Maruti Suzuki Escudo Vs Grand Vitara: Where Does The New Creta Rival Fit In?

Maruti Suzuki Escudo Vs Grand Vitara: Maruti Suzuki is shaking up India’s SUV market with the upcoming Escudo, a midsize SUV set to launch on September 3, 2025. Priced between ₹10-20 lakh, it’s ready to go head-to-head with the Hyundai Creta and even its sibling, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. While the Escudo and Grand Vitara share some DNA, they’re aimed at different buyers, with the Creta setting a high bar in the compact SUV space. So, how do these three stack up? Let’s break it down and see where the Escudo fits in this crowded, exciting segment!

A Fresh Look for the Escudo

The Escudo, codenamed Y17, brings a bold, rugged vibe to Maruti’s lineup. Built on the Global-C platform, it’s slightly longer than the Grand Vitara’s 4,345mm, offering more cabin and boot space—potentially topping the Creta’s 433 liters. Its boxy design, chunky grille, and LED headlights give it a tougher look than the sleek Grand Vitara, which sports a premium split-headlamp style. The Creta, with its updated 2024 facelift, rocks a modern, boxy grille and connected LED taillights, appealing to urban buyers. The Escudo’s Arena dealership positioning makes it a practical, family-friendly choice compared to the Nexa-sold Grand Vitara’s upscale vibe.

Powertrains: Efficiency vs Versatility

The Escudo is expected to borrow the Grand Vitara’s 1.5L petrol engine (104 hp, 137 Nm) and 1.5L CNG option (88 hp), paired with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Unlike the Grand Vitara’s strong hybrid (116 hp, 27.97 kmpl), the Escudo might skip this to keep costs down. The Creta, meanwhile, offers a 1.5L petrol (115 hp), a 1.5L turbo petrol (160 hp), and a 1.5L diesel (116 hp), with options for manual, CVT, or DCT. The Creta’s diesel and turbo options give it an edge for power-hungry drivers, while the Grand Vitara’s hybrid leads in fuel efficiency. The Escudo’s simpler powertrain lineup aims for affordability and reliability.

Inside: Space Meets Tech

Inside, the Escudo prioritizes practicality with a spacious cabin and a larger boot, ideal for family road trips. Expect a 9-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and basics like rear AC vents, but it may lack the Grand Vitara’s heads-up display or panoramic sunroof to stay budget-friendly. The Grand Vitara’s premium Nexa cabin shines with ventilated seats and a 360-degree camera, while the Creta ups the ante with dual 10.25-inch displays, a Bose sound system, and ventilated seats. The Creta’s interior feels more upscale, but the Escudo’s extra space could win over buyers needing room for luggage or kids.

Safety and Handling

Safety is a strong suit for all three. The Escudo is likely to offer dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and possibly Level 2 ADAS (like lane-keep assist), which the Grand Vitara lacks. The Grand Vitara has six airbags, a 360-degree camera, and a 5-star safety rating potential, while the Creta’s 2024 update includes Level 2 ADAS, six airbags, and a solid build. For handling, the Grand Vitara’s AWD option and 210mm ground clearance make it great for light off-roading. The Creta’s softer suspension suits city comfort but feels less planted than the Grand Vitara on highways. The Escudo, with similar ground clearance, should handle rough roads well but may lean toward comfort over sportiness.

Price and Value

The Escudo’s estimated ₹10-20 lakh price range makes it a touch cheaper than the Grand Vitara (₹10.99-19.93 lakh) and competitive with the Creta (₹11.11-20.42 lakh). With a down payment of around ₹1.5 lakh and EMIs from ₹8,000, it’s an accessible pick. Sold through Arena dealerships, the Escudo reaches smaller cities where the Creta’s premium showrooms are less common. The Grand Vitara’s Nexa exclusivity and hybrid tech justify its price, while the Creta’s turbo and diesel options appeal to performance fans. The Escudo’s value lies in its space and affordability, perfect for budget-conscious families.

Which SUV Wins?

The Maruti Suzuki Escudo 2025 is a practical, spacious contender that slots below the premium Grand Vitara while challenging the Creta’s dominance. If you want efficiency and a premium feel, the Grand Vitara’s hybrid and Nexa badge are hard to beat. The Creta shines with its powerful engines and tech-heavy cabin, ideal for urban buyers. The Escudo, with its competitive price and family-friendly design, is a smart middle ground. Bookings are open at Arena dealerships for ₹21,000, with deliveries starting post-Diwali. Visit a Maruti showroom or cars.tatamotors.com to check it out—this SUV trio makes 2025 an exciting year for buyers!