The Indian SUV market just got a major shake-up—Maruti Suzuki has unveiled the all-new Maruti Suzuki Escudo! For the first time, Maruti brings a strong-hybrid SUV under ₹10 lakh, making it the most affordable hybrid in India. This compact SUV signals a bold new direction for the brand, offering category-first technology and hybrid options in a segment long dominated by Hyundai Creta and Maruti’s own Brezza. With premium touches, advanced safety, and a focus on family buyers, the Escudo sets a new benchmark for value-driven innovation in 2025.
Table of Contents
Quick Specs at a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | ₹9.7 – 16 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Engine Options | 1.5L Petrol, Strong Hybrid, CNG |
| Mileage | Up to 25 kmpl (Hybrid) |
| Transmission | Manual, Automatic, e-CVT |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Yes (Higher variants) |
| Safety Rating | 5-Star Bharat NCAP |
| ADAS | Level 2 (Top variant) |
| Launch Date | September 2025 |
Maruti Suzuki Escudo: Quick Overview
- Segment: Compact/Midsize SUV (4.36m length, 5-seater)
- Competition: Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Brezza, Honda Elevate, Toyota Hyryder
- Target buyers: Young urban families, first-time SUV buyers, tech-savvy drivers, those demanding good efficiency and premium features
Design & Styling Highlights
- Bold new look: Chrome-heavy, hexagonal grille with tri-beam LED headlamps and aggressive DRLs
- Sporty stance: 17-inch machined alloys, pronounced wheel arches, integrated roof rails
- New design identity: More angular than the Brezza; premium in profile like Grand Vitara but sportier
- Color options: Range includes Titan Grey, Deep Blue, Auburn Red, Pearl White—plus two dual-tone options
- Premium touches: Panoramic sunroof, shark-fin antenna, chrome garnish, rear spoiler
Interior & Comfort Features
- Cabin: Spacious 5-seater layout with improved rear legroom and flat floor
- Upholstery: Dual-tone premium synthetic leather, ambient lighting, soft-touch dashboard
- Infotainment: 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Dolby Atmos sound, digital 4.2″ TFT cluster
- Sunroof: Panoramic sunroof on higher trims—a first-in-class for Maruti SUVs
- Other features: Wireless charging, ventilated front seats, rear AC vents, cooled glovebox, 60:40 split rear seat, hands-free tailgate
- Safety:
- 6 airbags, ABS+EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), hill-hold & descent control, ISOFIX
- Level-2 ADAS (adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, etc.) on top trim
- 360° camera, tyre pressure monitoring, 5-star Bharat NCAP rating
Powertrain & Performance Options
- Engines:
- 1.5L K15C mild-hybrid petrol (103 bhp, ~21 km/l)
- 1.5L Atkinson-cycle strong hybrid (~115 bhp, ~23–25 km/l)
- CNG variant (for economy/fleet buyers, ~26–27 km/kg)
- Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, e-CVT on hybrid
- Drivetrain: FWD standard; 4WD on select variants for light off-road
- Fuel efficiency: Best-in-class for hybrid/CNG trims, beating Creta and many rivals
- Hybrid advantage: Near-silent low-speed driving, quick start-stop, and city-friendly economy
Maruti Suzuki Escudo Price & Variants
- Expected price range: ₹9.7–16 lakh (ex-showroom, India)
- Launch offer: Special finance schemes and extended warranty on booking
- Variants:
- Base: Mild-hybrid petrol, manual gearbox, basic safety/features
- Mid: Alloys, touchscreen, dual airbags, split seats, sunroof option
- Top: Panoramic sunroof, Level-2 ADAS, hybrid/automatic, 360° camera, Dolby Atmos, all airbags
- How it compares:
- Creta: ₹11–20.9 lakh; Brezza: ₹8.7–14.1 lakh
First Impressions & Market Reactions
- Early buyers love:
- Class-leading mileage (“best for middle class and long runs”)
- Interior comfort, especially rear legroom and boot space
- Sunroof, Dolby Atmos, and ventilated seats “feel premium”
- Expert reviews praise:
- “Affordability meets tech: makes strong hybrid tech truly accessible for Indian buyers”
- High safety rating, spacious cabin, and genuine value for money
- Social media buzz:
- #MarutiEscudoLaunch trending with users applauding the panoramic sunroof and tech-forward dashboard
- Some users highlight that the Escudo feels “like a mini Grand Vitara, at a lower price”
How Escudo Stands Against Rivals
Maruti Suzuki Escudo vs Creta
- Pros: Hybrid/CNG options, lower starting price, more standard safety features
- Cons: Slightly less powerful, not as many turbo options
| Feature | Maruti Escudo | Hyundai Creta | Maruti Brezza |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | ₹9.7 lakh (est.) | ₹11.1 lakh | ₹8.7 lakh |
| Engines | Petrol, Hybrid, CNG | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, CNG |
| Mileage (Hybrid/Pet) | 23–25 / 21 kmpl | 16–18 kmpl | 17–19 kmpl |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Yes (Top variant) | Yes | No |
| ADAS | Yes (Top variant) | Yes (DCT top trims) | No |
| NCAP Rating | 5 Star (Bharat NCAP) | 4 Star (Global NCAP) | 4 Star |
| 360° Camera | Yes | Yes | No |
| Connected Tech | Yes | Yes | Yes |
- Escudo vs Brezza: More premium, bigger, hybrid-only features, panoramic sunroof, higher tech
- Escudo’s edge: First truly affordable strong-hybrid in class, panoramic sunroof, rich safety, unbeatable mileage, Maruti reliability
Final Verdict
Who should buy the Escudo?
- Urban families and commuters looking for maximum mileage, low running costs, and premium features that don’t break the bank
- Safety-conscious buyers or first-time SUV owners wanting advanced tech with Maruti’s service network
Strengths:
- Hybrid & CNG economy, 6 airbags with ADAS, panoramic sunroof, best-in-class infotainment, segment-leading safety
Drawbacks:
- No turbo petrol/diesel, some reviewers want AWD on more variants, may not suit thrill-seekers
Future Outlook:
Maruti has redefined value in India’s compact SUV segment. The Escudo is poised to be a volume blockbuster, pushing rivals toward more innovation in efficiency and safety.
FAQs
What is the price of Maruti Suzuki Suzuki Escudo in India?
The Maruti Suzuki Escudo is expected to be priced between ₹9.7 lakh and ₹16 lakh (ex-showroom), making it one of the most affordable hybrid SUVs in India.
Does Maruti Escudo have a panoramic sunroof?
Yes, the Maruti Suzuki Escudo comes with a panoramic sunroof on higher variants, marking a first for Maruti’s SUV lineup and adding premium appeal.
Is Maruti Escudo better than Hyundai Creta?
The Escudo offers better fuel efficiency with hybrid technology, lower starting price, and more standard safety features. However, Creta provides more powerful engine options and established market presence.
What is the mileage of Maruti Escudo hybrid?
The Maruti Suzuki Escudo hybrid delivers an impressive 23-25 kmpl, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its segment.
Does Escudo come in CNG?
Yes, Maruti Suzuki Escudo offers a factory-fitted CNG variant delivering approximately 26-27 km/kg, ideal for cost-conscious buyers and fleet operators.
What is the booking amount for Escudo?
The booking amount for Maruti Suzuki Escudo is ₹25,000 at Nexa dealerships, with deliveries expected to begin in October 2025.
Is Escudo available in AWD?
Yes, Maruti Suzuki Escudo offers an optional AWD (All Wheel Drive) system on select higher variants for enhanced traction and light off-road capability.
When will Maruti Suzuki Escudo be available for purchase?
The Maruti Suzuki Escudo is expected to reach dealerships by late September 2025, with bookings already open at select Nexa outlets.
Chetan is passionate about cars and keeps a close eye on every new launch in the Indian automotive market. At AutoNewsWala, he writes detailed car reviews, covering design, performance, features, and value for money to help readers make smarter buying decisions. His expertise lies in simplifying complex automotive details into easy-to-understand insights for car lovers.
