Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Expert Review

The Grand Vitara combines SUV styling with hybrid tech. Its bold front, high-mounted LEDs, chrome-heavy nose, and distinctive grille give it strong road presence. Built on Suzuki’s Global C platform, it’s robustly built and the longest in its class. The range includes a 103hp 1.5L mild hybrid engine with optional AWD and hill descent control. The highlight is the 116hp strong hybrid powertrain from Toyota, featuring an Atkinson cycle engine, fast-spinning e-motor for high-speed EV mode, and a 0.76kWh lithium-ion battery. Though boot space is limited to 255L in this version due to battery placement, the setup ensures impressive efficiency and unique drive characteristics.

 The Grand Vitara impresses with a layered dashboard, chrome accents, leather touches, and a panoramic sunroof that brightens the cabin. The 9-inch infotainment screen is well-placed, while chunky AC controls and digital dials (in the hybrid) add functionality. Some plastics feel cheap, but overall build is solid. Front seats offer great support—even for taller drivers—and rear legroom is ample. However, cabin width is limited and headroom tight for taller passengers.
 

The 103hp mild hybrid engine is smooth and responsive at low speeds but lacks punch at higher revs. The manual gearbox is engaging; the auto, though smooth, drains performance. The Toyota-derived strong hybrid starts in EV mode and glides at city speeds. Refinement is good overall despite the three cylinder, with good throttle response at low engine speeds thanks to electric assist. Acceleration to 100kph takes around 12 seconds—which is not as quick as turbo rivals, but the hybrid offers a very reponsive, uniquely relaxed and efficient driving experience.

The strong hybrid’s highlight is its impressive fuel economy. Despite a mix of highway sprints and city traffic, it delivered over 18kpl. With more restrained driving, real-world figures beyond 20kpl are easily achievable. The 1.5 DualJet mild hybrid also performs well, maintaining Maruti’s tradition of efficiency leadership in its class. Whether you go mild or strong hybrid, the Grand Vitara sets the benchmark for mileage-conscious buyers without too much compromise on everyday usability.

The Grand Vitara shines with good bump absorption, even over broken roads. Despite its ground clearance, there's minimal vertical movement, making it comfortable and composed. Steering is well-weighted, visibility is good, and it feels nimble in traffic. It’s also stable and confident at highway speeds. On twisty roads, the handling feels secure and even fun—surprisingly agile for an SUV of its size. The 4WD version, with its ‘lock’ function, handled slush and inclines with ease during off-road tests, showing that it’s more than just a soft-roader.

Features & Safety Well-equipped across variants, the Grand Vitara offers features like a 360-degree camera, wireless phone connectivity, heads-up display, remote AC start, and rear vents with dual USB ports. The 60:40 split seats are handy, especially for the strong hybrid’s smaller boot. Safety kit includes rear disc brakes, electronic stability control, ISOFIX mounts, and full seatbelt coverage. Base variants get dual airbags, while higher trims gain side and curtain airbags. While rivals may offer powered seats, the feature set here is competitive and ticks most boxes in the segment.

The Grand Vitara combines modern SUV looks, a well-designed cabin, practical features, and hybrid powertrain options. The strong hybrid brings segment-leading efficiency, while the mild hybrid offers a more affordable entry point with optional 4WD. While rear seat width and boot space on the hybrid are limited, and power delivery could be stronger, it remains a well-rounded SUV. At ₹20.68 lakh for the Alpha+ strong hybrid, it's competitively priced against rivals like the Creta turbo and Toyota Hyryder, delivering strong value with standout fuel economy and technology.