A New Challenger Emerges: Maruti Suzuki to Launch Escudo SUV on September 3
Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to shake up the highly competitive SUV market in India with the upcoming launch of a brand-new midsize SUV, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, set to debut on September 3, 2025. This highly anticipated five-seater will be positioned strategically between the popular Brezza and the premium Grand Vitara, and will be sold through the company’s regular Arena dealerships, differentiating it from its larger sibling.
The first official teaser of the Escudo has been released, giving us a tantalizing glimpse of its rear design. The teaser clearly highlights boomerang-styled 3D LED tail lamps and turn indicators, which contribute to a sleek and modern aesthetic. Spy shots of test mules have already confirmed a similar design, featuring a large tailgate, an integrated spoiler, a high-mounted stop lamp, and a shark fin antenna. There’s also a possibility of a full-width horizontal light bar connecting the tail lamps, a design element that is gaining popularity in the Indian market.
Under the hood, the Escudo is expected to borrow its powertrains from the Grand Vitara, a move that makes perfect sense from a cost and reliability standpoint. It will likely be offered with two engine options: a 1.5L mild-hybrid petrol engine and a more efficient 1.5L strong-hybrid petrol engine. The possibility of a CNG variant also cannot be ruled out, a feature that has become a staple for Maruti Suzuki in the country. This range of powertrain options will give the Escudo a strong edge, catering to a wide spectrum of buyers with varying fuel efficiency preferences.
The Escudo is poised to be a practical and well-equipped SUV. According to spy shots and industry insights, it is expected to be slightly longer than the Grand Vitara, offering a spacious interior and a generous boot. This makes it an appealing choice for families and those who prioritize practicality. With an expected price point of around ₹10-16 lakh (ex-showroom), it will offer a compelling value proposition, targeting not only midsize SUV buyers but also those looking to upgrade from top-end compact SUVs.
In terms of features, the Escudo is not expected to disappoint. It will be loaded with modern conveniences and safety features, including a large nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For safety, it will come with six airbags as standard, a feature that is becoming increasingly important for Indian consumers. Other anticipated features include a wireless phone charger, a semi-digital instrument cluster, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and automatic climate control.
The Escudo’s entry will intensify the competition in one of India’s most fiercely contested segments. It will go head-to-head with established players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Mahindra Scorpio N, Toyota Hyryder, and Honda Elevate. With its blend of stylish design, reliable powertrains, and a generous feature list, the Maruti Suzuki Escudo has the potential to carve out a significant share of the market and become another success story for the brand.