When Maruti Suzuki reintroduced the Grand Vitara nameplate to the Indian market in 2022, it marked a significant strategic pivot for a company long associated with practical, affordable hatchbacks. The move represented Maruti’s ambitions to establish itself in the more premium compact SUV segment—territory where international competitors had been making steady inroads. Three years later, the 2025 Grand Vitara arrives not as a revolutionary leap but as a thoughtfully refined evolution that addresses customer feedback while reinforcing the model’s positioning in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
I spent two weeks with the updated Grand Vitara across varied Indian driving conditions—from Mumbai’s congested urban sprawl to the winding hill roads of Mahabaleshwar and the arrow-straight highways of the Deccan Plateau. This extended exposure revealed a vehicle that has matured in subtle yet meaningful ways, with Maruti’s engineers focusing on refinement rather than reinvention.
Design Language: Subtle Sophistication
The 2025 Grand Vitara retains the strong visual identity established by its predecessor, with a commanding upright stance and distinctive front fascia. The changes, though restrained, effectively modernize the overall appearance. The signature split-LED headlamp arrangement has been subtly redesigned, with daytime running lights now forming a more continuous light bar across the front. The grille pattern has been revised with a three-dimensional textured element that adds visual depth, particularly evident in direct sunlight.
Profile changes are minimal, with new alloy wheel designs (17-inch on lower trims, 18-inch on higher specifications) representing the most noticeable update. The rear has received slightly more attention, with redesigned LED tail lamps featuring a more intricate light signature during night-time operation. A new tailgate garnish in brushed aluminum finish adds a premium touch on higher trim levels.
The restrained approach to exterior updates reflects a recognition that the original design was well-received—no need for dramatic changes when the foundation remains sound. Seven exterior colors are offered, including two new options: “Cosmos Blue” (a deep, rich navy with subtle metallic flecks) and “Cedar Brown” (a warm, earthy tone that particularly complements the vehicle’s rugged character).
Inside, the updates are more substantial. Material quality—a point of criticism for the original model—has been noticeably improved, particularly on touchpoints like the dashboard, door panels, and center console. Genuine aluminum trim replaces the previous plastic imitation on higher specifications, while new seat upholstery patterns and color combinations lend a more upmarket ambience. The Alpha+ variant I tested featured a particularly appealing combination of coffee brown leatherette with contrast stitching that wouldn’t look out of place in vehicles costing significantly more.
Technological Enhancements: Meaningful Integration
The most substantial updates for 2025 center around technology integration. The previous 9-inch infotainment display has been replaced by a larger 10.25-inch unit featuring improved resolution, faster response times, and a completely redesigned user interface. The system now supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity—a welcome addition that eliminates the need for cables during shorter journeys.
This upgraded infotainment system pairs with a new 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster (on Alpha and Alpha+ trims) that offers multiple display configurations, including a dedicated mode that emphasizes fuel efficiency metrics—a thoughtful touch for a vehicle that counts efficiency among its key selling points. Lower trim levels retain an analog instrument cluster with a smaller 4.2-inch multi-information display that provides essential vehicle information.
The Suzuki Connect connected car platform has been enhanced with additional functionality, now offering remote engine start, climate control pre-conditioning, vehicle location tracking, geofencing alerts, and driving behavior analysis. Subscription costs remain reasonable at ₹4,999 for three years of service, representing good value compared to similar offerings from competitors.
Perhaps the most noteworthy technological addition is the introduction of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on higher trim levels. This suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, and high beam assist. While these features are increasingly common on global models, their inclusion on a Maruti Suzuki product represents a significant step for the brand and demonstrates a commitment to bringing international safety standards to the Indian market.
During testing, these systems performed admirably in most conditions, though the lane departure warning occasionally struggled to detect faded road markings—a common challenge on Indian highways. The adaptive cruise control handled varied traffic conditions with reasonable refinement, though it lacks the stop-and-go functionality found in more expensive implementations.
Powertrain Options: Catering to Diverse Preferences
The 2025 Grand Vitara maintains the diverse powertrain lineup of its predecessor, offering choices that remain unusual in the Indian market. The range starts with a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 103 horsepower and 138 Nm of torque, available with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. This familiar Maruti powerplant prioritizes efficiency over outright performance, delivering a claimed 21.11 km/l (manual) or 20.58 km/l (automatic) in the standardized Indian driving cycle.
The mild-hybrid variant pairs this same engine with a small electric motor that provides torque assistance during initial acceleration and enables extended start-stop functionality. The system adds minimal complexity while improving efficiency to a claimed 22.56 km/l—impressive figures for a vehicle of this size and weight.
The strong hybrid system—developed in collaboration with Toyota—remains the technological flagship of the range. This setup combines a 92 horsepower 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a more substantial electric motor producing 79 horsepower, for a combined system output of 115 horsepower. The hybrid operates through an e-CVT transmission that manages power distribution between the combustion engine and electric motor. Official efficiency figures stand at 27.97 km/l, and my real-world testing consistently yielded 24-25 km/l in mixed driving conditions—exceptional efficiency for a compact SUV.
New for 2025 is a mild power increase for the turbocharged variant, which has been conspicuously absent from the Indian lineup until now. This 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo petrol engine now produces 120 horsepower (up from 110) and 148 Nm of torque, available exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. While still modest by international standards, this power bump addresses criticism that the Grand Vitara lacked a genuinely spirited engine option for enthusiast drivers.
During testing, the turbo variant demonstrated noticeably improved mid-range responsiveness, particularly evident when overtaking on single-carriageway highways—a common and sometimes challenging maneuver on Indian roads. The engine remains somewhat vocal when pushed hard, but the additional performance justifies the occasional harshness, particularly for drivers who value engagement over absolute refinement.
The AllGrip all-wheel-drive system remains available exclusively with the naturally aspirated 1.5-liter engine and manual transmission. This system offers four selectable modes (Auto, Sport, Snow, and Lock) that alter torque distribution between axles to suit different driving conditions. While not designed for serious off-road use, it provides genuine capability on loose surfaces and increased confidence during monsoon conditions—a meaningful advantage in parts of India where road quality remains unpredictable.
Ride and Handling: Comfort Meets Competence
Suspension tuning has been subtly revised for 2025, with slightly firmer damping rates that improve body control during cornering without significantly compromising ride quality. The Grand Vitara now demonstrates more composed behavior during rapid direction changes, with reduced body roll and more progressive weight transfer.
Ride comfort remains a strength, with the suspension effectively absorbing the varied imperfections typical of Indian roads. Even on the larger 18-inch wheels, the Grand Vitara maintains composure over broken surfaces, though the 17-inch setup offers marginally better compliance in extreme conditions.
Steering feel has been improved through recalibrated electric assistance, offering more progressive weighting as speeds increase. While still not particularly communicative by enthusiast standards, the system provides adequate feedback for confident placement on narrow roads, with a comfortable 2.6 turns lock-to-lock that balances maneuverability with highway stability.
NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels have been addressed through additional sound insulation in the firewall, doors, and floor pan. The result is noticeable at highway speeds, with reduced wind and road noise creating a more refined cabin environment. Engine noise remains evident under hard acceleration, particularly with the naturally aspirated powertrains, but settles to a distant hum during steady cruising.
Practicality and Versatility: Daily Usability
Interior packaging remains largely unchanged, with the Grand Vitara offering adequate space for five adults, though three in the rear remain a tight fit for longer journeys. Rear legroom is competitive for the segment at 936mm, while the relatively flat floor makes the occasional middle-seat passenger’s experience less compromising than in some competitors.
Storage solutions throughout the cabin have been thoughtfully integrated, with the center console now featuring a dual-level design that improves organization options. Door pockets easily accommodate 1-liter bottles, while a new shelf ahead of the front passenger provides a convenient place for smartphones or other small items.
Cargo capacity remains unchanged at 373 liters with all seats in place, expanding to 1,316 liters with the rear seats folded. While not class-leading, these figures prove adequate for typical usage scenarios, accommodating the weekly grocery shop or weekend luggage for a family of four without strain. The hybrid variant sacrifices some underfloor storage to accommodate its battery pack, but the impact on usable space is minimal for most practical purposes.
Safety Credentials: Raising the Bar
Safety features receive meaningful attention in the 2025 update, with six airbags now standard across the range—a significant improvement over the previous model and an acknowledgment of increasing safety consciousness among Indian consumers. Electronic stability control, hill hold assist, and ABS with EBD are likewise standardized across all variants.
The aforementioned ADAS features on higher trims further enhance safety credentials, while a 360-degree camera system (available on Alpha and Alpha+ variants) provides valuable assistance during low-speed maneuvering in tight spaces—a frequent requirement in India’s congested urban environments.
Structural integrity appears sound, with the Grand Vitara having previously achieved a 5-star Global NCAP rating under the newer, more stringent testing protocols introduced in 2022. Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to maintaining these standards across manufacturing variations deserves recognition in a market where such consistency hasn’t always been guaranteed.
Ownership Experience: Beyond the Purchase
Maruti Suzuki’s unparalleled service network remains a compelling advantage for the Grand Vitara. With over 4,300 service locations across India, owners are never far from authorized maintenance facilities—a significant consideration for those who travel extensively or reside in less developed regions.
The company’s reputation for economical spare parts and maintenance costs mostly translates to the Grand Vitara, though the more advanced hybrid system does require specialized service procedures that slightly increase maintenance expenses. Maruti claims 12% lower lifetime maintenance costs compared to key competitors, a figure that appears reasonable based on current service pricing.
Warranty coverage has been extended for 2025, with all variants now receiving 3-year/100,000 km protection as standard, extendable to 5-year/150,000 km at additional cost. The hybrid battery receives separate coverage of 8-year/160,000 km, addressing potential concerns about long-term reliability of this more complex system.
Market Positioning and Value Proposition
Priced between ₹11.99 lakh and ₹19.83 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on specification, the 2025 Grand Vitara positions itself in the heart of the compact SUV segment. This pricing structure places it above mainstream competitors like the Hyundai Creta (₹10.87-19.20 lakh) but below more premium offerings such as the Jeep Compass (₹20.39-29.44 lakh).
Value proposition varies significantly across the range. The entry-level Sigma variant offers relatively basic equipment but benefits from the inherent quality of the platform, while the mid-range Delta+ represents perhaps the sweet spot in the lineup, offering most essential features without straying into luxury territory. The range-topping Alpha+ hybrid commands a significant premium but justifies its positioning through exceptional efficiency, comprehensive equipment, and the most refined driving experience in the range.
The diverse powertrain options allow customers to prioritize initial purchase price, running costs, or performance according to their individual requirements—a flexibility that few competitors can match at this price point. This strategy acknowledges the varied priorities of Indian consumers and potentially broadens the Grand Vitara’s appeal across different buyer demographics.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Measured Progress
The 2025 Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara represents a carefully considered evolution that addresses key criticisms of its predecessor while building on established strengths. The improvements to interior quality, technology integration, and safety features demonstrate attentiveness to customer feedback and market trends, while the preservation of diverse powertrain options reflects an understanding that the Indian market remains in transition, with different buyers prioritizing different attributes.
What emerges is a more complete, more convincing proposition that better justifies its positioning as Maruti Suzuki’s flagship offering. The Grand Vitara may not excel in any single dimension against specialized competitors, but it delivers a balanced, thoughtfully integrated package that avoids significant weaknesses—a harmonious middle ground that will likely resonate with the pragmatic sensibilities of many Indian consumers.