Maruti Suzuki Escudo Spied Testing in India: A Game-Changer in the Mid-Size SUV Segment?

Maruti Suzuki's upcoming mid-size SUV, the Escudo, has been spotted testing in India. Positioned between the Brezza and Grand Vitara. Here's everything we know so far.

By Utsav Chaudhary

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Jul 18, 2025 12:40 pm IST

Image Credit- MotorOctane

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Maruti Suzuki India is making a bold move to expand its SUV lineup in India. The Indian automotive king is planning to reveal its most anticipated SUV, the Escudo, by the end of 2025. The car has been recently spied testing on Indian roads. The camouflaged test spy shots were recently taken near the company’s manufacturing facility, signaling that the launch of this new model is imminent.

The all-new Escudo is positioned to be another crossover SUV between the Maruti Suzuki Breeza and Grand Vitara. As per the reports, the car should be expected to take the leverage under the name of the Arena dealerships. This strategic move by Maruti Suzuki underlines its intention to capture the mid-SUV segment. The vehicle aims to fill the gap in Maruti’s SUV portfolio.

Maruti Suzuki Escudo: What We Know?

The heavily camouflaged prototype has offered only a glimpse of the Escudo’s exterior, but sources confirm that the new SUV is built on Maruti Suzuki’s Global C platform. This same chassis platform was used for the development of the all-new Grand Vitara. This new model might follow the similar aesthetics of the Grand Vitara and should have a spacious cabin and rugged road presence.

The upcoming SUV might be a mid-crossover premium segment under the Maruti nameplate. That would give brutal competition to its rivals such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The Escudo is engineered to charm buyers with both style and athletic characteristics.

Also Read: Maruti Invicto is better than Toyota Innova Hycross. Discover How?

Design and Features

Image Credit- MotorOctane

From the leaks of spy testing, the car might have an aerodynamic-rich design, similar to that of the Tata Cruvv. The front fascia of the car may be a stylish signature grille, split LED headlamps, and sleek connected LED taillamps at the rear. While considering its interior, the car might this time have a big infotainment system with premium leather upholstery. The car might also offer a dual tone as an option for customers.

The all-new Maruti Suzuki Escudo might have the following features:

Panoramic sunroof
Large touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Fully digital instrument cluster
Ventilated front seats
Automatic climate control
Wireless smartphone charger
Rear AC vents
Ambient lighting
360-degree surround-view camera
Six airbags
ABS with EBD
Hill-Hold Assist

Engine and Powertrain Options

Under the hood, the car might be powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine. This engine might be able to produce 103 HP and 138 Nm of torque. The car might offer two different transmission systems. A 5-speed manual transmission may come standard. Customers may be offered a 6-speed automatic as an additional option.

Expected Launch and Pricing

The car might be designed as a 5-seater passenger vehicle in collaboration with Toyota. The upcoming Escudo may fill up the gap between Maruti Suzuki’s premium and mid-segment SUVs. The expected launch is scheduled for the fall of September 2025. We can also expect the official launch during the festive season. The price may be expected to range from 10 lakh to 15 lakh (ex-showroom).