2025 Maruti Escudo Announced: The SUV to Surpass Creta and Seltos
The Indian car market is a battleground and no segment is as fiercely competitive as the mid-size SUV segment. For the past few years, the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos have been the dominant duo, a titanic duo that has raised the bar for features, performance and sales. But as the glittering lights of the 2025 Diwali celebrations loom on the horizon, a new contender is waiting in the wings. The undisputed king of the Indian car market, Maruti Suzuki, is set to unveil its masterstroke: the all-new 2025 Maruti Escudo, code-named Y17.
This is not just another SUV, no; it is a measured, strategic move to capture the heart of the market. Cleverly positioned between the ever-popular Maruti Brezza and the premium Grand Vitara, the Escudo is aiming squarely at its Korean rivals’ throne. With a strong combination of space, practical powertrain, strong looks and aggressive pricing, the Escudo is not just here to compete but to dominate. Let’s delve deeper into what makes this new SUV one of the biggest and most anticipated launches of the year.
Platform and Dimensions: The Foundation of Dominance
At the core of the Escudo is Suzuki’s robust and acclaimed Global C platform. It’s the same architecture that underpins modern Maruti giants like the Brezza, Grand Vitara and S-Cross, which are known for their excellent balance of structural rigidity, ride comfort and safety. However, Maruti is pushing the boundaries with the Escudo. It is expected to surpass the Grand Vitara’s $4,345mm length, bringing it closer to the Kia Seltos’ $4,365mm.
This length is not just a numbers game; it is a strategic move that specifically responds to a fundamental customer request: space. The longer wheelbase offers more space inside. Backseat riders will have increased legroom and shoulder room to enjoy those long rides. Additionally, this dimensional advantage will result in a larger, more functional boot, which can easily accommodate luggage for a family weekend trip. By offering a high-end cabin, the Escudo immediately establishes a compelling value proposition over its rivals.
Powertrains: The power of choice for diverse nations
Maruti Suzuki has always excelled in catering to the diverse needs of the Indian car buyer and the Escudo’s powertrain portfolio is a reflection of that philosophy. It will feature a triangle of engine choices so that there is an ideal Escudo for every type of customer.
1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol: The workhorse of the portfolio will be the well-known K-series $1.5 litre petrol engine. Producing around 104 bhp, this unit is known for its silky, linear response and flawless refinement. It will be available with the option of a quick 5-speed manual transmission for driving enthusiasts and a refined 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters for convenience-conscious city dwellers. This model will underpin the Escudo lineup, having a wide appeal across a wide range of buyers.
1.5 litre S-CNG variant: Here is Maruti’s trump card. Leveraging its unrivalled expertise in CNG technology, the Escudo will feature a factory-fitted S-CNG kit. While the power output in CNG mode is a more modest $88 bhp, the focus here is on phenomenal fuel efficiency and extremely low running costs. For price-sensitive buyers, fleet operators or anyone reporting significantly high-mileage monthly running costs, the Escudo CNG will be an almost unbeatable option, in an area where its main competitors have no direct solution.
Strong Hybrid (Petrol + Electric): For tech-savvy and eco-conscious buyers, the Escudo will replace the Grand Vitara’s advanced Strong Hybrid system. Merging a petrol engine with an electric motor, this powertrain will deliver an estimated $100 bhp output through a silky-smooth e-CVT transmission. This technology offers quiet, electric-only operation at low speeds, electric torque boost on acceleration and is expected to set a new benchmark for fuel economy in the segment. It offers a refined, quiet and eco-friendly driving experience, ideal for contemporary urban driving.
Drivetrain Options: Ready for the Urban Jungle and Beyond
The Escudo is designed to be a capable companion. Most models will be offered with a standard 2WD (front-wheel drive) drivetrain, which is ideal for city streets and highways with stability and efficiency.
However, unlike many of its competitors, the Escudo will feature Suzuki’s advanced All-Grip AWD (all-wheel drive) system available on select trims. It’s not just a marketing gimmick; it’s a capable system that enhances traction and stability on slippery surfaces, broken roads and gentle off-road trails. With selectable modes of Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock, the All-Grip system gives drivers the extra confidence to go where the road ends, giving the Escudo a tough, go-anywhere image that’s truly one of a kind in its segment.
Exterior Design: A Bold and Commanding Presence
The Escudo is ready to make a statement. Leaked design cues and artist concepts show a bold, straight and muscular approach. A striking grille dominates the front, flanked by sleek, multi-element LED headlamps and DRLs that give it an aggressive look. The chiseled bonnet, chiselled wheel arches and strong character lines on the side profile contribute to its macho appeal. The styling is not purely form and function; the body is aerodynamically tuned to achieve high-speed stability and fuel efficiency. With its bold presence, the Escudo is sure to turn heads on the road.
Interior Features: Where Premium Meets Practicality
Take a ride, and the Escudo promises a contemporary, feature-packed and comfortable haven. The dashboard is set with a clean, layered look, with a combination of soft-touch surfaces and premium finishes.
- Infotainment Hub: The commanding centre is a floating 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Driver Cockpit: The driver gets a fully-digital instrument cluster, featuring sharp graphics and customizable readouts.
- Animal Comfort: The higher-end trims will feature features previously found in the premium vehicle segment, such as an oversized panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats to combat the Indian summer, automatic climate control and rear air-condition vents.
- Comfort: A 360-degree surround-view camera will facilitate parking in tight urban spaces.
Safety features: A comprehensive shield
Maruti is taking safety as a given in the Escudo. The SUV is likely to have a formidable list of safety features from the entry-level model.
- Protection as standard: All variants are likely to get six airbags, a move that is sure to please safety-conscious customers. Along with this, standard equipment like ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Hill Hold Assist will also be included.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): The Escudo will come with the Level 2 ADAS package on its upper models. This will include adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking, making it one of the most advanced offerings in its class.
Sales, Pricing and Arena Advantage
In a significant strategic departure from the Grand Vitara, which is sold exclusively through the premium Nexa network, the Escudo will be sold through Maruti’s extensive Arena dealerships. This single move will significantly increase its reach, making it available to customers in every corner of the country, from congested metros to tier-3 cities.
Pricing is likely to be the final nail in the coffin of the competition.
- Expected base variant: Approx. ₹12 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Expected top variant: Approx. ₹18 lakh (ex-showroom)
This price range puts the Escudo in the “sweet spot” over some of its competitors’ higher-end variants, while also offering a more complete package of space, features and powertrain configurations.
The 2025 Maruti Suzuki Escudo is destined to be more than just a new vehicle; it’s a revolution. It blends an unbeatable palette of powertrains with a spacious and feature-packed cabin, including segment-busting CNG and fuel-sipping hybrid variants. Pair that with a choice of a com.
