lamps | Connected LED Tail Light Strip | |
| Wheels | 17″ Dual-tone Alloy Wheels | |
| Roof | Panoramic Sunroof | |
| Interior | Seating | 5-Seater |
| Upholstery | Fabric / Leatherette options | |
| Infotainment | 9″ SmartPlay Pro+ Touchscreen | |
| Instrument Cluster | 7″ Digital MID (Hybrid-specific graphics) | |
| Boot Space | 373 L (Strong Hybrid) / 355–400 L (Smart Hybrid) | |
| Comfort & Convenience | AC | Automatic Climate Control |
| Seats | Ventilated Front Seats | |
| Key Features | Keyless Entry, Push Start, Cruise Control | |
| Charging | Wireless Phone Charger | |
| Technology | Connectivity | Android Auto, Apple CarPlay (wireless on higher trims) |
| Audio | Arkamys / Premium Audio Options | |
| Camera | 360° Surround View Camera | |
| HUD | Head-Up Display (higher variants) | |
| Safety | Airbags | 6 Airbags in top variants |
| Stability Systems | ESP, Hill Hold, Traction Control | |
| Braking | ABS with EBD | |
| Additional Safety | Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Rear Parking Sensors | |
| Hybrid & EV Features | EV Mode | Electric-only low-speed driving (Strong Hybrid) |
| Regeneration | Regenerative Braking System | |
| Hybrid Functions | Auto Start/Stop, Energy Flow Display | |
| Dimensions | Length | ~4345 mm |
| Width | ~1795 mm | |
| Height | ~1645 mm | |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm |
2. Design & Exterior
2.1 Bold & Contemporary Styling
The Grand Vitara carries a confident and modern design. It features a hexagonal grille, distinctive LED projector headlamps, and striking three-point daytime running lights. CarTrade Its rear design is equally stylish with LED tail lamps.
2.2 Dimensions & Stance
- Length: 4,345 mm
- Width: 1,795 mm
- Height: 1,645 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,600 mm
- Ground Clearance: Around 210 mm, according to specs.
These proportions give it a balanced, stable look — not too large, yet substantial enough to feel premium.
2.3 Colour Options
Maruti offers multiple color variants for the Grand Vitara, including:
- NEXA Blue
- Arctic White (and Arctic White + Black for dual-tone)
- Splendid Silver
- Grandeur Grey
- Chestnut Brown
- Opulent Red (also in dual-tone)
3. Interior & Features
3.1 Spacious and Feature-rich Cabin
Inside, the Grand Vitara makes a strong impression:
- Infotainment: 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Instrument Cluster: Certain variants (especially hybrid) get a fully digital cluster. Autocar India+1
- Head-Up Display (HUD): Projected data improves driver convenience.
- Seating: Leatherette upholstery, ventilated front seats, 8-way power-adjustable driver seat in updated models.
- Sunroof: Panoramic sunroof is available in higher variants for that airy feel.
- Camera & Visibility: 360-degree camera for parking ease, with a virtual bird’s-eye view and dynamic gridlines.
- Convenience: Rear door sunshades, electronic parking brake, auto-purify system with PM 2.5 display, ambient lighting, rear AC vents.
- Charging: Wireless charging, and modern connectivity via Suzuki Connect.
3.2 Practical Cargo Space
The boot size is around 373 litres as per many sources. CarDekho While not the largest in the segment, it’s reasonable for daily use and weekend getaways.
4. Powertrain & Performance
One of the Grand Vitara’s strongest selling points is its hybrid technology, which comes in multiple flavors:
4.1 Engine Options
- 1.5-litre Mild Hybrid (Petrol)
- Naturally aspirated 4-cylinder petrol with mild hybrid assistance.
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.
- Power & Torque: ~103 bhp and 136.8 Nm.
- Fuel Efficiency: ~ 21.11 km/l (manual), ~ 20.58 km/l (automatic).
- Layout: Available in FWD, and for some variants, AWD (AllGrip).
- 1.5-litre Strong Hybrid (Petrol + Electric)
- Uses Atkinson-cycle petrol engine plus an electric motor.
- Transmission: e-CVT.
- Combined Power: ~115.56 bhp (engine + motor) per India Today review.
- Fuel Efficiency: A remarkable 27.97 km/l (ARAI claimed).
- Layout: FWD for this variant.
- CNG Variant (S-CNG)
- Based on the 1.5-litre Dual Jet Dual VVT engine.
- Delivers about 26.6 km/kg in CNG mode.
- Power: ~87.8 PS at 5,500 rpm; Torque around 121.5 Nm at 4,200 rpm.
- Variants: Delta CNG and Zeta CNG (2025 update).
4.2 Driving Dynamics
- The suspension is tuned for Indian road conditions; it handles potholes and rough patches well.
- AWD (AllGrip Select) is available in certain variants — particularly appealing for those who want occasional off-road capability.
- Steering: Well-weighted and responsive. Combined with the 360° camera, it provides confidence while maneuvering in urban traffic.
4.3 Range & Efficiency
- With its fuel tank capacity of 45 litres, Grand Vitara offers a very practical driving range.
- The strong-hybrid variant, with its impressive fuel efficiency, makes long highway drives more economical.
5. Safety
Safety is a major strength for the Grand Vitara, especially after the 2025 update.
- Maruti has made 6 airbags standard across all variants. Maruti Storage New
- It includes Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist to prevent roll-backs.
- Braking system: ABS with EBD, front and rear disc brakes, and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System).
- ISOFIX mounts are available for child seats.
- According to the 2025 media release, features like Electronic Parking Brake, Auto Purify (PM 2.5), and rear door sunshades were added.
Note: Despite the robust safety kit, there’s no widely published official crash-test rating like Bharat NCAP for the Grand Vitara as of yet, which some prospective buyers have raised concerns about. Reddit
6. Variants & Pricing
6.1 Variants (2025 Line-up)
As of the latest update, the Grand Vitara is available in 18 variants. Key trims include Sigma, Delta, Zeta, Alpha, and their “+” (hybrid) versions.
Some notable additions in 2025:
- Delta+ Strong Hybrid variant.
- Panoramic sunroof in Zeta (O), Zeta+ (O), Alpha (O), Alpha+ (O).
- AWD AllGrip also available with a 6-speed automatic.
6.2 Pricing
- Ex-showroom range (2025): ~ ₹11.42 lakh (Sigma mild hybrid) to ₹20.68 lakh (Alpha+ strong-hybrid dual-tone).
- According to Maruti’s media release (2025), the starting price for updated GV is at ₹11.42 lakh (ex-showroom).
7. Strengths & Key USPs
7.1 Exceptional Fuel Efficiency
The strong-hybrid variant delivers 27.97 km/l (ARAI) — one of the best mileage figures in its SUV category.
7.2 Hybrid Technology with Choice
Buyers have flexibility: mild hybrid, strong hybrid, or CNG. That means you can pick a powertrain suited to your driving style — city, highway, or budget-conscious runs.
7.3 Premium Features
From a 9-inch touchscreen, HUD, 360° camera, to ventilated seats and panoramic sunroof — Maruti has packed the Grand Vitara with features that appeal to modern buyers.
7.4 Improved Safety
With 6 airbags as standard and stability control, the Grand Vitara addresses safety seriously.
7.5 Good Driving Comfort
Thanks to well-tuned suspension, decent ground clearance, and optional AWD, it’s both city-friendly and capable on slightly rugged terrain.
7.6 Proven Sales Success
The Grand Vitara has seen strong traction — it crossed 3 lakh unit sales in just 32 months, underlining its popularity.
8. Drawbacks & Criticisms
No vehicle is perfect, and Grand Vitara does have a few trade-offs:
- Interior Material Quality
- Some reviewers mention that while the cabin is feature-rich, certain plastic parts feel less premium.
- No Official Crash Rating
- The absence of a public crash-test safety rating like Bharat NCAP remains a concern for some potential buyers.
- Strong-Hybrid Boot Space
- The hybrid battery reduces cargo space in strong-hybrid variants, especially compared to mild hybrid or non-hybrid rivals. (As noted in reviews.)
- Some Reliability Complaints
- A few users have shared issues (on forums) regarding initial vehicle reliability.
- Recall Risk
- Maruti has recently announced a recall of ~39,506 units manufactured between December 2024 and April 2025, due to speedometer issues showing inaccurate fuel levels and warning lights.
9. Who Should Buy the Grand Vitara?
Here are some buyer personas that Grand Vitara suits very well:
- Fuel-conscious commuters: If you prioritize long-term fuel efficiency, the strong-hybrid or CNG variants make perfect sense.
- Urban families: With 5 seats, good safety, and comfort, it’s great for small families doing city and highway driving.
- Tech-savvy buyers: Those who appreciate modern infotainment, HUD, connected tech, and convenience features.
- Adventure seekers: Thanks to optional AWD, it can handle weekend getaways and mildly rough terrain.
- Eco-friendly drivers: Hybrid options offer lower emissions and better mileage.
- 2025 Refresh: The Grand Vitara received a significant update in 2025: 6 airbags standard, new premium features, and variant tweaks.
- S-CNG Variant: The introduction of the S-CNG version broadens its appeal to those looking for efficient, lower-cost fuel options.
- Sales Momentum: Given its rapid sales (3 lakh in 32 months), Maruti is likely to continue pushing this as a flagship SUV model.
- Safety Future: There is potential (and demand) for official crash-test ratings (Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP) to boost buyer confidence even further.
11. Comparison with Rivals
Here’s how Grand Vitara stacks up against some of its main competitors:
| Competitor | Strengths | Where Grand Vitara Excels |
|---|---|---|
| Kia Seltos | Sportier look, multiple engine options | Better mileage (hybrid), more advanced hybrid tech |
| Hyundai Creta | Large service network, trusted reliability | Hybrid efficiency, AWD in some variants |
| Skoda Kushaq / VW Taigun | European handling, build quality | More fuel-efficient hybrid, better city mileage |
| MG Astor | Connectivity, modern design | More variants, hybrid options, possibly lower running cost |
| Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder | Strong-hybrid tech (shared), reliable | Often similar tech, but GV offers more variant flexibility |
12. Final Verdict
The Maruti Grand Vitara is a significant and strategic SUV for Maruti Suzuki. It smartly blends hybrid technology with practicality, delivering excellent fuel efficiency, a rich feature set, and strong safety credentials.
For buyers who want a modern, efficient, and premium SUV experience without moving to a luxury brand, the Grand Vitara is a compelling choice. Its hybrid powertrain, especially, makes it appealing for daily commuting, long drives, and environmentally conscious driving.
Yes, there are trade-offs — some material quality issues, a lack of visible crash test ratings, and a recent recall — but for many buyers, the benefits likely outweigh these concerns. As Maruti continues to refine and expand the Grand Vitara’s lineup (for example, with the CNG variant), it’s clear that this SUV is here to stay and could define Maruti’s future in the hybrid mid-size segment.
