The morning sun glinted off the polished metallic surfaces as Maruti Suzuki unveiled its latest offering at an expansive event space in Gurugram. Industry observers and automotive journalists leaned forward in their seats, scrutinizing every curve and feature of the new Grand Vitara—a vehicle that represents Maruti’s most ambitious attempt to bridge the gap between budget sensibility and premium aspiration.
For decades, Maruti Suzuki has dominated the Indian automotive landscape with vehicles that prioritize practicality and value. The Grand Vitara signals a strategic pivot, retaining the company’s value proposition while venturing boldly into territory traditionally occupied by costlier international brands.
Table of Contents
Design
The first impression of the Grand Vitara reveals Maruti’s deliberate departure from its traditionally utilitarian design philosophy. The front fascia features a distinctive chrome-accented grille that extends seamlessly into LED daytime running lights, creating a horizontal emphasis that visually widens the vehicle.
The split-headlamp design, with primary lighting units positioned lower on the bumper, follows contemporary premium design trends without appearing derivative.
According to Rajesh Uppal, Executive Director of Design, the challenge was to incorporate upscale design elements while remaining authentic to the Maruti brand. This authenticity manifests in subtle ways throughout the exterior.
Instead of excessive chrome embellishments, the Grand Vitara uses contrasting surface treatments and sharp character lines to create visual interest.
The two-tone roof option visually reduces the vehicle’s height, giving it a more dynamic stance. Perhaps the most striking element is the rear design, where slim, C-shaped tail lamps connected by a light bar create a signature nighttime appearance.
This distinctive rear graphic ensures the Grand Vitara remains recognizable even in darkness, reinforcing brand identity in congested urban environments.
Interior
Inside, Maruti has focused on elevating perceived quality through careful material selection and attention to tactile interfaces. The layered dashboard incorporates padded materials at key touchpoints, while piano black accents and brushed metal-effect trims create visual highlights without resorting to unconvincing faux luxury.
Maruti benchmarked vehicles costing significantly more to understand how premium brands create their quality impression. This selective approach is evident in the placement of the 9-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system positioned high on the dashboard for optimal visibility. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, features previously available only in more expensive vehicles.
The instrument cluster combines analog gauges with a 7-inch digital display, balancing traditional legibility with contemporary information delivery. Climate controls retain physical buttons and dials for frequently used functions, a practical choice that acknowledges the limitations of touchscreen interfaces while driving.
Seating comfort receives particular attention, with redesigned cushioning that provides better support during long journeys. While the base variants use durable fabric upholstery, higher trims offer leatherette with contrast stitching, successfully mimicking the appearance of more expensive materials.
Performance
Beneath its upscale appearance, the Grand Vitara delivers solid engineering. The platform architecture, developed in collaboration with Toyota, provides torsional rigidity comparable to vehicles in higher price segments, enhancing both driving dynamics and structural integrity.
Two powertrain options cater to different customer priorities. The naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine produces 103 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque—modest figures on paper but refined beyond segment expectations.
The more technically impressive strong hybrid option combines another 1.5-liter engine with an electric motor and small battery pack to deliver a claimed fuel efficiency of 27.97 kmpl.
The hybrid system represents Maruti’s most advanced powertrain technology, making hybrid efficiency more accessible to Indian consumers. Additionally, the available AllGrip all-wheel-drive system on select variants adds capability in adverse weather conditions and light off-road excursions.
Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics have been carefully addressed. Additional sound insulation, laminated glass on higher trims, and specially designed suspension bushings create a quieter cabin environment than previous Maruti offerings.
Features
Technology integration in the Grand Vitara focuses on providing tangible benefits rather than just filling the spec sheet. The 360-degree camera system uses high-resolution sensors, significantly improving visibility during parking maneuvers.
The wireless smartphone charging pad includes a cooling function to prevent device overheating, a thoughtful detail for real-world usage.
Similarly, ventilated front seats are included not just as a premium gimmick but as a practical comfort feature suited for India’s climate. Safety features include six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system, catering to increasingly safety-conscious consumers.
Higher trims come equipped with Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, technologies rarely found in this segment. According to Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer of Marketing, each feature was evaluated based on its real-world utility in Indian driving conditions.
Market Positioning
The Grand Vitara’s pricing strategy reveals Maruti’s nuanced knowing of the Indian automotive market. The entry-level variant is competitively priced against established budget competitors, making it an accessible gateway into the premium segment.
The hybrid variants command a premium but provide significant fuel savings, offsetting their higher acquisition cost for high-mileage users. This rational pricing approach recognizes that Indian consumers increasingly expect premium features but remain value-conscious in their purchasing decisions.
The initial market response has been strong, with over 25,000 bookings since launch. There has been particularly high demand for the higher-spec variants, indicating that consumers are willing to pay for genuine value when presented clearly.
Redefining Expectations
The Grand Vitara represents more than just another model in Maruti’s lineup—it signifies an evolution in the company’s philosophy. By delivering premium design, features, and engineering at accessible price points, Maruti challenges the notion that true quality and desirability must always come at a substantial premium.
For consumers, this evolution expands choices beyond the traditional compromise between budget-friendly options and expensive aspirational vehicles. The Grand Vitara offers a credible middle path, satisfying both practicality and luxury aspirations.
As India’s automotive market continues to mature, this approach may define the next chapter in the industry’s development. Instead of merely adapting international premium models to Indian budgets through compromise, manufacturers are increasingly developing products optimized for local priorities and price points.
In this context, the Grand Vitara is not just a new product—it is a statement of intent from Maruti Suzuki. It asserts that premium quality should be accessible to a broader audience and that affordability does not have to mean sacrificing style, technology, or desirability.
FAQs
What is the mileage of the Maruti Grand Vitara hybrid?
The hybrid variant of the Grand Vitara offers an impressive fuel efficiency of 27.97 kmpl.
Does the Grand Vitara have an all-wheel-drive option?
Yes, select variants of the Grand Vitara come with the AllGrip all-wheel-drive system.
What are the key safety features in the Grand Vitara?
The SUV includes six airbags, electronic stability control, ADAS, and a 360-degree camera.
Does the Grand Vitara support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, the 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
What is the starting price of the Maruti Grand Vitara?
The Grand Vitara’s starting price is competitive, making it an accessible premium SUV.