Maruti Grand Vitara

The Maruti Grand Vitara is one of the only two compact SUVs to offer a proper hybrid powertrain and the option of an all-wheel-drive setup. With its initial launch dating back to 2022, Maruti’s compact SUV has received small tweaks over the years, with the latest one adding some more features to the list. So is having a hybrid or all-wheel drivetrain option, along with the added appeal of the new features enough for you to consider the Grand Vitara over its rivals like the Creta and Seltos? Let’s find out:

• The 2025 Maruti Grand Vitara looks like a proper SUV with its bold face, tasteful cladding, and tall ride height and stance.

• The front is adorned with a lot of chrome elements around the grille and a panel connecting the three-piece LED DRLs.

• The lighting setup has been split with the LED projector head lights being placed below the LED DRLs. 

• I like the gunmetal gray skid plate and dark chrome finish on the Hybrid variants, as opposed to the silver skid plate and regular chrome on the non-hybrid variants.

• The design in the side profile is simple, but not dull. The subtle use of chrome on the beltline and the crease on the lower end of the doors add some style. 

• I like the 17-inch alloy wheels, which look well proportioned. Lower variants of the Grand Vitara get 17-inch steel wheels with covers or painted 17-inch alloys.

• The design looks rugged at the rear with a rather chunky skid plate making up most of the bumper. 

• I like the connected LED tail lights, which steal the show at night. Just like the front lighting setup, the rear too gets a split setup with reversing lights and indicators placed in the corner.

• The 2025 Maruti Grand Vitara is available in seven monotone shades: Nexa Blue, Arctic White, Splendid Silver, Grandeur Grey, Chestnut Brown, Opulent Red, and Midnight Black.

• The Opulent Red, Splendid Silver and Arctic White shades are also available in a dual-tone combination with a black roof.

Design & Quality

• The styling of the Maruti Grand Vitara’s cabin matches other models like the Fronx and Baleno.

• The styling is simple with a dual-tone black and brown theme for the non-hybrid variants, and a black theme for hybrid variants, which might look a little dull in isolation, but some mild ambient lighting and contrasting bits like piano black panels and chrome inserts add some style to it.

• While the material quality isn’t setting any benchmarks, you do get plenty of soft touch leatherette on the dashboard, door pads, door and central armrest, steering wheel and on the seats.

Driving position

• Finding an ideal driving position in the Grand Vitara is easy with tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment and 8-way powered driver seats.

• Seat height adjustment is offered from the one-above-base variant itself.

• There are no issues in terms of overall visibility and new drivers will be comfortable behind the wheel.

• The seats offer great support and cushioning for all shapes and sizes.

Passenger comfort

• The Grand Vitara offers large seats at the back to keep occupants comfortable.

• Knee and footroom is ample for a six footer to sit behind another. Only the headroom might be a tad less for tall people.

• While the panoramic sunroof adds more light into the cabin, the shade for it is too thin and lets a lot of heat inside.

• It can accommodate three people, but the Grand Vitara will be best used as a four-seater only.

• The rear occupants are treated well with ample features like rear sun shades, rear AC vents, 2-step reclining backrest and a central armrest.

Storage spaces

• The Maruti Grand Vitara offers adequate storage spaces inside with 1-litre bottle holders on all doors, two central cupholders for the front passengers, and space beneath the AC controls and underneath the central armrest.

• The glove box size is big enough for a few knick knacks, but it doesn’t get the cooling functionality.

• Rear occupants get seat back pockets, cupholders in the armrest and a slot near the rear AC vent to keep their phone.

Features

• Thanks to the latest update, the Maruti Grand Vitara gets all the modern features that its rivals also offer.

• The 9-inch infotainment system might not be the biggest in the segment, but it works well with a crisp resolution and swift response times.

• However, the user interface now feels a little outdated and I feel it needs a fresher look.

• The system works lag-free and has wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

• The 7-inch driver’s display also isn’t the biggest in the segment, but functions as intended. The menus are easy to navigate and the graphics are easy to read and consume.

• There’s also a heads-up display, which relays battery information, trip and navigation details too.

• The 6-speaker Clarion sound system offers a good experience with audio that doesn’t get distorted at higher volumes.

• I like that the auto AC has physical buttons and toggles, which are easy to use on the go.

• The wireless phone charger, just like most cars, isn’t as useful. It heats up your device more than it charges it.

• Other features in the Grand Vitara include push button start/stop, panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, connected car technology, and auto headlights and folding outside mirrors.

• The Maruti Grand Vitara hasn’t been crash tested by any independent crash test agency yet.

• Standard equipment includes 6 airbags, reverse parking sensors, ABS with EBD, hill-hold assist, electronic stability program, ISOFIX mounts and manual IRVM.

• The electronic parking brake is only available with the non-hybrid automatic variants.

• Features like auto IRVM, 360-degree camera, and tyre pressure monitoring system get added in the higher variants.

• The 360-degree camera has acceptable camera quality with multiple viewing modes that you can use in super tight traffic situations.

• Due to its hybrid battery, the Grand Vitara doesn’t offer you the same boot space as its similarly sized rivals.

• Due to the battery bump in its floor, the Hybrid variants don’t offer a flat floor and you will only be able to fit small suitcases in there.

• The non-hybrid variants offer a more usable boot with its flat floor where you can accommodate a full suitcase set and still have some space to spare.

• 60:40 split in the rear seats is offered as standard with both the powertrains, in case you need to carry bigger items.

• The Grand Vitara is available with two powertrain options: 1.5-litre, four cylinder, non-hybrid and a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder, strong-hybrid powertrain.

• A CNG version was previously available with the non-hybrid powertrain, but was removed after the 2025 model year update.

• The Grand Vitara is also the only car in its segment (apart from its rebadged Hyryder sibling) to offer an all-wheel drive setup.

1.5-litre NA petrol non-hybrid

• This powertrain of the Maruti Grand Vitara is perfect for your daily city commutes.

• The power delivery is smooth and driving in the city is par for the course, but it doesn’t feel effortless.

• It cruises at speeds of 80-100kmph with ease, but getting there takes time.

• High-speed overtakes will require planned maneuvers only, because despite giving full throttle, the acceleration feels relaxed and not quick by any means.

• The manual transmission is easy to use in the city with a light clutch and easy to throw shifts.

• The all-wheel drivetrain is very capable in tricky situations. And unlike before where the manual used to hold it back, the AWD is now available with an automatic transmission only.

• If your usage will be in heavy traffic situations. Then you’ll be more happy with the convenience and smoothness of the automatic transmission.

• The automatic transmission also gets paddle shifters for manual control.

• You can expect a fuel efficiency of around 10-12kmpl in the city and around 15kmpl on the highway.

• Don’t opt for this engine if you’re expecting it to offer similar performance like its turbo-charged rivals. Pick it only for its smoothness and relaxed driving nature.

1.5-litre NA petrol strong-hybrid

• I love how refined this powertrain is at slower speeds, where it operates in full EV-mode whenever the battery has enough charge.

• However, the noise and vibrations are extremely evident when you ask for a quick burst of speed and the insulation in such situations should’ve been better.

• In terms of performance, the Grand Vitara Hybrid feels effortless in the city. Bumper to bumper traffic is done mostly in pure-EV mode, and the car feels smooth at all times.

• In fact, the switch from EV drive mode to the engine kicking in is also pretty smooth and the overall execution of the hybrid powertrain’s working is flawless.

• Beyond speeds of 100kmph, the acceleration isn’t slow, but isn’t as punchy as turbo-petrol engines either.

• There are three driving modes available, namely Eco, City, and Sports. They only tweak the sharpness of the throttle response and you can keep the car in Eco mode for all your regular commutes.

• The fuel efficiency is the highlight here as you can expect an average efficiency of around 23kmpl in both, city and highway.

• The Maruti Grand Vitara offers a great balance of comfortable ride quality and good driving dynamics.

• It has this plush sense of cushioning in the city that absorbs all bumps and speedbreakers really well.

• I couldn’t find a single reason to complain about its ride quality on the highway too. It remains stable and planted while keeping the movement inside the cabin to a minimum.

• You just have to be careful of really sharp bumps, which can catch the suspension out at higher speeds and cause some discomfort to the occupants inside.

• I like the sporty handling of the car, which comes as a surprise, considering how comfortable it is.

• The 2025 Maruti Grand Vitara is available in four broad variants: Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha.

• The hybrid powertrain is offered in the higher Delta+, Zeta+, and Alpha+ variants.

Grand Vitara Sigma

• Non-hybrid variant only.

• Basic exterior design with no LED lighting elements. Misses out on body coloured door handles and ORVMs, chrome inserts and roof rails.

• Gets all basics along with sliding front armrest, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, keyless entry, push button start stop and rear AC vents.

• No infotainment touchscreen, but gets 4-speakers.

• 6 airbags, reverse parking sensors, ABS with EBD, hill-hold assist, electronic stability program, ISOFIX mounts and manual IRVM are part of standard safety kit.

Grand Vitara Delta

• Improved looks with LED DRLs, LED taillights, roof-mounted spoiler and body coloured elements.

• Adds more functional features like cruise control, USB A and C charging ports, seat height adjustment, connected car technology and electrically folding outside mirrors.

• Features a 7-inch infotainment system with steering mounted controls. Also shows the feed for the reversing camera.

Grand Vitara Delta +

• Entry-level hybrid variant.

• Offers same features as the Delta variant, save for 7-inch digital driver’s display and drive mode selector.

Grand Vitara Zeta (feature over Delta)

• More premium looks with LED projector headlights, dual tone shades, silver roof rails, and black-taped B and C body pillars.

• The cabin features vanity mirror lamp, ambient lighting, LED map lights and soft touch materials for better feel.

• Feature highlights include ventilated front seats, wireless phone charger, auto folding outside mirrors, auto inside mirror, and an air purifier with display.

• Packs a bigger 9-inch infotainment system with a 6-speaker Clarion audio system.

• The panoramic sunroof is additionally available in the Zeta (O) variant.

Grand Vitara Zeta +

• Features a dark grey finish for the front and rear skid plate.

• Save for the leatherette steering wheel and drive mode button, the rest of the features are similar to the Zeta variant.

Grand Vitara Alpha (feature over Zeta)

• Only all-wheel drivetrain variant in the entire lineup.

• Better looks inside-out with machined alloys and more ambient lighting usage inside.

• Top additions include a powered driver’s seat, head-up display, and a 360-degree camera.

• Hill-descent control is exclusively available with the all-wheel drive version.

Grand Vitara Alpha+ 

• Same features list as the non-hybrid Alpha variants.

• Only gets a visual difference in the form of dark grey finished front and rear skid plate.

CarDekho Recommends:

• If you’re on a budget and don’t want to spend on aftermarket accessories, then pick the Delta or Delta+ variants for their balance of functional and feel-good features.

• The Zeta/ Zeta + variants of the Maruti Grand Vitara are the most value for money, especially for the hybrid powertrain.

Save for that outright punch in its performance, the Maruti Grand Vitara is a compact SUV that delivers on all the fronts. It offers the space, practicality, tech and safety features that one would expect from a car of this segment, but its dynamic balance of a very comfortable ride and poised handling abilities stand unmatched. It’s also the only AWD option for that wanderlust in you, or if you like to keep things safe and frugal, then it also has the hybrid tech for you to indulge in.

Other cars to consider instead of the Maruti Grand Vitara

Hyundai Creta/Kia Seltos

Reasons to consider

• Sharper styling

• More powerful turbo-petrol engine

Reasons to ignore

• Slightly less comfortable ride 

• Less family focused

Toyota Hyryder

Reasons to consider

• Better warranty package

• Offers a CNG option

Honda Elevate

Reasons to consider

• Bigger boot space

• Top variant undercuts massively

Reasons to ignore

• No turbo-petrol, diesel or CVT option

• Misses out on a few features

• Not as fuel efficient (when compared to hybrid)

Volkswagen Taigun/Skoda Kushaq

Reasons to consider

• Feels more enthusiast-oriented

Reasons to ignore

• Better as a 4-seater 

• No diesel, non-turbo petrol 

• Not as fuel efficient (when compared to hybrid)