The Hyundai Creta and Maruti Grand Vitara are among the most popular midsize SUVs by sales figures and bitter rivals in the segment. Both models come with more than one powertrain option, with most variants getting a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. We compare the petrol-automatic versions of the Creta – which gets a CVT – and the Grand Vitara – which gets a torque converter automatic – to see which popular SUV is quicker in our performance tests.

1. Hyundai Creta petrol-CVT produces 115hp and 144Nm
2. Maruti Grand Vitara petrol-AT makes 103hp and 137Nm
3. Grand Vitara AT weighs less than the Creta CVT

Hyundai Creta CVT vs Maruti Grand Vitara AT specifications

Creta is 12hp and 7Nm more powerful than Grand Vitara

While the Creta and Grand Vitara have 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engines apiece, the Hyundai has a 12hp and 7Nm advantage in output figures. As mentioned above, the Creta gets a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the Grand Vitara gets a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox; neither has a particularly sporty nature, though they are both smooth-shifting units. The Creta CVT comes with a Sport drive mode, which sharpens throttle response, and a Sport mode for the gearbox, which holds individual steps for longer. However, both SUVs’ gearbox units have a manual mode and paddle shifters for greater control. It should be noted that the Maruti comes with a mild-hybrid system, though it isn’t meant to help with performance, as the brand has a much greater focus on efficiency.

Grand Vitara’s weight is 72kg less than Creta

Due to the Creta’s higher kerb weight, the Grand Vitara has a marginally better torque-to-weight ratio, but the Hyundai betters the Maruti’s power-to-weight ratio. On paper, then, the two midsize SUVs seem to be more or less evenly matched.

Hyundai Creta CVT vs Maruti Grand Vitara AT 0-100kph times

Creta is 0.66 seconds quicker to 100kph than Grand Vitara

While the Hyundai Creta CVT is quicker than the Maruti Grand Vitara AT in the 0-100kph sprint by 0.66 seconds, interestingly, the Japanese SUV maintains a slight lead over the Korean from 20kph all the way to 80kph. At 120kph, the Creta has a 0.69-second lead over the Grand Vitara.

Hyundai Creta CVT vs Maruti Grand Vitara AT rolling acceleration times

Creta retains lead in the 20-80kph and 40-100kph acceleration tests

Our performance tests show that the Creta CVT is also quicker than the Grand Vitara in terms of rolling acceleration. The Hyundai is just 0.37 seconds quicker in the 20-80kph sprint but has a significant 1.57-second lead over the Maruti in the 40-100kph run.

Autocar India’s testing standards

Before conducting our performance tests, we check and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendation and ensure the car has a full fuel tank. The car is then tested in a controlled environment with two people on board, and the data is collected via highly accurate GPS-based timing equipment.

Hyundai Creta CVT vs Maruti Grand Vitara AT prices

With the 1.5-litre petrol engine and automatic gearbox, the Maruti Grand Vitara is priced between Rs 13.70 lakh and Rs 17.19 lakh. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Creta petrol-CVT variants are priced higher, ranging from Rs 14.37 lakh to Rs 19.22 lakh.

All prices, ex-showroom, India