Photo Source: financialexpress.com
Maruti Suzuki is ready to stir up the mid-size SUV space yet again—this time with its upcoming SUV, likely to be called the Maruti Escudo, codenamed Y17. Recently trademarked in India, the Escudo name isn’t new to Suzuki’s global portfolio (veterans may recall it from the Vitara lineage abroad), but this time it’s being repurposed for a made-for-India crossover, scheduled to launch around Diwali 2025.
The Escudo is being built on Suzuki’s tried and tested Global-C platform, the same underpinnings used in the Brezza and Grand Vitara. What’s interesting is that the Escudo will not be retailed via Nexa, but through Maruti’s Arena dealership channel—a clear sign that Maruti intends to mass-market this SUV and undercut rivals on pricing while packing in premium hardware.
Expect the Escudo to measure longer than the Grand Vitara, with an emphasis on rear-seat space and boot volume. Design-wise, teaser leaks and render-inspired predictions suggest a more upright and squared-off stance, LED projectors, and bold dual-tone 17″ alloys. The front fascia may borrow cues from global Suzuki SUVs, but the real talking point is the mechanical versatility underneath.
Maruti is expected to offer the Escudo with three powertrain options:
- 1.5L K15C NA Petrol (with DualJet tech) mated to a 5-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter AT
- 1.5L TNGA-derived Strong Hybrid (e-Drive CVT, Toyota-sourced), already proven on the Grand Vitara and Hyryder
- 1.5L CNG Bi-fuel variant—Maruti’s bread-and-butter for the economy-conscious crowd
There are whispers of Suzuki’s AllGrip AWD system being onboard for select trims—making Escudo one of the very few AWD options in the segment. That alone could win over adventure enthusiasts.
On the tech and infotainment side, gearheads will be pleased to know the Escudo is expected to ship with Maruti’s 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ UI, a head-up display, 360-degree camera, and connected car features via Suzuki Connect. Interior trims may include soft-touch dash elements, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and ambient lighting in higher variants.
Safety is another area where Maruti seems to be upping the ante. Expect 6 airbags standard on higher trims, ABS with EBD, ESP, hill-hold assist, TPMS, and ISOFIX mounts. While ADAS isn’t expected at this price point, the essentials are well covered.
The big draw here is value engineering. With expected pricing between ₹10–20 lakh (ex-showroom), the Escudo will sit right between the Brezza and Grand Vitara. It’s built to poach buyers from Creta, Seltos, Elevate, and the mid-hybrid market—but with Maruti reliability and footprint, especially in rural and semi-urban markets.
For those craving a hybrid drivetrain with SUV practicality, AWD capability, and accessible service, the Maruti Escudo may just hit the sweet spot. With Diwali being the confirmed launch window, bookings could open by September 2025, and you can bet this will be one of the biggest festive launches of the year.
