Introduction: A Nameplate Reborn
For over three decades, Grand Vitara name has resonated with SUV buyers who value a blend of durability, off-road capability, and everyday practicality. First introduced in the late 1980s as the Vitara and later evolving into the new Grand Vitara 2025, Suzuki’s rugged compact SUV carved a niche among adventure seekers and practical family buyers alike. But after being phased out in various markets by 2018, the absence of the Grand Vitara left a void—both in Suzuki’s global portfolio and in the hearts of its loyal customers.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Grand Vitara is back, not as a nostalgic rehash but as a comprehensive reinvention. The SUV landscape has shifted dramatically, and Suzuki’s new approach reflects a keen awareness of modern consumer expectations, environmental regulations, and the need for competitive collaboration. Co-developed with Toyota, the new Grand Vitara is positioned as a global, hybrid-powered, tech-savvy midsize SUV ready to challenge the segment’s heavyweights. It’s Suzuki’s most strategically ambitious SUV yet, balancing its rugged roots with urban sophistication.
Design: Rugged Sophistication Reimagined
From the outset, the 2025 Grand Vitara makes a bold design statement. The previous utilitarian and boxy aesthetic is no longer present. In its place is a more refined, sculpted exterior that reflects contemporary SUV trends without abandoning its identity. The front fascia commands attention with a wide grille adorned with horizontal chrome slats, flanked by sleek LED headlamps and unique three-point DRLs. The visual impact is premium yet assertive, signalling a step up in design language.
The side profile is equally evolved. Subtle character lines, squared-off wheel arches, and a gently sloping roofline communicate both strength and aerodynamics. Dual-tone paint options with a contrasting black roof add a layer of personalization and visual dynamism. Measuring 4345 mm in length, 1795 mm in width, and 1645 mm in height, the new Grand Vitara has grown in every dimension, offering more presence on the road and interior space within.
At the rear, the SUV features a connected LED tail lamp strip, a design trend that has taken hold across global markets. The sculpted tailgate, integrated roof spoiler, and robust skid plate reinforce its SUV character. Suzuki has masterfully blended rugged cues—such as black body cladding and high ground clearance—with urban elegance to appeal to a broader audience.
Interior Evolution: From Utility to Refinement
Inside, the Grand Vitara represents a seismic shift in Suzuki’s approach to cabin design. The dashboard features a layered, horizontal layout with a mix of soft-touch materials, matte plastics, and brushed metallic accents. Unlike the sparse cabins of older models, the new layout is both ergonomically sound and visually appealing.
Central to the experience is a 9-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation. It’s complemented by physical dials for climate control, a nod to practical usability that digital-only systems often ignore. The balance of tactile and touch-based controls reflects Suzuki’s intent to blend modernity with intuitiveness.
The front seats are supportive, well-bolstered, and now available with ventilation in higher trims. The rear seat space benefits from the stretched 2600 mm wheelbase, offering ample legroom and reclinable seatbacks. With the seats positioned upright, the boot space is 373 litters, which can be substantially expanded by lowering the 60:40 split rear seats, allowing for a wide range of cargo options.
One of the highlights is the panoramic sunroof—a segment expectation that Suzuki meets for the first time in this category. Combined with thoughtful cabin lighting and premium finishes, the interior feels upscale without straying too far from the brand’s value-oriented ethos.
Powertrain Strategy: Hybridization as a Differentiator
At its core, the 2025 Grand Vitara reinvention is based on hybrid powertrain options. Suzuki offers two systems: a mild hybrid and a strong hybrid, catering to varying buyer expectations around performance and efficiency.
The base powertrain is Suzuki’s K15C 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The engine generates 103 hp and 137 Nm of torque, coupled with a choice of a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. The integrated starter generator assists with torque under load and enables stop-start functionality, enhancing fuel economy and lowering emissions.
For those seeking cutting-edge efficiency, the Toyota-derived strong hybrid is the game changer. It is equipped with a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine combined with an electric motor, producing a total power output of 115 hp. Mated to an e-CVT, this setup allows pure EV driving at low speeds and hybrid switching based on load conditions. The result? Claimed fuel efficiency figures of up to 28 km/l—an unmatched benchmark in this segment.
Both systems incorporate regenerative braking, improving energy recovery and overall drivability. While neither powertrain is aimed at enthusiasts craving high-speed thrills, both prioritize real-world usability, low maintenance, and long-term running cost benefits.
Driving Dynamics: The Grand Vitara’s Road Manners
Transitioning to a monocoque chassis has fundamentally changed the Grand Vitara’s ride and handling characteristics. Compared to the old ladder-frame platform, the new setup offers improved stiffness, better NVH insulation, and a more car-like driving experience.
Front-wheel-drive variants use a torsion beam rear suspension, while the AWD models benefit from a more advanced multi-link setup. This differentiation allows Suzuki to maintain cost-effectiveness in volume variants while offering superior dynamics in performance-oriented trims.
It features a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle engine paired with an electric motor, resulting in a total output of 115 horsepower. It offers four selectable modes (Auto, Snow, Sport, and Lock), enhancing traction across varying surfaces. While it lacks low-range gearing, it’s ideal for light off-road duties and slippery urban conditions, delivering confidence where front-wheel-only rivals fall short.
Steering is electric, tuned for ease in urban settings but adequately weighted at higher speeds. Ride comfort leans towards the softer side, absorbing broken patches and potholes with ease—a crucial attribute for Indian and emerging markets.
Technology & Features: Competing with the Best
Technology is now a key battleground in the midsize SUV space, and Suzuki has come well-armed. The centrepiece is the 9-inch infotainment system with OTA updates, voice assistant, and app-based remote vehicle control. Suzuki Connect enables owners to monitor vehicle health, locate their car, and even pre-cool the cabin remotely.
A full-digital instrument cluster is available on higher trims, offering customizable views for speed, navigation, and hybrid system data. A head-up display projects key information directly in the driver’s line of sight, while ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, and USB-C ports address daily convenience needs.
Safety-wise, the Grand Vitara offers a robust package. The vehicle comes equipped with dual airbags as standard, and the top trims feature six airbags. Standard safety features also include ABS with EBD, ESP, hill-hold assist, and a rear parking camera. The strong hybrid variants go further with ADAS features like autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. A 360-degree camera system enhances urban manoeuvrability.
Market Positioning & Competitor Analysis
The Grand Vitara 2025 enters one of the most fiercely contested segments in India and abroad. What sets the Grand Vitara apart is its unique positioning. While others emphasize turbocharged petrol performance or connected car tech, Suzuki doubles down on fuel efficiency, hybrid technology, and value. Pricing is aggressive, starting at approximately ₹11 lakh for base trims and going up to ₹19 lakh for the strong hybrid AWD variant (ex-showroom).
For buyers prioritizing running costs, brand trust, and hybrid innovation over outright horsepower, the Grand Vitara presents a compelling proposition. Its strong brand recall, expansive service network, and Toyota-backed reliability amplify its appeal in both metro cities and rural regions.
Global Strategy and Toyota Partnership
Leveraging Toyota’s hybrid technology and global platform development expertise has allowed Suzuki to re-enter competitive segments with reduced R&D burden and improved product maturity.
The Grand Vitara is not only a regional model; it is the blueprint for Suzuki’s global midsize SUVs. Variants are already being exported to markets in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, some rebadged under Toyota’s brand umbrella. This platform could potentially support future plug-in hybrids or even EV derivatives, depending on regional demands.
By accessing emerging markets where Suzuki has established a solid foothold, Toyota reaps benefits, while Suzuki boosts its technical and sustainability image by utilizing Toyota’s hybrid legacy. It’s a win-win collaboration with clear dividends.
Conclusion: The Most Complete Grand Vitara Yet
The 2025 Grand Vitara represents a culmination of thoughtful strategy, technological collaboration, and consumer-centric design. It respects the nameplate’s legacy of ruggedness and reliability while redefining its place in a modern, hybrid-dominated SUV landscape.
By offering two distinct hybrid systems, a refined interior, AllGrip AWD capability, and class-leading fuel economy, Suzuki has crafted its most well-rounded SUV to date. It’s not just a return but a reinvention—proof that heritage and innovation can coexist when guided by a clear, forward-looking vision.
In a segment filled with flashy alternatives and badge-driven appeal, the Grand Vitara stakes its claim through substance, efficiency, and a quietly confident design. For buyers seeking an SUV that delivers real-world versatility with minimal compromise, Suzuki’s flagship is no longer playing catch-up—it’s setting a new benchmark.