The Grand Vitara’s numerous strengths have made it a popular pick in the mid-size SUV segment, but it has a couple of prominent weaknesses too.
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara went on sale nearly three years ago, and continues to be one of the bestselling mid-size SUVs in India. Its price starts at Rs 11.42 lakh and tops off at Rs 20.52 lakh, bringing the Grand Vitara perfectly in line with the Hyundai Creta, Kia seltos, Honda Elevate, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryderand more. For prospective mid-size SUV buyers, we’ve laid out three reasons why the Grand Vitara is a worthwhile buy, and two reasons why you should reconsider.
Strong hybrid variants have excellent fuel efficiency
ARAI-claimed mileage of 27.97kpl
The Grand Vitara’s biggest USP is its strong hybrid powertrain, which includes a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine working in tandem with a 0.76kWh lithium-ion battery and front-mounted electric motor. This allows for a net power output of 116hp, and more impressively, a claimed fuel efficiency of 27.97kpl. In our real-world fuel efficiency tests of the Grand Vitara hybridthe SUV returned a mileage of 23.77kpl in the city and 20.39kpl on the highway, computing to a stellar 22.08kpl average.
Great ride comfort
Bump absorption and body movement are among the best in the segment
Our numerous reviews of the Grand Vitara have consistently remarked on how well the Maruti SUV rides. It soaks up bumps effortlessly and can be driven with confidence even over really rough roads. Despite the Grand Vitara’s suspension setup being on the softer side, vertical movement is kept well in check too.
Offers all-wheel drive
Not available with strong hybrid powertrain
The Grand Vitara is among the handful of mid-size SUVs that come with the option of all-wheel drive. Suzuki’s AllGrip system is available solely with the Grand Vitara’s 103hp,1.5-litre, 4-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine and 6-speed torque converter auto gearbox, and in our testing, the setup performed quite competently over slushy surfaces and steep inclines. The most affordable Grand Vitara AWD variant is the Alpha AllGrip AT, priced at Rs 19.04 lakh.
With the Grand Vitara’s core strengths covered, let’s dive into two of its most notable drawbacks.
Limited boot space in strong hybrid variants
Only 265 litres
Since the Grand Vitara hybrid’s lithium-ion battery is mounted right underneath the boot, cargo capacity takes a big hit. At merely 265 litres, the Grand Vitara hybrid’s boot space isn’t very usable beyond a few soft bags or a large suitcase. Things aren’t all that better in the non-hybrid Grand Vitara either, with its 373-litre boot falling quite short by segment standards.
Engines lack punch
Decent drivability in the city, but unexciting on the highway
Maruti Suzuki’s focus on frugality has led to the Grand Vitara’s powertrains feeling rather dull. Both the strong hybrid and petrol versions of the Grand Vitara feel peppy enough to drive at city speeds, but once you hit the highway, neither powertrain feels as punchy or thrilling as the stronger turbo-petrol engines of rivals like the Creta and Seltos. Power delivery is sedate and unexciting, making the Grand Vitara a less-than-ideal pick for more enthusiastic buyers.
All prices are ex-showroom, India.
Also see:
Maruti Grand Vitara: FAQs on price, mileage, features
Creta vs Grand Vitara vs Astor vs Elevate: Performance comparison
