Maruti Suzuki’s upcoming Escudo SUV is set to bridge the gap between Brezza and Grand Vitara with a September 2025 launch at ₹9.75 lakh starting price.
You know how sometimes you’re shopping for a car and nothing quite fits? Too small, too expensive, missing that one feature you really want? Well, Maruti Suzuki seems to have been listening to those conversations because their upcoming Escudo SUV is looking like it might just hit that sweet spot. Coming this September, it’s basically designed to sit right between the Brezza (which some folks find a bit cramped) and the Grand Vitara (which can be a stretch for many budgets). At ₹9.75 lakh to start, it’s shaping up to give the Creta and Seltos some serious competition.
Design and Dimensions
Here’s something interesting – the Escudo isn’t just a rehashed version of something else. Maruti’s actually put some thought into this one. It’s longer than the Grand Vitara despite using the same platform, which sounds a bit odd until you realize what that means for rear seat passengers. More legroom, better boot space than the Grand Vitara’s already decent 373 litres.
From what we’ve seen in spy shots (and trust me, these things are everywhere if you know where to look), it’s got this muscular, no-nonsense look. Not trying too hard to be flashy, but definitely not boring either. The kind of SUV that looks equally at home dropping kids to school or heading out for a weekend adventure. LED headlights, proper tail lamps – all the stuff you’d expect in 2025.
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Interior and Features
Now this is where things get exciting. Maruti’s clearly decided to go all-out with the Escudo’s feature list. We’re talking 10-inch touchscreen (finally!), wireless phone charging, ventilated seats – the works. But here’s the real kicker: word is this might be the first Arena car to get a panoramic sunroof. That’s huge because it means Maruti’s bringing premium features to their more accessible showrooms.
The digital instrument cluster is a nice touch too, though honestly, it’s about time. Most of us are used to digital everything by now. Rear AC vents, ambient lighting – it’s like they’ve ticked every box on the “things people actually want” list.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, it’s the same 1.5-litre petrol engine from the Brezza. Some might call that boring, but honestly? It’s proven, reliable, and gets the job done. 103PS and 138Nm isn’t going to set your hair on fire, but it’s adequate for city driving and highway cruising. Manual or automatic – take your pick.
CNG’s definitely coming, which makes sense given fuel prices these days. The hybrid stuff might take a while longer, but that’s probably fine. Most buyers are still figuring out electric, let alone hybrid.
Safety Standards
Six airbags as standard – that’s the kind of thing that makes you feel good about your purchase decision. ABS, stability control, hill-hold assist – all the acronyms that basically mean “we’ve got your back.” Higher variants might even get the 360-degree camera system, which is genuinely useful when you’re trying to park in those impossibly tight spots.
Maruti’s been taking safety seriously lately, and it shows. They’re clearly aiming for that 5-star rating, which honestly, should be the baseline for any new car in 2025.
Market Strategy
Here’s where Maruti’s being really clever. Instead of pushing the Escudo through Nexa showrooms like the Grand Vitara, they’re keeping it with Arena dealers. That might not sound like a big deal, but it is. Arena dealers are everywhere – small towns, rural areas, places where Nexa hasn’t reached yet. It’s about accessibility, both in terms of where you can buy it and how approachable the whole experience feels.
They’re planning to build 2 lakh units in the first year, split between domestic and export. That’s ambitious, but if they’ve done their homework right, it might just work.
Pricing and Competition
₹9.75 lakh to start – that’s the magic number. It’s more than a Brezza but less than a Grand Vitara, which is exactly where it needs to be. The question is whether it can tempt people away from the Creta and Seltos, which have basically owned this segment for years.
The Creta’s got brand recognition, the Seltos has that premium feel, but the Escudo has something they don’t – Maruti’s service network and that reputation for reliability. Sometimes that matters more than fancy features.
Launch Timeline
August bookings, September launch – classic festive season timing. Some dealers might start taking “unofficial” bookings earlier, but you know how that goes. If you’re seriously interested, it’s worth having a chat with your local dealer to see what they’re saying.
The thing is, the Escudo isn’t just another SUV launch. It feels like Maruti’s way of saying “we’re not giving up on being India’s favorite car brand.” By creating this middle ground between their existing SUVs, they’re basically inventing a new category. And honestly? In a market where everyone’s trying to go either super premium or ultra-budget, that middle path might be exactly what a lot of families are looking for.