Maruti Grand Vitara: The fierce battleground of mid-size SUVs sees no respite as Maruti Suzuki ups the ante with its refreshed 2025 Grand Vitara lineup. The company’s flagship SUV, which recently celebrated crushing the 3-lakh sales milestone in just 32 months, returns with enhanced safety credentials and the much-awaited comeback of its CNG variant. These strategic updates should help Maruti fend off increasingly aggressive competition from Korean and European rivals.
Price Points: Premium Positioning Without Breaking the Bank
The 2025 Grand Vitara lineup starts at ₹11.42 lakh for the base Sigma trim with the 1.5L mild-hybrid engine and 5-speed manual gearbox. At the premium end, you’ll shell out ₹20.68 lakh for the range-topping Alpha Plus with its sophisticated strong hybrid powertrain. I recently test drove both versions on the Mumbai-Pune expressway, and the price gap feels justified – the hybrid’s smoothness and fuel efficiency is genuinely impressive for the segment.
What’s particularly interesting is the return of the CNG variant, which mysteriously vanished from Maruti’s website earlier this year. Priced at ₹13.48 lakh for the Delta and ₹15.62 lakh for the Zeta trim, the CNG commands a ₹95,000 premium over equivalent petrol variants. Steep? Perhaps, but the running cost advantage makes it a no-brainer for high-mileage users in these days of unpredictable fuel prices.
Safety First: Six Airbags Now Standard Equipment
The most significant upgrade for 2025 is Maruti’s decision to make six airbags standard across the entire Grand Vitara range – a move that aligns with upcoming government regulations but also addresses a long-standing criticism of Maruti’s approach to safety features. The base variants previously made do with dual airbags, putting them at a disadvantage against rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
Other noteworthy safety additions include electronic stability control as standard kit – something that genuinely makes a difference in emergency situations. I witnessed this firsthand last month when a motorcycle cut across my path on a rain-slicked highway; the system’s subtle intervention kept the vehicle tracking true without drama.
Powertrain Diversity: Something for Every Buyer
Maruti continues to offer perhaps the most diverse powertrain lineup in the segment. There’s the 1.5L mild-hybrid petrol (103hp/137Nm) that can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic, the frugal 1.5L CNG (89hp/121.5Nm) with a 5-speed manual, and the segment-unique 1.5L strong hybrid with e-CVT that delivers a claimed 27.97kmpl.
“We’ve recognized that Indian consumers have diverse needs when it comes to powertrain preferences,” explained a senior Maruti executive over coffee at the media drive event. “Some prioritize performance, others focus on efficiency, and an increasing number want the lowest possible running costs. Our strategy aims to address all these requirements rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.”
The strong hybrid remains the most compelling option if your budget stretches that far. Its ability to run in pure EV mode in city traffic not only saves fuel but creates a serene driving experience that’s genuinely premium. The system’s integration is seamless, with none of the awkward transitions between power sources that plagued earlier hybrid systems.
ALLGRIP: The Off-Road Advantage
One feature that continues to set the Grand Vitara apart is the availability of Suzuki’s ALLGRIP SELECT four-wheel-drive system. Available only with the mild-hybrid powertrain, it provides genuine off-road capability thanks to its selectable driving modes (Auto, Sport, Snow, and Lock).
I recently tackled some moderate trails outside Lonavala in an ALLGRIP-equipped variant, and it handled muddy tracks with surprising composure. It won’t match dedicated off-roaders, of course, but for weekend adventurers who occasionally venture beyond tarmac, it offers significant capability that most competitors simply don’t provide at this price point.
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Interior Refinements: Small Touches Make a Difference
The cabin hasn’t received a dramatic overhaul, but thoughtful improvements are evident throughout. The 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system now supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay across more variants, and the Zeta CNG variant now gets previously exclusive features like ventilated front seats and wireless phone charging.
Material quality remains typical Maruti – functional rather than luxurious, though some soft-touch surfaces have been added to higher trims. The panoramic sunroof continues to be a major selling point, flooding the cabin with natural light and creating an airier feel than dimensions would suggest.
Market Impact: Maintaining Momentum Against Rising Competition
Maruti Grand Vitara : With the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (its technical twin), Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and the recently updated Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq all vying for market share, the Grand Vitara needed these updates to maintain relevance.
The 3-lakh sales milestone achieved in just 32 months speaks volumes about the model’s acceptance, but maintaining this momentum requires continuous evolution. These 2025 updates, while not revolutionary, address key areas while building on existing strengths of powertrain diversity and feature richness.
With rumors of a 7-seater version in development, it’s clear Maruti Suzuki sees the Grand Vitara nameplate as crucial to cementing its position in India’s increasingly competitive SUV landscape.