Maruti Grand Vitara

Engines, mileage, and running cost

The Grand Vitara's powertrain menu is the widest in its segment. The entry point is the 1,462 cc petrol Smart Hybrid, which pairs a K-series four-cylinder engine with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) and a dual-battery setup. Idle start-stop and regenerative braking help it return a claimed 21.11 kmpl on the manual and 20.58 kmpl on the six-speed torque-converter automatic. A CNG variant of the Smart Hybrid is also available, claiming 26.6 km/kg — one of the few factory-fitted CNG SUVs in the mid-size segment.

The star of the range is the 1,490 cc strong-hybrid system, which adds a more powerful electric motor and an e-CVT gearbox. It can run in Pure Electric mode for silent, zero-emission urban crawls, switch to Petrol-Only on the highway, or blend both in Hybrid mode. The battery charges itself through regenerative braking and the engine — no plug required. ARAI certifies this setup at 27.97 kmpl, the highest figure in the mid-size SUV class. Autocar India's independent real-world test returned 22.08 kmpl for the hybrid and 13.45 kmpl for the petrol automatic — still competitive figures for city-heavy use.

At ₹10.77 lakh entry pricing and roughly ₹6,435 per month in fuel costs (based on 60 km/day at ₹100/litre on the hybrid), the Grand Vitara's running cost case is compelling. The ALLGRIP SELECT 4WD variant adds electronically controlled four-wheel drive with Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock modes, making it the only mid-size SUV in this price band to offer genuine all-terrain capability alongside a petrol powertrain.

Performance and drive

The strong-hybrid e-CVT combination is tuned for smoothness rather than outright pace. The electric motor fills in torque at low speeds, eliminating the rubber-band sensation typical of conventional CVTs. The transition between electric and petrol modes is imperceptible in normal driving, and the regenerative braking paddle (where fitted) allows one-pedal-style deceleration in city traffic. The petrol Smart Hybrid manual is the more driver-focused option, with a slick five-speed gearbox and a linear power delivery from the naturally aspirated engine producing up to 102 bhp and 139 Nm.

The ALLGRIP SELECT 4WD variant is aimed at buyers who occasionally venture off the tarmac. Its four drive modes — Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock — are electronically managed, so there is no mechanical transfer case to engage. Ground clearance stands at 210 mm, which is adequate for broken roads and mild trails. Hill-Hold Assist and Hill-Descent Control are standard on relevant variants, adding confidence on steep gradients.

Ride quality is generally well-judged for Indian roads, with the suspension tuned to absorb potholes without excessive body roll. The strong-hybrid's added battery weight (mounted low in the floor) gives it a slightly lower centre of gravity than the petrol variants, which marginally improves cornering composure.

Cabin, space, and tech

The Grand Vitara's interior is among the most feature-rich in its class. The panoramic sunroof uses a dual sliding mechanism for a genuinely airy cabin feel. A Head-Up Display projects speed, RPM, fuel economy, AC status and warning alerts directly into the driver's line of sight — a segment-first feature at this price. The 22.86 cm Smart Play Pro+ touchscreen supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Advanced Voice Assist, and is backed by a Clarion premium sound system. A wireless charging dock and 360-degree camera with multiple view modes round out the tech package.

Seating is for five, with the boot offering 265 litres of cargo space — adequate for a family weekend but not class-leading. The fuel tank holds 45 litres on petrol variants. Suzuki Connect provides 40+ connected features including remote operations, vehicle tracking, safety and security alerts, driving behaviour sharing, and smartwatch connectivity, with a free three-year subscription included. Paddle shifters are available on the six-speed automatic transmission.

The cabin materials are a step up from Maruti's Arena products, though some hard plastics remain on the lower door panels. Ventilated front seats, an air purifier and a powered driver's seat feature on higher trims, adding genuine comfort for long journeys.

Safety and ADAS

The Grand Vitara's most important safety credential is six airbags as standard on every variant — front, side and curtain — at a time when many rivals still offer two airbags on base trims. The body uses Suzuki's TECT platform, engineered to absorb and distribute collision energy. Additional active safety hardware includes Electronic Stability Control, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Hill-Hold Assist, Hill-Descent Control and an Electronic Parking Brake.

However, the Grand Vitara does not offer ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) on any variant — a notable omission compared to rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the newer Maruti Victoris, which offer Level 2 ADAS. The 360-degree camera with multiple view modes is the closest the Grand Vitara comes to active driving assistance. Buyers who prioritise autonomous emergency braking or lane-keep assist will need to look elsewhere in the segment.

The car has not yet been rated by Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP as of September 2026.

Variants and pricing

The Grand Vitara is available in 13 named configurations across three powertrain families, with ex-showroom prices ranging from ₹10.77 lakh (Petrol Sigma) to ₹19.72 lakh (Strong Hybrid Alpha+ (O)). The petrol Smart Hybrid range covers Sigma, Delta, Zeta, Zeta (O) and Alpha / Alpha (O) trims, with both manual and automatic options. The strong-hybrid range starts at Delta+ and goes up to Alpha+ and Alpha+ (O). The ALLGRIP SELECT 4WD is available only on Alpha and Alpha (O) trims.

In September 2026, Maruti Nexa is offering benefits of up to ₹3.10 lakh on the Grand Vitara, including an exchange bonus of up to ₹75,000, a scrappage bonus of up to ₹45,000, a loyalty bonus of up to ₹30,000, a corporate offer of up to ₹20,000, and zero road tax on strong-hybrid variants (saving up to ₹1.85 lakh). Select variants also come with a free five-year extended warranty.

How it compares

The Grand Vitara's closest twin is the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, which shares the same platform and strong-hybrid powertrain but starts at ₹11.31 lakh — ₹54,000 more than the Grand Vitara's base price. Both offer identical 27.97 kmpl ARAI mileage and six standard airbags, but neither offers ADAS. The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos undercut the Grand Vitara's hybrid pricing but offer Level 2 ADAS and turbocharged petrol engines for buyers who prioritise performance. The Maruti Victoris, sold through Arena, uses the same strong-hybrid system and adds Level 2 ADAS and a five-star Bharat NCAP rating — making it a more safety-focused alternative within the same family. The Renault Duster and Nissan Tekton bring diesel options that the Grand Vitara lacks entirely.

Who should buy it

The Grand Vitara is the right choice for buyers who spend most of their time in city traffic and want to minimise fuel bills without the range anxiety of an EV. The strong-hybrid's 27.97 kmpl ARAI figure translates to real-world savings that can offset the price premium over a comparable petrol SUV within two to three years of typical urban use. The ALLGRIP SELECT variant suits buyers in hilly regions or those who occasionally need all-weather traction. Buyers who prioritise ADAS safety tech, a diesel engine, or a seven-seat layout should consider alternatives — but for sheer fuel efficiency, connected features and Maruti's unmatched service network, the Grand Vitara remains a benchmark in the mid-size SUV segment.