Maruti Suzuki has finally rolled out its most talked-about SUV – the Escudo. After months of testing, leaks, and speculations, the mid-size SUV is here to challenge the segment leaders.
The big question on everyone’s mind is simple: Can the Escudo stand strong against rivals like Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos? Let’s take a closer look at what makes this SUV worth paying attention to.
What Is The Maruti Escudo?
The Escudo, also referred to as Victoris in some reports, is Maruti’s latest 5-seater SUV. It fills the space between the compact Brezza and the more premium Grand Vitara.
One smart move by Maruti is that Escudo will be sold through Arena dealerships, not NEXA. That gives it access to more than 3,000 showrooms across India, including small towns where NEXA is missing.
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5 Highlights That Make Escudo Stand Out
1. Three Engine Options To Pick From
- Mild Hybrid Petrol: 1.5L, 103 bhp, with manual and automatic choices
- Strong Hybrid: 1.5L, 116 bhp, with best-in-class 27.97 kmpl mileage
- CNG Version: 88 bhp, special underbody tank design
The CNG design is clever because the tank goes under the car, keeping the boot free for luggage.
2. First Arena SUV With Level 2 ADAS
This is a major update. For the first time, a Maruti sold through Arena gets advanced driver assistance features such as:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keep assist
- Automatic emergency braking
- Six airbags included as standard
3. Premium Features Without The Premium Price
Maruti has packed the Escudo with features usually found in higher-end SUVs:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Dolby Atmos sound system
- Panoramic sunroof
- Ventilated front seats
- 360-degree camera setup
4. Bigger Than The Grand Vitara
Escudo is slightly longer than Grand Vitara, which translates to:
- Extra passenger legroom
- Larger boot space (compared to Grand Vitara’s 373 liters, which is among the lowest in class)
- More comfortable cabin overall
5. Fresh Styling Details
The design teasers highlight some bold elements:
- Boomerang-style 3D LED tail lights
- Connected LED light bar at the rear
- Wide hexagonal front grille
- Y-shaped LED DRLs
Expected Pricing: The Big Play
Maruti is expected to keep pricing aggressive.
| Variant | Expected Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Base Petrol | ₹9–10 lakh | Manual, standard features |
| Mid Petrol | ₹12–14 lakh | Automatic, more equipment |
| CNG | ₹11–13 lakh | Underbody tank, manual |
| Hybrid | ₹16–19 lakh | Strong mileage, premium features |
This range undercuts the Creta’s starting price of ₹11 lakh, while offering more kit in return.
Electric Version On The Horizon
Maruti also plans an electric version, the e-Escudo. It promises a driving range of around 450 km and will directly rival the Tata Nexon EV. However, limited availability of battery raw materials has already slowed production targets.
Where It Stands Against Rivals
The Escudo enters a crowded market, with strong players like:
- Hyundai Creta: well-established and trusted
- Kia Seltos: stylish and loaded with features
- Honda Elevate: new but quickly gaining traction
- Mahindra Scorpio N: rugged, powerful, and popular
Escudo’s edge lies in sharper pricing, larger dealer presence, trusted Maruti service, and smart touches like underbody CNG and Level 2 ADAS at this price point.
Final Word
The Escudo is designed for buyers who want the features of a Creta or Seltos but without the premium price tag. With Maruti’s wide service network and resale advantage, the SUV is set to create strong competition.
The key factor will be how quickly Indian buyers warm up to a new Maruti SUV in this segment. If pricing stays aggressive and features deliver as promised, the Escudo could be one of Maruti’s biggest hits in years.
Bookings are expected to open around the festive season, making it a timely launch for new car buyers.
