The Maruti Grand Vitara 2025 aims to push boundaries in a market that increasingly demands fuel efficiency without sacrificing comfort, tech, or performance. Competing in a highly saturated mid-size SUV space, it promises hybrid powertrains, bold design upgrades, and intelligent features. But is it truly India’s most fuel-efficient SUV? We took it for a detailed test drive to find out.
Maruti Grand Vitara 2025 Test Drive Review
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2025 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol, Strong Hybrid |
| Claimed Mileage | Up to 28 km/l (Strong Hybrid) |
| Engine Options | 1.5L K15C Petrol / 1.5L TNGA Hybrid |
| Transmission | 5MT, 6AT, e-CVT |
| Drive Type | FWD / AWD (Petrol only) |
| Notable Features | Panoramic sunroof, 360° camera, Heads-up display, Ventilated seats |
| Price Range (Ex-Showroom) | ₹10.99 – ₹19.99 lakh |
| Official Website | marutisuzuki.com |
Design and Exterior – Sharp, Urban, and Distinct
Maruti has put serious effort into making the 2025 Grand Vitara stand out. The front grille is bold with a piano black finish, and the tri-LED DRLs lend it a tech-forward identity. The body is well-sculpted, with clean creases that accentuate its road presence. The dual-tone alloy wheels and integrated rear spoiler enhance its sporty stance. It’s urban, refined, and designed to appeal to younger buyers and families alike. The SUV measures 4,345 mm in length and has a respectable 210 mm ground clearance. While the styling is mostly evolutionary from 2023, subtle refinements in the front bumper and tail-lamp design give it a fresher look.
Interior and Cabin Experience – Practical Meets Premium
Step inside and the Grand Vitara delivers a well-balanced mix of practicality and aesthetics. The dashboard layout is familiar yet functional, draped in soft-touch materials. The dual-tone upholstery feels premium, especially in the higher variants. Space-wise, it can comfortably seat five adults, with ample legroom in the rear and a flat floor that enhances passenger comfort. The panoramic sunroof now gets a smoother open-close mechanism. Boot space stands at 373L in the hybrid version, slightly compromised due to the battery but still usable for weekend luggage.
Highlights include:
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9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
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Heads-up display and 360-degree camera on higher variants
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Ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and wireless charging
Performance and Driving Impressions – Smooth, Silent, Sensible
We tested both the mild-hybrid and strong-hybrid versions. The 1.5L petrol mild-hybrid feels adequate for urban use, offering linear power delivery. But it’s the strong hybrid that steals the show. The Toyota-sourced TNGA 1.5L engine paired with an e-motor delivers a combined output of 114 bhp. While that may not sound powerful, the electric motor assists well at low speeds, making city driving smooth and surprisingly silent. You can drive purely on electric power for short distances, particularly useful in traffic.
Driving modes include EV, Eco, and Power, with the e-CVT keeping things seamless. However, push it hard and you’ll notice the rubber-band effect typical of CVTs. Ride quality is balanced — it absorbs potholes without crashing, and body roll is well-contained.
Fuel Efficiency – Class-Leading Numbers with Real-World Backing
This is where the Grand Vitara 2025 flexes its muscles. The strong hybrid claims a jaw-dropping 28 km/l, and during our mixed city-highway test run, we managed around 24.5 km/l — impressive for a car this size. Even the mild-hybrid delivers a respectable 18–20 km/l depending on driving conditions. The efficiency comes from Maruti’s tuning and Toyota’s hybrid tech, a winning combo that makes it India’s most fuel-efficient SUV on paper — and possibly in practice.
Tech, Safety, and Features – All Boxes Checked
Maruti hasn’t skimped on safety or tech. The Grand Vitara 2025 comes with six airbags in the higher trims, ESC, hill-hold assist, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX mounts. There’s no ADAS yet, which competitors like the Honda Elevate are beginning to offer, but most essentials are covered. The infotainment system is quick to respond and the digital MID is intuitive. The heads-up display remains a novelty in the segment. OTA updates and connected car tech are also available via the Suzuki Connect suite.
Variants and Pricing – Something for Everyone
There are multiple variants including Sigma, Delta, Zeta, Alpha, and their respective Plus and Hybrid iterations. Prices start at ₹10.99 lakh and go up to ₹19.99 lakh (ex-showroom). While the hybrid variants command a premium of ₹2–3 lakh over their mild-hybrid counterparts, they justify it through running cost savings in the long term.
Verdict – A Fuel-Efficiency Champion with Urban Smarts
The Maruti Grand Vitara 2025 may not be the most thrilling SUV to drive, nor does it boast segment-best power figures. But it excels where it counts for most Indian buyers: mileage, comfort, and value. With a mature hybrid system, refined road manners, and a well-rounded feature list, it delivers a compelling package. If fuel efficiency is your top priority and you’re looking for a reliable urban SUV with family-friendly traits, this may just be the best buy in its segment.
FAQ
Is the Maruti Grand Vitara 2025 available in diesel?
No, it comes only with petrol and strong-hybrid powertrains.
What is the waiting period for the hybrid variant?
Currently, the waiting period ranges from 4 to 8 weeks depending on location and variant.
Is AWD available with the hybrid version?
No, AWD is offered only with the manual mild-hybrid petrol variant.
How does the Grand Vitara compare to the Toyota Hyryder?
They share the same platform and hybrid tech, but differ in styling, pricing, and dealership experience.
Is the Grand Vitara good for long drives?
Yes, especially the hybrid version offers a comfortable ride, great fuel efficiency, and sufficient power for cruising.
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