Maruti Escudo

The Maruti Escudo is a mid-size SUV designed to slot between the Brezza and Grand Vitara, offering a spacious and comfortable cabin with modern features. It shares its platform with the Grand Vitara, ensuring a longer wheelbase and ample interior space, possibly even a three-row option in higher trims. The Escudo is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol mild-hybrid engine, with CNG and strong hybrid variants also available. It comes with a range of transmission options, including manual and automatic, and both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations. The SUV features a nine-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, sunroof, and advanced safety features like Level-2 ADAS. Positioned as a flagship for Arena outlets, the Escudo aims to offer a premium experience at a competitive price, making it a strong choice for Indian families and SUV enthusiasts.

The Maruti Escudo stands out as a compelling mid-size SUV for Indian buyers seeking a blend of practicality, comfort, and modern features. With its spacious cabin, well-tuned suspension, and a range of engine options including petrol, CNG, and hybrid, it caters to diverse needs, from city commutes to long family trips. The inclusion of Level-2 ADAS in higher trims sets a new benchmark for safety in its segment, while the design and feature list ensure it remains competitive against rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The Escudo’s positioning through Arena outlets makes it accessible to a wider audience, and its platform sharing with the Grand Vitara ensures reliability and after-sales support. For those prioritising value, space, and advanced tech, the Escudo is a strong contender in the mid-size SUV space.

The Maruti Escudo in India is a new mid-size SUV positioned between the Brezza and Grand Vitara, expected to launch around September 2025 with a starting price near Rs 9.75 lakh (ex-showroom). It comes with a 1.5-litre K15 petrol engine producing about 101-103 hp and 139 Nm of torque, available with both 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions. Additionally, Maruti offers mild hybrid technology in this engine, while CNG and strong hybrid variants may also become available later, capturing the demand for efficiency and environmental friendliness. The Escudo boasts spacious interiors with an option of three-row seating, targeted at families seeking practicality without stepping up to larger, costlier SUVs. Feature-wise, it is loaded with modern conveniences such as a 9-10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a panoramic sunroof, heads-up display, and premium audio tuned by Arkamys. Critically, it is poised to be Maruti’s first model with Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, and blind-spot monitoring, enhancing safety significantly. Other safety features include six airbags, electronic stability programs, tire pressure monitoring, 360-degree cameras, and hill hold assist. The Escudo will have drivetrain options including both FWD and AWD, making it versatile for various driving conditions common in India. Overall, the Escudo attempts to blend modern technology, spacious practicality, safety, and fuel efficiency to compete strongly against rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in the fast-growing mid-size SUV segment.

The Maruti Escudo is expected to be priced between ₹15 lakh and ₹22 lakh ex-showroom in India, with on-road prices likely ranging from ₹17 lakh to ₹25 lakh depending on the variant and location. This pricing places it firmly in the mid-size SUV segment, competing directly with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Skoda Kushaq. The base variant offers good value with essential features, while the top-end trims justify their premium with advanced safety, comfort, and convenience features. The CNG and hybrid options may attract buyers looking for lower running costs, though these variants could command a higher upfront price. The Escudo’s pricing strategy ensures it remains accessible to a broad audience, making it a practical choice for families and first-time SUV buyers.

The Maruti Escudo’s petrol mild-hybrid engine is expected to deliver around 18-20 kmpl in real-world conditions, while the CNG variant could offer up to 25 km/kg, making it one of the most fuel-efficient options in its segment. The hybrid variant, though slightly pricier, promises better mileage and lower emissions, ideal for those concerned about running costs and environmental impact. For buyers prioritising mileage and low running costs, the CNG and hybrid variants are worth considering, especially for long-distance travel or frequent city commutes.