In a market flooded with SUVs that promise a mix of style, performance, and tech, Maruti Suzuki’s Grand Vitara 2025 boldly stands out with a claim that resonates with every Indian buyer: unbeatable fuel efficiency. But can it deliver on that promise while still offering a premium SUV experience? We took it for a full test drive to find out if it truly is India’s most fuel-efficient SUV and if that efficiency comes with any compromises.
First Impressions: A Bold, Modern Stance
From the outside, the 2025 Grand Vitara doesn’t shout economy. Instead, it wears a confident, upscale design with a larger grille, sharper LED DRLs, and a more aggressive stance than its predecessor. The refreshed alloy wheel design and rear profile give it a sportier edge, while the overall silhouette maintains the muscular charm that’s become a signature in this segment.
Step Inside: Comfort Meets Digital Sophistication
The cabin of the new Grand Vitara has taken a clear leap forward. High-quality materials line the dashboard, and a new dual-screen layout one for the infotainment and the other for driver instrumentation adds a futuristic touch.
The panoramic sunroof remains, but now there’s ambient lighting, wireless charging, ventilated seats, and an updated infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The driving position is commanding, and there’s ample room for passengers in both rows, with boot space unaffected by the hybrid battery placement.
On the Road: Smooth, Silent, Surprisingly Strong
The real story of the 2025 Grand Vitara begins the moment you start the engine or rather, don’t. The strong hybrid version starts silently in EV mode and glides through traffic with effortless composure. During our test drive through mixed conditions bumper-to-bumper city traffic, open highways, and mild inclines the hybrid powertrain handled transitions between electric and petrol modes seamlessly.
The car’s ride quality felt noticeably improved, with suspension tuned for Indian roads and better noise insulation than before. While it may not be a performance SUV, overtaking was easy thanks to the instant torque delivered by the electric motor at low speeds. Steering is light but accurate, making it easy to maneuver even in tight urban spaces.
Fuel Efficiency Test: Numbers That Matter
We tested the top-end strong hybrid variant over a 150 km route, blending city commutes and open-road stretches. The result? An astounding real-world fuel efficiency figure of 26.3 km/l. While official ARAI claims hover closer to 27.9 km/l, this result, achieved without hypermiling or extreme eco-mode driving, is proof that the Grand Vitara hybrid walks the talk. Even the mild hybrid variants delivered a respectable 18–20 km/l, making it a leader in its class regardless of the variant you choose.
Safety and Technology: Checking All the Right Boxes
Safety is a growing concern for Indian SUV buyers, and Maruti has stepped up. The Grand Vitara now includes six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, and a 360-degree camera system for better parking visibility. The top trims also feature ADAS-like features such as lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control, which were previously limited to more expensive SUVs.
Price and Verdict: Premium Feel Without Premium Pain
Starting at ₹10.8 lakh and going up to ₹19.9 lakh (ex-showroom), the Grand Vitara remains competitively priced despite offering segment-leading fuel efficiency and premium features. It doesn’t just beat rivals like the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos on running costs it matches or exceeds them in design, cabin quality, and overall ownership appeal.
So, is the 2025 Grand Vitara the most fuel-efficient SUV in India? In our test, it certainly earned that title. But it’s also more than just a mileage king it’s a refined, comfortable, and smart SUV that doesn’t demand compromises. Whether you’re a city commuter or a highway cruiser, the new Grand Vitara deserves to be on your shortlist.
