Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Effortless Mile-muncher

Not long ago, Maruti Suzuki was known to sell only budget-friendly and economical to run cars. But in recent years, the company has slowly started to expand its portfolio to offer more premium cars as well, a feat the brand couldn’t achieve in the past with premium products like the Kizashi and the older Grand Vitara. While the earlier models of the Grand Vitara failed to take off in India, the new-gen Grand Vitara is selling like hot cakes. And there are a multitude of reasons behind this. Not only is the booming popularity of the compact SUV segment helping the Grand Vitara’s cause, but the SUV also packs a ton of features and optional strong hybrid tech. It is also one of only two SUVs in the segment that offer CNG too, with the other being its Toyota twin — the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. 

The Grand Vitara is the first product that Suzuki has developed in a partnership with Toyota, with the petrol engine being developed by Suzuki and the petrol + electric strong hybrid being developed by Toyota. This has also allowed its twin — the Urban Cruiser Hyryder — to have a distinctive external appearance, making both offerings more appealing. Let’s take a look at what makes the co-engineered Grand Vitara a special car in the segment.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Pros and Cons 

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Exterior Design 

The Grand Vitara's design seamlessly blends rugged SUV aesthetics with the flair of a soft roader. A flat bonnet, high-mounted LED DRLs supported with LED headlamps mounted lower in the bumper, and a characterful two-part grille, contribute to its upright stance, and clean looking connected LED tail lamps with a smoked finish give the rear a unique appearance. Built on Suzuki's Global C platform, it is one of the longest SUVs in its class.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Interiors 

While the interior design of the Grand Vitara doesn’t feel as special as in some rivals, Maruti Suzuki has taken a few steps in the right direction when it comes to quality and finish. The layered dashboard, embellished with chrome, leather, and double stitching, exudes an upmarket feel. However, the dark themed interiors take away from the sense of space, and the narrow footprint also means that the cabin is not very wide. Making up for the drawbacks are the features on offer, including a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, heads-up display, and more. 

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Comfort 

When it comes to comfort, the Grand Vitara does a decent job. The seats, although a tad firm, provide ample support. The cabin, however, isn’t very wide, so three passengers at the back will be a squeeze. The suspension setup is also tuned for sophistication, effectively absorbing and handling bumps with finesse. This translates to a stable and controlled ride, whether navigating city streets or venturing onto uneven terrains. 

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Performance and handling

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara offers a variety of powertrain options, catering to a diverse range of driving preferences. The base engine is Suzuki's 102 bhp, 1.5-litre K15C Dualjet engine — which also powers the Brezza and Ertiga — equipped with a mild hybrid system for better efficiency. This engine can be coupled with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic. Maruti Suzuki also offers its 'All Grip' all-wheel drive system, featuring a 'lock' function that ensures a balanced power split between the front and rear. But the same isn’t available with the automatic gearbox, or even the strong hybrid drivetrain. It’s the same with CNG variants, which are also available only with the mild-hybrid drivetrain and a manual gearbox.

The other powertrain option is Toyota's strong hybrid system, which is renowned for its fuel efficiency. The system comprises a three-cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol engine that utilises direct and indirect injection, and operates on a more efficient Atkinson Cycle. This hybrid drivetrain is also the more powerful of the two, reaching a combined output of 114 bhp and 141 Nm. However, it is important to note that both powertrains are tuned for efficiency, and don’t offer enthusiastic performance. The handling on the other hand is a pleasant surprise for anyone who loves driving. Despite being tuned for comfort and a high 210 mm ground clearance, the Grand Vitara still manages to be plenty fun around corners.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Key specifications 

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Safety Features

The Grand Vitara is yet to undergo a Global NCAP or Bharat NCAP crash test, but while it hasn’t been crash tested yet, it makes a strong case for itself. Underpinning the Grand Vitara is the same platform as the Brezza, which scored a 4-star Global NCAP crash test rating. Furthermore, the Grand Vitara also packs a fair bit of hardware to enhance safety, such as six airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, ESP, Hill hold and hill descent control, tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and 3-point seatbelts for all passengers. Adding a layer of convenience are 360-degree cameras with sensors, and an auto-dimming IRVM.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Technology and Infotainment

Technological features take centre stage in the Grand Vitara, being equipped with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system is paired with either an Arkamys sound system or a more premium sound system by Clarion, depending on the variant. Strong hybrid models also get a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a heads-up display is also a part of the tech features list. The cabin is equipped with a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and many other features.  

Is the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara for you?

In the grand scheme of compact SUV offerings, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara stands as a compelling option, challenging norms with its hybrid technology. If you prioritise efficiency, comfort, and modern features, then this SUV warrants serious consideration. It not only challenges established players, but sets a new standard for fuel efficiency in the segment. Not just that, but the Grand Vitara is also available with CNG and all-wheel drive. However, the biggest con is that all can’t be availed at the same time. Hybrid doesn’t get AWD, neither does CNG, and both AWD and CNG don’t get an automatic gearbox. But with so many different drivetrain permutations and combinations possible, you are more than likely to get an option that works for you.