The Maruti Suzuki Victoris, launched in 2025, is the Arena platform’s answer to the premium compact SUV segment, often dubbed the “Grand Vitara for Arena showrooms.” Built on the same platform as the Grand Vitara, it introduces Maruti’s first Level 2 ADAS in an ICE vehicle, alongside hybrid and CNG powertrains, a 5-star BNCAP rating, and a feature-packed cabin. With a bold design inspired by the e-Vitara and Fronx, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, and a panoramic sunroof, it aims to compete with rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
Priced to overlap with the Grand Vitara (estimated ₹12–20 lakh), it leverages Arena’s vast service network. But is it a game-changer or just a rebadged Grand Vitara? This comprehensive review, based on insights from a YouTube hands-on, explores the Victoris’s strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right SUV for 2025.
Platform & Dimensions
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris shares the proven Global C platform with the Grand Vitara, ensuring structural rigidity and safety. With a 2,600mm wheelbase identical to the Grand Vitara, it stretches slightly longer at 4,360mm (15–20mm more) due to revised bumpers.
This minor length increase enhances its road presence without altering cabin or boot space significantly. The Victoris is available in petrol, hybrid, and CNG variants, with the CNG model featuring distinct 17-inch alloy wheels. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for urban driving, balancing maneuverability with a spacious interior, though it closely mirrors the Grand Vitara’s footprint, raising questions about differentiation.
Exterior Design & Styling
Drawing inspiration from the e-Vitara and Fronx, the Victoris boasts a muscular yet sleek design that sets it apart from the Grand Vitara. Full LED treatment across headlights, DRLs, and taillights gives it a modern, premium look. The 17-inch alloy wheels (unique for CNG variants) add flair, while the front grille and sharp lines exude confidence. Its slightly longer 4,360mm body enhances road presence compared to the Fronx but remains compact against the Hyundai Creta (4,490mm).
The smart electric tailgate with gesture control adds a futuristic touch, making it appealing for style-conscious buyers seeking a bold yet practical SUV.
ADAS Level 2 – Maruti’s First!
The Victoris marks a milestone for Maruti with its first Level 2 ADAS in an ICE vehicle under ₹20 lakh. Combining a radar module and camera, it offers adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, collision warning, and autonomous braking. This system enhances safety for city and highway driving, making it a standout in the budget SUV segment.
Compared to rivals like the Kia Seltos, which also offers ADAS, Maruti’s implementation is notable for its affordability. However, real-world performance depends on calibration, which needs further testing. For tech-savvy buyers, this feature elevates the Victoris’s appeal significantly.
Safety & Build Quality
The Victoris earns a 5-star BNCAP rating (not Global NCAP), reflecting strong structural integrity inherent to Maruti’s Global C platform, also used in the Brezza and Grand Vitara. It includes six airbags, electronic stability program (ESP), hill hold assist, and a 360-degree camera, ensuring comprehensive safety. The underbody CNG tank (10kg) is strategically placed to maintain boot space, and the platform’s proven rigidity enhances crash protection.
Compared to competitors like the Toyota Hyryder, the Victoris matches safety standards but lacks the global NCAP validation some buyers prioritize. Its robust build makes it a reliable family SUV.
Interior & Comfort
The Victoris’s rear cabin offers a mixed experience. The upright rear seat provides good knee and legroom, allowing easy leg stretching even for taller passengers. However, headroom is a concern for those over 6 feet, especially with the panoramic sunroof, which reduces clearance due to extra padding. The large floor hump limits middle passenger comfort, making it ideal for four adults and one child.
Familiar Maruti elements like AC vents and buttons ensure consistency, while two Type-C ports add modern convenience. Compared to the e-Vitara’s cramped rear, the Victoris improves legroom but struggles with headroom for taller occupants.
Front Cabin & Features
The front cabin shines with a new, larger steering wheel (a first for Maruti’s ICE models) offering tilt and telescopic adjustments. The 10.25-inch HD infotainment system is responsive, supporting wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Alexa. Physical buttons for AC and volume controls enhance usability, a hallmark of Maruti’s user-friendly design.
Features like ventilated seats, an electric parking brake (in hybrid/automatic variants), wireless charger, auto-dimming IRVM, and an 8-way powered driver seat (a first under ₹20 lakh) elevate the premium feel. Soft-touch dashboard materials and a panoramic sunroof add sophistication, though the slidable armrest feels flimsy compared to the Hyundai Creta’s refined cabin.
Boot Space & Practicality
The Victoris offers a practical 330L boot, slightly less than the Grand Vitara’s 373L but squarish for easy luggage loading. The CNG variant’s 10kg tank is cleverly placed under the seats, preserving boot space—a significant improvement over older CNG setups.
The smart electric tailgate with gesture control adds convenience, a rare feature in this segment. Compared to the Kia Seltos (433L), the boot is smaller but sufficient for family trips. The squarish layout and low loading lip enhance practicality, making it suitable for weekend getaways or daily errands.
Engine Options & Performance
The Victoris borrows the Grand Vitara’s powertrains: a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol (103hp, 137Nm) with manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic, a 1.5L strong hybrid (115hp combined, e-CVT) with excellent fuel efficiency (expected 27–28 kmpl), and a CNG option (88hp, 121.5Nm) with a 5-speed manual. The hybrid shines for city commuters, offering smooth, fuel-efficient performance, while the petrol suits budget buyers.
CNG delivers affordability (expected 26–28 km/kg), though power is modest. NVH levels are well-controlled, but the petrol engine feels underpowered compared to the turbocharged Hyundai Creta (160hp). Real-world performance aligns closely with the Grand Vitara, lacking standout dynamism.
Ride & Handling
The Victoris offers a comfort-oriented suspension tuned for city and highway driving. Its 2,600mm wheelbase ensures stability at high speeds, while the soft setup absorbs bumps well, ideal for Indian roads. Handling is predictable but not sporty, aligning with family SUV expectations. NVH levels are comparable to the Grand Vitara, with minimal engine noise in the hybrid variant. Compared to the Kia Seltos, which offers sharper handling, the Victoris prioritizes comfort over agility, making it suitable for relaxed drives but less engaging for enthusiasts.
Variants & Pricing (Expected)
While official pricing is pending due to ongoing GST discussions, the Victoris is expected to range from ₹12–20 lakh (ex-showroom), overlapping with the Grand Vitara. As Arena’s flagship, it targets buyers preferring Maruti’s wider service network over Nexa’s premium showrooms. Variants include petrol manual/automatic, CNG, and strong hybrid, with top trims offering electric parking brakes and powered seats. The pricing strategy mirrors past Maruti overlaps (e.g., Swift vs. Baleno), but potential tax benefits on hybrids/CNG could make it more competitive against the Hyundai Creta (₹11–20 lakh).
Pros & Cons
| Pros (Kya Sahi) | Cons (Kya Nahi) |
|---|---|
| First Maruti with Level 2 ADAS | Limited headroom for tall rear passengers |
| Hybrid and CNG options for efficiency | Middle passenger discomfort due to hump |
| 5-star BNCAP rating for safety | Shared parts reduce uniqueness |
| Feature-rich: ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, 360° camera | Music system lacks premium punch |
| Wide Arena sales & service network | Pricing overlap with Grand Vitara may confuse buyers |
Competitor Comparison
- Victoris vs. Grand Vitara: Identical platform and engines, but Victoris offers ADAS and Arena’s broader network. Grand Vitara feels more premium via Nexa showrooms.
- Victoris vs. Hyundai Creta: Creta offers a turbo petrol and larger boot (433L), but Victoris wins with hybrid efficiency and ADAS at a potentially lower price.
- Victoris vs. Kia Seltos: Seltos has sharper handling and a refined cabin, but Victoris matches safety and adds CNG/hybrid options.
- Victoris vs. Toyota Hyryder: Both share the hybrid powertrain, but Victoris’s ADAS and Arena reach give it an edge for budget buyers.
Who Should Buy the Victoris?
The Victoris is ideal for families seeking a safe, fuel-efficient compact SUV with modern features like ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated seats. Buyers prioritizing Maruti’s reliability and Arena’s extensive service network (over 4,000 outlets in India) will find it appealing. It suits urban commuters who value the hybrid’s mileage or CNG’s affordability. Tech-savvy buyers wanting Level 2 ADAS at a budget price will appreciate its safety edge. However, those needing sporty performance or a premium cabin might prefer the Kia Seltos or Hyundai Creta.
Final Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris 2025 is a compelling compact SUV, blending the Grand Vitara’s proven platform with fresh styling, Level 2 ADAS, and versatile powertrains (petrol, hybrid, CNG). Its 5-star BNCAP rating, feature-loaded cabin (10.25-inch infotainment, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof), and Arena’s wide service network make it a strong family SUV. However, limited rear headroom, middle passenger discomfort, and pricing overlap with the Grand Vitara could deter some buyers. The music system’s lackluster performance and shared Maruti parts reduce its premium appeal. If you prioritize safety, efficiency, and accessibility, the Victoris is a great choice. For a more refined or dynamic SUV, consider the Creta or Seltos. Your choice between Victoris and Grand Vitara depends on showroom preference—Arena’s reach or Nexa’s premium vibe.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy the Maruti Suzuki Victoris
Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the Maruti Suzuki Victoris
The strong hybrid variant is expected to deliver 27–28 kmpl, ideal for city and highway commuting.
Both share a 5-star BNCAP-rated platform, but Victoris adds Level 2 ADAS, enhancing active safety.
Pricing is estimated at ₹12–20 lakh (ex-showroom), pending GST benefits, overlapping with the Grand Vitara.
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