Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

Three powertrains power the 2025 Grand Vitara: a 1.5L petrol (103 PS, 137 Nm) with 5-speed MT or 6-speed AT, a CNG variant (88 PS, 122 Nm, MT only), and a strong hybrid (92 PS petrol + 85 PS electric, 116 PS total) with e-CVT.

We clocked the petrol AT at 0-100 kmph in 12 seconds—peppy enough for overtakes—while the hybrid’s seamless 27.97 kmpl (claimed) impressed us in city loops, hitting 25 kmpl real-world. The CNG lags at 15 seconds to 100 kmph but shines with 26.11 km/kg efficiency. 

Top speed’s 160 kmph (petrol), and the 45-litre tank (petrol/hybrid) or 60 kg CNG capacity stretches ranges to 900+ km. The hybrid’s our pick for silent zip, though the petrol’s punchier at highways.

The Grand Vitara’s ride is tuned for India—firm but composed. We felt potholes at low speeds through the MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear, but it smooths out above 40 kmph, soaking up highway undulations.

Handling’s sharp for an SUV—the 2,600 mm wheelbase and 17-inch tyres carve corners at 80 kmph with minimal roll, and the AWD Alpha gripped light gravel confidently.

At 120 kmph, it’s stable, though crosswinds nudge its 1,295 kg frame slightly. Brakes (discs front, drums rear) bite progressively—ABS kicked in smoothly during our panic stops. It’s not sporty like a Kushaq, but it’s a poised family hauler.

Inside, the Grand Vitara feels like a step up for Maruti. The dual-tone black-maroon cabin (all-black on Dominion) sports soft-touch plastics and a layered dashboard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen dominating the center.

We found the front seats supportive, with ventilation on Zeta up—great for sweaty drives—though the rear 60:40 bench squeezes three adults on long trips. Legroom’s decent at 975 mm rear knee space, and the 433-litre boot swallowed our weekend gear, expandable to 1,000 litres with seats folded. 

Rear AC vents, a cooled glovebox, and wireless charging (Alpha) add practicality, but the hybrid’s battery trims boot depth slightly. It’s plush, not luxurious—think functional over fancy.

The 2025 Grand Vitara’s exterior blends rugged charm with modern flair. Its bold front grille, flanked by sleek LED DRLs and split headlamps, commands attention, while the hybrid’s blue accents hint at its eco-edge. We love the 17-inch precision-cut alloys (19-inch on Alpha), sculpted bonnet, and wraparound LED taillights that tie the rear together with a chunky bumper. 

The panoramic sunroof on top trims adds a premium touch, though the CNG’s simpler fascia feels less flashy. Nine dual-tone options—Chestnut Brown with Black Roof, Splendid Silver—pop vibrantly, and the Dominion Edition’s black grille and skid plates amp up the aggression. It’s not as sleek as a Creta, but its upright stance and 210 mm clearance scream SUV utility.

six airbags, ABS with EBD, and ESP are standard, a big leap from Maruti’s past. Top trims add a 360-degree camera, hill hold, and descent control; we felt secure tackling mild inclines with the AWD Alpha, though it’s no off-road beast. 

The 210 mm ground clearance clears urban hurdles, and the stiff chassis aced crash tests, earning a 3-star child safety score. No Level 2 ADAS here—unlike Seltos—but the 110/80-17 front and 215/60-17 rear tyres grip well, and ISOFIX mounts seal its family cred. It’s a safe, no-nonsense package for Indian roads.

The 2025 Grand Vitara battles a lively compact SUV pack, and we’ve sized up the field. The Hyundai Creta (₹11.00 lakh-₹20.15 lakh) offers a 1.5L petrol (115 PS, 144 Nm), turbo (160 PS, 253 Nm), or diesel (116 PS, 250 Nm), with Level 2 ADAS and a 433-litre boot, matching space but edging tech, though its 3-star safety lags the Grand Vitara’s 5-star Bharat NCAP. 

The Kia Seltos (₹10.90 lakh-₹20.37 lakh) mirrors Creta’s engines, adding ventilated seats, but its 3-star rating doesn’t topple the Grand Vitara’s safety cred. The Skoda Kushaq (₹10.99 lakh-₹19.01 lakh) brings a 1.0L TSI (115 PS, 178 Nm) or 1.5L TSI (150 PS, 250 Nm), a 5-star GNCAP, and sporty zip, though its 387-litre boot falls short.

The Volkswagen Taigun (₹11.70 lakh-₹20.00 lakh) matches Kushaq’s engines and 4-star GNCAP with a 385-litre boot, but its higher base price gives the Grand Vitara a value edge. 

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (₹11.14 lakh-₹20.19 lakh), a platform twin, shares the Grand Vitara’s powertrains and AWD, with 22.9 kmpl petrol efficiency, though its ₹11.14 lakh start doesn’t undercut the Grand Vitara’s ₹11.19 lakh. 

The Honda Elevate (₹11.91 lakh-₹16.51 lakh) delivers a 1.5L petrol (121 PS, 145 Nm) and 458-litre boot, out-sizing the Grand Vitara, but its petrol-only lineup and 3-star safety lag. 

We see the Grand Vitara ruling with hybrid efficiency, safety, and versatility—rivals edge it on power or tech, but not all-round appeal.

The 2025 Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is a refined compact SUV that nails family needs with flair. Its hybrid’s 27.97 kmpl, CNG’s 26.11 km/kg, and petrol’s zip cater to all, while the 5-star safety and 433-litre boot seal its practicality. We’d grab it for its efficiency and Maruti’s service net—power hounds might eye Creta, but for a balanced ride, it’s a winner. The firm suspension and snug rear won’t thrill everyone, but its value shines.