Maruti Suzuki Escudo (2025) — India’s Exciting Next Big Mid-Size SUV: Launch Date, Tech, Insider Expert Takes & Should You Wait?

1) Quick Summary of Maruti Suzuki Escudo

Maruti Suzuki is gearing up to unveil a brand-new mid-size SUV—widely referred to as Escudo—targeted straight at the Hyundai Creta/Kia Seltos stronghold. The reveal is slated for September 3, 2025, with retail expected via Arena dealerships and positioning between Brezza and Grand Vitara. Several reputable outlets say it’s set to introduce Level-2 ADAS and Dolby Atmos audio—firsts for a Maruti in India.

2) Launch Date & Positioning

• Launch: September 3, 2025 (media reports; Maruti hasn’t formally revealed the badge yet).
• Channel: Expected to be sold via Arena (not Nexa), making it Arena’s flagship.
• Slotting: Above Brezza and below Grand Vitara, aimed squarely at Creta/Seltos buyers.

Context: Autocar India notes Maruti trademarked the Escudo name (Japan uses “Escudo” for the Vitara), and this could be one of two big 2025 SUV launches alongside the e-Vitara. Name is not 100% final.

3) Highlights: Design, Cabin & Tech

• Exterior: Expect a clean, upright stance with a wide grille and crisp LED signatures—family look with Grand Vitara influences.
• Cabin: A modern dashboard with a large touchscreen, ventilated seats on higher trims, 360º camera, sunroof, connected tech.
• Big Tech Firsts:
  • Level-2 ADAS suite (lane/traffic assists, adaptive cruise depending on variant)
  • Dolby Atmos audio and powered tailgate—both cited as firsts for a Maruti in India.

4) Powertrains & Mileage Expectations

Most outlets expect three fuels:

• 1.5-litre NA petrol (mild-hybrid) with manual/6-AT
• 1.5-litre strong-hybrid (e-CVT)
• CNG—with reports of a boot-space-saving underfloor tank in the pipeline

Some reports also mention 4WD/AWD availability on select variants. Efficiency should be segment-competitive to class-leading on the strong-hybrid.

5) Safety: ADAS & More

If Level-2 ADAS lands as reported, the Escudo would meet or exceed the active-safety tech of leading rivals. Six airbags and ESC are expected across variants.

6) Expert Buzz: What the Auto Press Is Saying

• Moneycontrol (Varun Singh) — “Escudo will be the first Maruti to debut in India with Level-2 ADAS; Dolby Atmos and a powered tailgate are also on the cards; Arena retail confirmed by sources.”
• DriveSpark — Reinforces the Level-2 ADAS narrative and adds Dolby Atmos as a first for the brand, positioning Escudo head-to-head with Creta/Seltos on tech.
• Autocar India / Team-BHP — Broad agreement on the Sept 3 timeline, Creta-rival intent, and the Escudo name being likely but not guaranteed.
• Times of India (Auto) — Frames it as Maruti’s push to strengthen presence in the mid-size SUV segment.
• GaadiWaadi — Flags mild-hybrid + strong-hybrid strategy and a feature-rich positioning.

7) Pricing & Variants: What to Expect

• Indicative band: ₹8–15 lakh ex-showroom, with some trackers listing ₹9.75 lakh as a notional base. Final pricing will hinge on hybrid and safety kit spread.
• Trims: Expect a wide ladder from value-led petrol/manual to feature-heavy strong-hybrid at the top.

8) Escudo vs Rivals — Quick Comparison