EXCLUSIVE: Creta in Crosshairs: Maruti Readies Second Mid-Size SUV to Join Grand Vitara

Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to introduce an all-new SUV for the Indian market around the festive season, with internal discussions pointing to the possibility of it being christened “Escudo.”

Codenamed Y17, the SUV will be retailed through Arena showrooms and is expected to sit between the Brezza and the Grand Vitara in the company’s expanding SUV line-up.

Conceived initially as a three-row model to take on the likes of the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus, and Mahindra XUV700, the Y17’s scope has shifted, sources say.

People in the know say Maruti has repositioned the SUV to target the high-volume mid-size segment, currently led by the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. As a result, the vehicle is now understood to feature a two-row, five-seat layout instead of a seven-seater configuration.

If launched as the “Escudo” – a name recently trademarked by Maruti Suzuki – the Y17 will be one of two new SUVs scheduled for debut this year. The first will be the long-delayed eVX-based eVitara, which will be sold through Nexa outlets. “We will bring two SUVs this year—one electric SUV and another, the details of which will be shared later,” a company spokesperson said, without confirming specific launch timelines or model names.

Positioned as a mass-market alternative to the Creta, the upcoming SUV is expected to be longer than the Grand Vitara’s 4,345 mm length, yet more accessible in pricing and features. While it won’t feature a third row, the model is likely to offer an extended cargo area—potentially accommodating a dual-cylinder CNG setup—as well as improved luggage space over the Grand Vitara’s 373-litre boot.

On the powertrain front, the Y17 SUV is expected to be offered with multiple fuel options, including petrol, petrol-CNG, and petrol-hybrid variants—underscoring Maruti’s commitment to diversified powertrain strategies, especially for fuel-conscious buyers in urban and semi-urban markets.

If plans proceed as anticipated, the Maruti Y17 could carve out a new sub-category within the Arena channel—targeting buyers looking for a mid-size SUV above the Brezza but not inclined toward existing players like the Creta, Seltos, or even Maruti’s own Nexa models.

The model is likely to bring in incremental output of about 1.5 to 2 lakh units—with volumes spread between Maruti, Toyota, and exports.

This SUV is likely to help Maruti Suzuki outpace the market and move towards attaining its internal target of 5–6% growth in FY26.