Maruti Grand Vitara vs Skoda Kushaq: The compact SUV arena just became a lot more interesting with two fantastic petrol contenders fighting for your attention (and your hard-earned money).
You’ve got the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Skoda Kushaq – two completely different approaches to the same goal. Maruti’s playing the efficiency game with their hybrid wizardry, while Skoda’s bringing that European flair and driving excitement that’ll have car enthusiasts grinning from ear to ear.
Design and Styling
The Grand Vitara showcases Maruti’s fresh design direction – there’s this bold grille up front, sleek LED lights, and those beefy wheel arches that scream “look at me!” The sloping roofline gives it an almost coupe-like vibe, which honestly feels pretty upmarket for what you’re paying.
Now, the Kushaq? It’s got that unmistakable Skoda DNA written all over it. That butterfly grille, razor-sharp lines, and those gorgeous LED strips make it look like it rolled straight out of Europe (which, let’s face it, it kind of did). It’s not trying to be the loudest in the room – more like the well-dressed guy who doesn’t need to shout to get noticed.
Interior and Features
Pop open the Grand Vitara’s door and you’ll find a nicely laid-out cabin with that familiar 9-inch screen everyone expects these days. The seats are pretty comfortable for longer trips, though folks in the back might wish for better thigh support. Classic Maruti though – they’ve thought about where you’ll actually put your stuff.
The Kushaq’s interior feels like stepping up a class. That clean dashboard design and digital instrument cluster just work beautifully together. Skoda’s always known how to make seats that don’t leave you aching after hours behind the wheel. Sure, you won’t find ventilated seats or that massive sunroof some competitors offer, but what’s there feels genuinely well-made.
Read Also: Maruti e Vitara Launch Delayed: India’s Most Awaited EV Now Coming September
Engine and Performance
This is where things get really spicy. The Grand Vitara gives you options – there’s the 1.5-liter mild-hybrid pushing out 103PS, or you can go full hybrid for 116PS total. That hybrid setup? It’s the real deal, delivering nearly 28 kmpl that’ll have you laughing at fuel price hikes.
Skoda’s taken a completely different route with their turbo engines. The 1.0-liter TSI makes 115PS, while the bigger 1.5-liter TSI pumps out a healthy 150PS. These aren’t just numbers on paper – they deliver that satisfying turbo surge and make every acceleration feel special. Just don’t expect stellar fuel economy; you’re looking at 11-14 kmpl in stop-and-go traffic.
Keeping You Safe
Safety’s where both manufacturers get serious. The Grand Vitara doesn’t mess around – six airbags standard, electronic stability control, hill assist, the works. Suzuki’s Heartect platform has proven itself worldwide, so you’re in good hands.
The Kushaq earned that coveted 5-star Global NCAP rating, which tells you everything about how seriously Europeans take crash safety. Multiple airbags, stability control, hill-hold – it’s all there, backed by that solid European build quality you can actually feel.
Price and Value
Here’s where your calculator comes out. The Grand Vitara kicks off at ₹11.42 lakh, while the Kushaq sneaks in slightly lower at ₹10.99 lakh. But if you want the top-spec hybrid Grand Vitara, you’re looking at ₹20.52 lakh versus the Kushaq’s ₹19.01 lakh ceiling.
Quick Comparison:
- Starting Price: Grand Vitara ₹11.42L | Kushaq ₹10.99L
- Top Price: Grand Vitara ₹20.52L | Kushaq ₹19.01L
- Fuel Economy: Grand Vitara 27.97 kmpl | Kushaq 19.76 kmpl
- Peak Power: Grand Vitara 116PS | Kushaq 150PS
- Cargo Space: Grand Vitara 373L | Kushaq 385L
The Bottom Line
Go with the Grand Vitara if saving fuel money keeps you up at night and you love knowing there’s a Maruti service center practically next door. That hybrid tech isn’t just marketing fluff – it genuinely works, especially if you’re stuck in city traffic daily.
The Kushaq’s your pick if you actually enjoy the drive to work and don’t mind spending a bit more for that European touch. It’s what driving enthusiasts choose when they want something that feels special every time they turn the key.
Both are genuinely good SUVs, but it really comes down to this: do you want maximum efficiency or maximum smiles per mile?