Maruti Escudo 2025 The Next-Gen Urban SUV with Hybrid Tech

Maruti Escudo 2025 : Suzuki’s Global Icon Ready for an Indian Comeback

Maruti Escudo 2025 The Next-Gen compact SUV segment in India has never been more competitive, and Maruti Suzuki seems ready to raise the stakes. After dominating the affordable and mid-size SUV categories with models like the Brezza, Grand Vitara, and Fronx, Maruti is now rumored to bring back a legendary nameplate in a futuristic avatar: the Maruti Escudo 2025.

Globally known as the Suzuki Escudo or Vitara, this iconic SUV has long been associated with reliability, 4×4 prowess, and everyday usability. If launched in India under the Escudo badge, it would mark a bold move from Maruti—offering something that’s rugged yet urban, tech-heavy yet practical, and above all, ready for both cities and wild terrains.

Let’s take a detailed look at what we can expect from the Maruti Escudo 2025, based on industry trends, leaked reports, and Maruti Suzuki’s new-age vision.

🛠️ Design: Compact, Muscular, and Modern

The 2025 Maruti Escudo is expected to be based on the Global C platform, shared with the Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. However, the Escudo is likely to have a more compact and rugged stance, with design cues borrowed from its global counterparts.

Exterior highlights we anticipate:

Chunky front grille with tri-LED headlamps
Squared-off wheel arches with plastic cladding
Raised bonnet and short overhangs for off-road aesthetics
Dual-tone paint options with roof rails and skid plates
LED taillights with 3D pattern and wide rear stance

The design is likely to blend urban SUV flair with subtle off-roader DNA, making it suitable for both city drives and occasional getaways.

🛋️ Interiors: Digital, Spacious, and Premium

Maruti has made great strides in cabin quality and tech, and the Escudo 2025 is expected to continue this trend. The interior could be similar in layout to the Grand Vitara, but with more emphasis on youthful appeal and tech-forward features.

Interior features expected:

10.25-inch free-standing touchscreen with SmartPlay Pro+
Digital instrument cluster with multiple themes
Dual-tone dashboard with brushed aluminum inserts
Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
Panoramic sunroof (higher variants)
Rear AC vents, Type-C chargers, and ventilated front seats

With a wheelbase expected to be around 2600mm, the Escudo should offer ample space for five passengers while maintaining a compact footprint.

⚙️ Engine & Powertrain Options

Here’s where it gets even more interesting. The 2025 Maruti Escudo could come with multiple powertrain options, targeting both fuel efficiency seekers and performance-oriented users.

1.5L K15C Petrol (Mild Hybrid)

Power: 103 PS
Torque: 137 Nm
Transmission: 5MT / 6AT
Fuel Efficiency: ~20–21 kmpl

1.5L Strong Hybrid (Toyota-sourced)

Power: 115 PS combined
EV-only mode for city traffic
e-CVT transmission
Mileage: ~27–28 kmpl

Possibility: AllGrip Select AWD (on strong hybrid or top variants)

Maruti could offer optional AWD for enthusiasts, using Suzuki’s proven AllGrip system, especially in top trims.

This would make the Escudo one of the most efficient AWD SUVs in its class—an ideal mix of performance, economy, and occasional adventure readiness.

📱 Technology & Safety Features

Given how well-equipped recent Maruti models are, the Escudo 2025 is expected to feature segment-leading tech and comprehensive safety systems.

Expected features:

Wireless smartphone connectivity
Surround-view camera
Premium Arkamys-tuned sound system
Heads-Up Display (HUD)
Built-in navigation with connected car features (via Suzuki Connect)

Safety Equipment:

6 airbags (top variants)
ABS with EBD
ESP and Hill Hold Assist
TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System)
ISOFIX child seat mounts
Possibly ADAS Level 1 features in higher trims (lane departure warning, emergency braking)

🚘 Driving Dynamics and Usability

The Escudo’s strength lies in its lightweight platform, practical dimensions, and versatility. With the strong hybrid offering near-EV driving experience in cities and an AWD variant (if launched), it could appeal to:

Urban families
First-time SUV buyers looking for a mix of power and economy
Enthusiasts seeking a compact soft-roader
Environment-conscious customers

Expect the ride quality to be comfortable, steering to be light for city driving, and suspension tuned for both potholes and highway comfort.

💰 Expected Price in India (Ex-showroom, 2025)

Variant	Estimated Price (Rs )
1.5L Mild Hybrid MT	Rs 9.50 To Rs 10.50 lakh
1.5L Mild Hybrid AT	₹11.00 – ₹11.80 lakh
1.5L Strong Hybrid	₹13.50 – ₹14.80 lakh
Strong Hybrid AWD (Top)	₹15.50 – ₹16.50 lakh

This would place the Escudo between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara, forming a sweet spot in Maruti’s SUV lineup.

🆚 Competitors

If launched, the Maruti Escudo 2025 will take on:

Hyundai Creta (Base & mid variants)
Kia Sonet top variants
Nissan Kicks (if relaunched)
Tata Nexon EV / ICE XZ trims
Honda Elevate
Mahindra XUV 3XO higher trims

It could also appeal to customers looking at the Grand Vitara but wanting a smaller, slightly more affordable SUV with similar tech.

🏁 Final Thoughts: A Strategic Move by Maruti

The Maruti Escudo 2025 could be one of the smartest launches in recent years—filling the gap between small SUVs and premium mid-size crossovers. With global styling, hybrid tech, practical dimensions, and Maruti’s legendary after-sales network, the Escudo might just be the perfect urban SUV with outdoor aspirations.

Last Updated On 11 July 2025.