The Hyundai Creta has been the king of India’s compact SUV segment for a long time. It offers a great balance of design, features, performance, and resale value. But now, Maruti Suzuki, India’s most trusted car brand, is preparing to launch a brand-new SUV that could challenge the Creta’s dominance. Internally codenamed Maruti Y17, this SUV is expected to be a value-for-money 5-seater packed with space, features, and multiple fuel options.
Let’s take a closer look at what we know so far about this upcoming Maruti SUV and why it could be a smart buy for Indian families.
What Is the Maruti Y17 SUV?
The upcoming Maruti Y17 SUV, likely to be named Maruti Escudo, was recently spotted in test mule form across Indian roads. It was heavily camouflaged, but its long and tall stance was clearly visible.
Here are some key details:
- Despite its size, it will be a 5-seater SUV, not a 7-seater.
- It’s expected to be positioned between the Maruti Brezza and Grand Vitara in Maruti’s SUV lineup.
Expected Name – Maruti Escudo
Maruti Suzuki has patented the name “Escudo” in India, which is already used for the Grand Vitara in Japan. So, the Y17 SUV might carry this globally recognised badge in India too.
Design and Features – Bigger, Better, Smarter
Although not officially revealed, the upcoming Maruti Escudo is expected to have:
- A fresh exterior design with LED headlamps and signature DRLs.
- New alloy wheel design.
- A premium and spacious cabin, bigger than the Grand Vitara.
- A large touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- Ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, wireless charger, and connected car tech.
- Rear AC vents, premium upholstery, and a bigger boot space, perfect for Indian family road trips.
Maruti might also include advanced ADAS safety features in higher variants to stay competitive with the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Honda Elevate.
Engine Options – Petrol, Hybrid & CNG
This SUV is likely to share the same powertrain options with the Grand Vitara. That means three engine choices could be available:
| Fuel Type | Engine | Power | Torque | Mileage (Expected) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 1.5L K15 Smart Hybrid | 102 bhp | 137 Nm | ~18-20 kmpl |
| Strong Hybrid | 1.5L TNGA Hybrid | 116 bhp | 122 Nm | ~27 kmpl |
| CNG | 1.5L Petrol-CNG | 87 bhp | 121.5 Nm | ~26-28 km/kg |
Transmission options could include a 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, and e-CVT for the hybrid.
These options will offer Indian buyers excellent mileage, low running cost, and wide fuel flexibility, especially with rising petrol prices.
Launch Timeline – When Will It Arrive?
Although Maruti has not officially announced the launch date, industry insiders suggest that the new Maruti SUV (Escudo) could be launched during the 2025 festive season (around Diwali), which is a peak car-buying period in India.
Maruti Suzuki may start teasing the SUV by mid-2025.
Stay updated on official announcements via the Maruti Suzuki India website.
Expected Price – Will It Be Value for Money?
If Maruti positions the Y17 below the Grand Vitara, the expected price range could be ₹10 lakh to ₹16 lakh (ex-showroom). This pricing would undercut most rivals like:
- Hyundai Creta
- Kia Seltos
- Honda Elevate
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
And offer strong value-for-money with Maruti’s trusted service network and affordable maintenance.
Should You Wait for Maruti Y17 (Escudo)?
Ideal for You If:
- You want a reliable family SUV under ₹16 lakh.
- You’re looking for strong fuel efficiency (hybrid or CNG).
- You prefer Maruti’s wide service support and low cost of ownership.
- You’re not in a hurry and can wait till festive season.
❌ You May Skip If:
- You need a 7-seater SUV (this will be a 5-seater only).
- You prefer more powerful turbo petrol or diesel engines.
- You want an SUV right now and can’t wait for it.
Final Thoughts: A Creta Killer in the Making?
The Maruti Escudo/Y17 has the potential to become a top-selling SUV in India, especially for buyers looking for space, efficiency, and trust in a single package. With its clever pricing, hybrid & CNG options, and premium features, it could pose a strong challenge to the Hyundai Creta and other rivals.
For now, all eyes are on the official reveal — and if Maruti gets the price and feature mix right, this could be another blockbuster SUV from India’s biggest car brand.
