Maruti Suzuki Escudo SUV: The Creta & Seltos Rival That’s About to Change Everything

On September 3, 2025, Maruti Suzuki officially unveiled the Maruti Suzuki Escudo, a vehicle that’s been on everyone’s radar for a while now. This launch is a significant moment for the brand, as the Escudo isn’t just another car; it’s a strategic move to fill a crucial gap in their lineup.

Positioned within the widely accessible Arena dealership network, the Escudo sits neatly between the popular Brezza and the more premium Grand Vitara, aiming to become the new flagship for the Arena channel.

With this new SUV, Maruti is taking on some big names like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in the highly competitive midsize SUV segment.

For years, Maruti has had a strong foothold in the Indian market with models like the Swift and Ertiga. However, the premium midsize SUV space was largely handled by the Nexa network with the Grand Vitara.

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The Escudo changes that by bringing a feature-packed and competitively priced SUV to the Arena showrooms, making it a compelling option for a wider range of buyers. The timing of the launch, right before the festive season, is a smart move designed to get the most out of the high consumer demand.

Built on a Solid Foundation

The Escudo’s development is a clear sign of Maruti’s ambition to go head-to-head with its rivals. The new SUV is built on Suzuki’s Global-C platform, the very same one that underpins the Grand Vitara.

This means it benefits from a solid and versatile foundation. While there was some talk that the Escudo might be a seven-seater, Maruti has confirmed it as a five-seater. This decision keeps the lineup clear, especially with a seven-seater Grand Vitara also in the pipeline for a later launch.

A Design That Stands Out

When it comes to looks, the Maruti Suzuki Escudo has its own identity. While it borrows some design cues from the Brezza and Grand Vitara, it has a distinct personality. The exterior features a boxy, bold front with a flat nose, sharp LED projector headlamps, and a new grille.

The LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and signature LED taillights add to its modern appeal. With its newly designed alloy wheels and squared-off wheel arches, the Escudo looks both tough and refined. It’s also a good-sized vehicle, measuring over 4,345 mm, which translates to a generous amount of boot space.

Stepping Up the Interior Experience

Inside, the Escudo’s cabin feels like a major upgrade for an Arena model. It’s designed to rival the interiors of its premium competitors. At the center of the dashboard is a large floating touchscreen infotainment system, which is likely 9 inches or more and comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

A standout feature is the Dolby Atmos audio system, a first for any Maruti Suzuki vehicle, promising a high-quality sound experience.

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The Escudo also comes with a host of modern conveniences like dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, a wireless smartphone charger, and rear AC vents. The top variants are expected to include a panoramic sunroof, a powered tailgate, and a head-up display (HUD), pushing it into a truly premium space.

A Range of Powertrain Choices

Maruti understands that different buyers have different needs, which is why the Escudo offers a variety of powertrain options. It shares its engines with the Grand Vitara, ensuring reliability and efficiency.

• 1.5-Litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol (Mild-Hybrid): This engine delivers 103 PS and is available with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. It’s a great choice for those looking for a balanced performance and good fuel efficiency.
• 1.5-Litre Strong-Hybrid Petrol: This strong hybrid powertrain, with 116 PS, is designed for impressive fuel economy and a smooth ride, thanks to its e-CVT transmission. There’s some talk that this version might be launched a little later to keep the price of the Escudo separate from the Grand Vitara.
• 1.5-Litre CNG: The CNG variant offers a fuel-efficient option, with 88 PS. A notable feature here is the factory-fitted underbody CNG tank, a first for Maruti, which saves a lot of boot space. This makes it an attractive choice for cost-conscious buyers.

The Escudo also has the potential for a four-wheel-drive (4WD) system, which would make it even more versatile for those who enjoy a bit of light off-roading.

Advanced Tech and Safety Features

The Escudo marks a new chapter for Maruti’s Arena models when it comes to technology and safety. It’s the first vehicle in the Arena lineup to offer Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

This includes important safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, putting it on par with its international rivals.

Other safety highlights include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and a 360-degree camera. All these features work together to provide a secure and confident driving experience.

Pricing and Market Position

The Maruti Suzuki Escudo is expected to be priced competitively, with a potential starting price as low as ₹9.75 lakh (ex-showroom). This pricing strategy is a strong move by Maruti to undercut competitors while offering similar or even better features.

The Escudo’s value-for-money proposition, combined with Maruti’s wide-reaching Arena dealership and service network, makes it a very appealing option. The launch of the Escudo solidifies Maruti’s position in the Indian automotive market, especially as the brand prepares for the electric e-Vitara launch later this year.

The Escudo is poised to be a game-changer, reinforcing Maruti Suzuki’s legacy as a leader in India’s automotive landscape.

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