Maruti Grand Vitara: The morning sun glinted off the Nexa Blue paintwork as I piloted the Grand Vitara through the winding roads outside Lonavala.
The tachometer needle barely moved as the SUV seamlessly transitioned from electric to petrol power while climbing a particularly steep section.
This wasn’t just another SUV test drive – it was my first extended experience with Maruti Suzuki’s flagship offering that’s quietly revolutionizing the Indian market’s perception of hybrid technology.
After spending three days and over 500 kilometers with the Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid, I’m convinced that Maruti Suzuki has delivered something genuinely special in India’s hyper-competitive SUV segment – a vehicle that manages to balance efficiency, refinement, and value in a package that asks remarkably few compromises of its owner.
Maruti Grand Vitara The Hybrid System: A Technological Masterpiece in Disguise
The heart of the Grand Vitara’s appeal lies under its hood. While the regular variants make do with the familiar 1.5-liter K-series engine (now with progressive smart hybrid technology), it’s the strong hybrid powertrain – borrowed from Toyota’s global lineup thanks to the Suzuki-Toyota partnership – that deserves the spotlight.
This system combines a 1.5-liter, three-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine producing 92.5 PS and 122 Nm of torque with an electric motor developing 79.2 PS and 141 Nm.
The combined system output stands at 114.5 PS – figures that don’t initially seem groundbreaking until you experience how they’re deployed in real-world conditions.
“We didn’t just want to create another mild hybrid that offers marginal benefits,” explained Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Director of Marketing & Sales at Maruti Suzuki, during a recent conversation.
“The strong hybrid system provides a fundamentally different driving experience – one that delivers genuine efficiency gains without compromising drivability.”
That’s no exaggeration. The hybrid system uses a 177.6V lithium-ion battery pack that allows the Grand Vitara to operate in pure EV mode at low speeds and light throttle inputs – perfect for urban traffic crawls.
During my testing, the system regularly maintained electric-only operation up to around 40-45 km/h before the petrol engine would seamlessly kick in.
What’s particularly impressive is the intelligent power management. Unlike some hybrid systems that feel like they’re constantly juggling power sources, the Grand Vitara’s transitions are nearly imperceptible.
The e-CVT transmission, while not particularly engaging for enthusiast driving, perfectly complements the hybrid setup by keeping the engine in its efficiency sweet spot.
The real-world results speak for themselves. Over my three-day test period, which included everything from bumper-to-bumper Mumbai traffic to highway cruising and even some spirited driving on twisting ghat roads, the Grand Vitara strong hybrid returned an impressive 23.4 km/l.
That’s remarkably close to the ARAI-certified figure of 27.97 km/l, and significantly better than any comparable conventional SUV could manage in similar conditions.
Design and Presence: Sophisticated Without Shouting
The Grand Vitara’s exterior design strikes a careful balance between conservative sensibility and just enough distinctiveness to stand out in a crowded parking lot.
The front end is dominated by a bold grille flanked by split LED headlamps – a design element that’s becoming increasingly common but is executed with restraint here.
The profile reveals a traditional SUV silhouette with squared-off wheel arches housing 17-inch alloys (on higher trims), while the upright greenhouse provides excellent visibility for all occupants. At 4,345mm long, 1,795mm wide, and 1,645mm tall, the Grand Vitara sits squarely in the compact SUV segment, but its 2,600mm wheelbase – among the longest in its class – translates to impressive interior space.
It’s the rear where the design makes its boldest statement, with connected LED taillights featuring a distinctive light signature that’s instantly recognizable at night. The dual-tone roof option adds a touch of visual flair, though the more conservative buyers can opt for single-tone finishes.
“The Grand Vitara’s design needed to telegraph its position as our flagship without appearing ostentatious,” noted CV Raman, Chief Technical Officer at Maruti Suzuki. “We wanted something with longevity – a design that would still look contemporary five years from now.”
That approach extends to the color palette as well. While the eye-catching Nexa Blue and Opulent Red options will appeal to younger buyers, the more subdued Grandeur Grey and Arctic White choices cater to the traditional Maruti customer base that values understated elegance.
Cabin Experience: Premium Touches Where It Matters
Step inside the Grand Vitara, and it’s immediately apparent that this isn’t just another Maruti. The layered dashboard design incorporates soft-touch materials on most upper surfaces, with tasteful bronze/copper accents (in the hybrid variant) that add visual interest without appearing gaudy.
The centerpiece is a 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen infotainment system that’s responsive and feature-rich, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car features through Suzuki Connect, and a surprisingly good stock sound system. The 360-degree camera system, while not class-leading in resolution, provides useful visibility in tight parking situations.
The driver faces a 7-inch digital instrument cluster that changes its appearance based on the selected drive mode. In the hybrid version, this includes a power flow indicator that helps train drivers to maximize efficiency – an educational tool that I found genuinely useful during my time with the vehicle.
Seat comfort deserves special mention. The front seats offer excellent support with just the right balance of cushioning and bolstering, while the ventilation function on higher trims is a godsend in India’s climate.
The rear bench accommodates three adults in reasonable comfort thanks to the flat floor (a benefit of the hybrid battery’s clever packaging), though thigh support could be better for taller passengers on longer journeys.
Practical touches abound, from the well-designed door pockets that actually hold 1-liter bottles to the thoughtfully positioned USB ports (both Type-A and Type-C) and the wireless charging pad that includes a cooling function to prevent phone overheating. The panoramic sunroof – a first for Maruti Suzuki – floods the cabin with natural light and adds to the premium ambiance.
The hybrid variant’s 265-liter boot capacity is admittedly smaller than the regular petrol version’s 373 liters due to the battery placement. This represents perhaps the only significant compromise the hybrid system demands, though the space remains usable for weekend trips if packed carefully.
Driving Dynamics: Refined Rather Than Racy
Anyone expecting the Grand Vitara to drive like a sporty SUV might be disappointed, but that misses the point of this vehicle entirely. The hybrid variant prioritizes refinement, efficiency, and comfort – areas where it excels.
The most striking characteristic is the silence. When operating in EV mode, the only sounds are a faint whir from the electric motor and distant tire noise.
Even when the petrol engine activates, it does so with minimal intrusion. Highway cruising at 100 km/h is a hushed affair with the hybrid system masterfully balancing power sources to maintain efficiency.
The suspension tuning favors comfort over cornering prowess, soaking up typical Indian road imperfections with impressive composure. There’s some body roll when pushed hard through corners, but the Grand Vitara never feels unsettled or unpredictable. The steering, while light at parking speeds, weights up adequately as velocity increases, though feedback is limited.
“We benchmarked the NVH levels against vehicles from segments above,” revealed Tarun Garg, former Engineer at Maruti’s Vehicle Performance Evaluation department who worked on the Grand Vitara’s development.
The hybrid system gave us a unique opportunity to deliver a premium driving experience that traditionally wasn’t associated with the Maruti Suzuki brand.”
Braking performance merits discussion as the hybrid system employs regenerative braking to recover energy. Unlike some hybrids where this can result in an artificial pedal feel, the Grand Vitara’s brake modulation is progressive and intuitive. The initial bite is gentle, with more stopping power building predictably as pedal pressure increases.
Feature Set: Well-Equipped Without Excess
Maruti has wisely chosen to offer the strong hybrid powertrain only in the higher Zeta+ and Alpha+ trim levels, which come well-equipped as standard.
The feature list includes six airbags, ESP, hill hold assist, the aforementioned 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, head-up display, wireless charger, panoramic sunroof, and full LED lighting.
The Alpha+ variant adds premium touches like a digital driver display, leatherette upholstery, and 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. The connected car features are genuinely useful, allowing remote AC operation, geofencing, vehicle tracking, and driving statistics through a smartphone app.
What’s missing compared to some competitors? A premium branded audio system, powered tailgate, and ADAS features are notable omissions.
However, Maruti has clearly focused their engineering and cost resources on the hybrid powertrain itself – a trade-off that makes sense given the long-term benefits of the efficiency gains.
Market Positioning: The Value Proposition
With prices ranging from ₹18.29 lakh to ₹19.79 lakh (ex-showroom) for the strong hybrid variants, the Grand Vitara positions itself as a premium offering in Maruti’s lineup but represents surprising value when the powertrain technology is considered.
Its most direct competitor is its own cousin, the Toyota Hyryder, which shares the same platform and powertrain but differs in styling and dealer experience.
Other competitors include the MG Astor, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and VW Taigun, though none offer a comparable strong hybrid system.
“The ownership economics of the strong hybrid are compelling when viewed over a typical 5-7 year ownership period,” explained Shashank Srivastava, Senior Executive Officer of Marketing & Sales at Maruti Suzuki.
“While the initial acquisition cost is higher than a conventional petrol variant, the running cost can be up to 40-50% lower, depending on usage patterns.”
My calculations support this assertion. Based on current fuel prices and an annual driving distance of 15,000 kilometers, the hybrid’s efficiency advantage could save approximately ₹30,000-40,000 per year in fuel costs compared to a conventional petrol SUV. Factor in the hybrid’s lower maintenance costs due to reduced engine stress and brake wear (thanks to regenerative braking), and the total cost of ownership equation becomes increasingly favorable over time.
Living With It: The Everyday Experience
Beyond the specifications and features, what’s the Grand Vitara hybrid like as a daily companion? After my extended test period, several aspects stand out.
The EV mode is transformative in urban conditions. Crawling through rush-hour traffic becomes a serene experience rather than a clutch-leg workout, with the electric motor providing instant response when gaps appear. The climate control system can operate on battery power alone, allowing you to remain comfortable even when the engine isn’t running.
The hybrid system’s intelligence impressed me daily. It learned my driving routes and adapted power delivery accordingly, prioritizing battery usage in congested areas and seamlessly bringing in the petrol engine when needed for highway merges or overtaking maneuvers.
Fuel stops become remarkably infrequent events. With its 45-liter tank and exceptional efficiency, the Grand Vitara hybrid can genuinely deliver over 1,000 kilometers of range under favorable conditions.
During my test, the range estimator showed 950km remaining after filling the tank – a figure that proved reasonably accurate based on my driving style.
The only minor frustrations in daily use stem from the infotainment system, which occasionally exhibited lag when switching between functions, and the capacitive HVAC controls that lack tactile feedback and can be distracting to operate while driving.
Maruti Grand Vitara Conclusion: A Watershed Product for the Indian Market
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara strong hybrid isn’t perfect, but it represents something important in the Indian automotive landscape – a genuine commitment to hybrid technology in a mainstream, accessible product rather than a niche offering.
What makes it special isn’t class-leading performance or revolutionary design but rather how comprehensively it delivers on the hybrid promise.
The efficiency gains are substantial and achievable in real-world conditions. The driving experience is refined and undemanding. The compromises (slightly reduced boot space and initial cost premium) are minimal compared to the benefits.
In a market increasingly dominated by feature-laden but fundamentally conventional SUVs, the Grand Vitara hybrid offers something meaningfully different – a glimpse into a future where electrification enhances rather than compromises the ownership experience. That it comes from Maruti Suzuki, a brand traditionally associated with value-focused small cars, makes it all the more significant.
For buyers willing to take a slightly longer view of ownership costs and who value refinement and efficiency over outright performance, the Grand Vitara strong hybrid isn’t just the best hybrid SUV in its segment – it’s one of the most compelling ownership propositions in the Indian market today.