Maruti Suzuki Escudo India Launch Likely in September

Maruti Suzuki is preparing to expand its SUV portfolio in India with the launch of a new compact SUV, likely to be called the Escudo, in September 2025. The new model will be positioned between the Maruti Suzuki Brezza and the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara in the company’s lineup and is expected to be the flagship offering under the Arena retail channel. 

The Escudo will be Maruti Suzuki’s direct competitor to popular models in the segment such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, and Honda Elevate. It is expected to be based on the Global C platform, which currently underpins both the Grand Vitara** and its sibling, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. 

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki To Launch New SUV This Year: What Could It Be?

According to early information, the Escudo could be one of the longest SUVs in its class, translating to improved cabin space and rear-seat comfort — an important factor for buyers in this segment. While exact dimensions are yet to be revealed, Maruti is likely to focus on space efficiency and passenger comfort to distinguish the Escudo from its competitors.

The SUV will reportedly be powered by Maruti’s well-known 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine, which currently serves in the Brezza and Grand Vitara. Transmission options are expected to include a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic. 

Unlike the Grand Vitara, which offers a strong hybrid powertrain, the Escudo may skip the hybrid option to maintain an aggressive price point in the Arena lineup. However, a CNG variant is expected to be part of the range, in line with Maruti Suzuki’s growing emphasis on alternative fuel options. There is currently no confirmation on whether the Escudo will feature an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki To Launch New SUV This Year: What Could It Be?

The Escudo is expected to be the most feature-rich model ever offered by Maruti Suzuki under the Arena umbrella. The cabin will debut a new infotainment system featuring the largest touchscreen in the Maruti lineup—reportedly larger than the 9-inch unit currently found in the Grand Vitara. Key features will likely include a panoramic sunroof, front ventilated seats, all-digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, and connected car technology. 

On the safety front, the Escudo is expected to come equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD, hill hold assist, all-wheel disc brakes, and a 360-degree camera system. It could also be the second Maruti model to feature Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), after the upcoming Maruti Suzuki e Vitara. 

With an increasing regulatory push and consumer focus on safety, Maruti Suzuki may be targeting a 5-star safety rating from both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP, which would mark a significant step forward for the brand in terms of crashworthiness and public perception. 

The Escudo is part of Maruti’s two-pronged SUV strategy for 2025, alongside the e Vitara, which was showcased at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo earlier this year. While the e Vitara will mark Maruti’s foray into the mass-market EV SUV space, the Escudo will strengthen the brand's foothold in the petrol and CNG-powered compact SUV market.