Maruti’s New SUV Isn’t What You Think. We Have All The Details!

Maruti’s New SUV Will Be Larger Than Grand Vitara, Yet Cheaper: Here’s What to Expect

Maruti Suzuki is preparing to launch an all-new SUV that could disrupt the compact SUV market once again. Codenamed Y17, this upcoming model will be positioned between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara in terms of pricing, but it will actually be larger than both. That unusual combination of size and affordability is exactly what makes this product so interesting.

And it could be called the Escudo, a name that Maruti Suzuki recently trademarked. Some trivia: the previous generations of the Grand Vitara were called Escudo in specific markets of the world.

The new SUV is expected to arrive in early 2026 and will be sold through Maruti’s Arena dealership network. It aims to tap into a very specific need in the market, buyers who want more road presence and cabin space than the Brezza offers, but do not necessarily want to stretch their budget to the Grand Vitara’s strong-hybrid territory.

A Larger Footprint Without Higher Price

According to early details, the Y17/Escudo will use the same Suzuki Global C platform that underpins the Grand Vitara. However, it will feature a fresh body shell that is larger overall. This will help Maruti offer more space, especially in the second row and boot, without necessarily having to add a third row of seats.

While the Grand Vitara already sits comfortably in the midsize SUV segment, the new model will push the size envelope slightly further. Think of it as offering the visual presence of something like a Harrier, while still targeting the heart of the market in terms of cost.

The decision to price it below the Grand Vitara might be deliberate. Maruti wants to attract a new set of buyers who might find the Grand Vitara expensive, especially in its higher hybrid variants, but are looking for something larger and more premium than the Brezza. This might also be a way to counter the spacious Kia Syros.

Powertrain Dilemma: Enough Power or Just Enough?

The new SUV is likely to carry forward the same 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine that powers both the Brezza and the Grand Vitara. This unit produces about 103 horsepower, which is adequate for city use but already feels stretched in the Grand Vitara, especially with a full load or on highways.

In a larger-bodied SUV, this powertrain might struggle even more, unless Maruti finds a way to reduce weight or tweak the gearing for better torque delivery. Extracting significantly more power from the same engine is not easy, especially while meeting fuel efficiency and emission norms.

The Toyota-sourced 1.5-litre strong-hybrid engine would be a welcome addition, but it is likely to be left out due to cost considerations. The hybrid system adds a significant premium, and including it would risk overlapping too closely with the Grand Vitara's pricing, which Maruti wants to avoid.

A possible middle ground could be a version of the mild-hybrid system with an uprated battery and electric assist. That might improve drivability without pushing the cost too high. However, whether that would be enough to satisfy performance expectations in a heavier car remains to be seen.

Design and Features: Premium Without the Price Tag

One of the key differentiators for the Escudo/Y17 SUV could be design. Expect a bold, wider stance, a more upright nose and design cues that signal ruggedness and capability. It is likely that the vehicle will adopt a slightly different styling language compared to the Grand Vitara, even if some components and body panels are shared to control costs.

On the inside, expect a more spacious cabin with better materials than the Brezza, and a good set of features as standard. A large infotainment screen, connected car tech, wireless charging, rear AC vents and 360-degree camera support are all likely to be offered. Ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof might be reserved for the top variants.

Who Will It Compete With?

The Y17/Escudo's size suggests it will compete with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and perhaps even the base versions of the Tata Harrier or MG Hector. But pricing it between the Brezza and Grand Vitara means it will also attract potential customers of compact crossovers like the Honda Elevate, Citroen C3 Aircross and Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor.

It is Maruti’s answer to a growing customer demand: vehicles that are larger and more comfortable than compact SUVs, without crossing into the ₹15 lakh-plus price bracket. With no diesel on offer and a focus on hybrid tech, Maruti is also trying to balance efficiency with practicality.

A Smart Move for a Changing Market

This upcoming model shows that Maruti is going after the SUV segment in the same way it has gone after the hatchback segment: crowding a broad price range with lots of models with common powertrains and features but will slightly differing propositions. It already has Brezza and Fronx that are very different from each other.

And above these sits the proper off-roader Jimny and a refined mid-size Grand Vitara. With Y17, which might be called Escudo, Maruti aims to plug whatever tiny gap it thinks it might have in its SUV line-up.

The challenge, however, will be delivering enough performance and features to match the size and expectations, especially when powertrains remain unchanged. Maruti has typically prioritised reliability and efficiency over outright power, but this SUV might be the one where that balance is tested.

If they can get it right, this could be one of Maruti’s most significant new launches in the SUV space since the Grand Vitara. The right mix of size, pricing, and perceived value might help it carve out a space of its own in an already crowded market.

Via ACI