Planning to buy an SUV in 2026? You might want to wait.

The Maruti Grand Vitara 2026 is expected to launch in India in the second half of this year, and it keeps the 1.5L hybrid engine while refining mileage, features and safety. On paper, it may look similar but the updates could directly affect your buying decision.

With hybrid SUVs gaining popularity in cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, this move from Maruti is important. Here’s what actually matters before you book.

Engine

The Grand Vitara will continue with:

• 1.5L K15C Mild Hybrid Petrol
  • Approx. 103 PS power
  • 5-speed manual / 6-speed automatic
  • AWD option available in select variants
• 1.5L Strong Hybrid Petrol
  • e-CVT transmission
  • Combined system output around 115 PS
  • Focused on fuel efficiency

No turbo engine is expected. The focus remains smoothness and daily usability.

Mileage

Expected real-world figures:

• Mild Hybrid: 18–21 km/l
• Strong Hybrid: 23–25 km/l (city driving)

In cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, the strong hybrid frequently runs in EV mode at low speeds. That’s where the savings happen.

This is important for long-term ownership.

If your daily commute is heavy traffic, this SUV makes more financial sense than many pure petrol rivals.

What’s New in 2026?

Expected updates include:

• Slightly refreshed grille & DRL detailing
• New alloy wheel design
• Possible new colour options
• Improved infotainment responsiveness
• Better 360-degree camera clarity
• Wider availability of 6 airbags

The design remains familiar. The changes are evolutionary, not dramatic.

Cabin & Practicality

The Grand Vitara already offers:

• Panoramic sunroof (select variants)
• Large infotainment display
• Ventilated seats (strong hybrid variants)
• Good rear seat space
• Decent 373-litre (approx.) boot in strong hybrid

Ride quality remains comfort-focused. Suspension absorbs city potholes well. Steering is light — easy for daily driving and tight parking.

Here’s what actually matters, it is built for stress-free driving, not aggressive performance.

Competition Snapshot

The Grand Vitara competes with:

• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos
• Toyota Hyryder
• Honda Elevate

Creta and Seltos offer turbo power.
Elevate focuses on space and simplicity.
Hyryder shares the hybrid technology.

But none combine hybrid mileage with Maruti’s service reach across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities at this scale.

Expected Price

Current pricing ranges roughly between ₹10.8 lakh to ₹19.8 lakh (ex-showroom).

The 2026 update may see a slight increase due to feature additions, but aggressive pricing is likely to continue because the segment is highly competitive.

Conclusion

The Maruti Grand Vitara 2026 strengthens what already works rather than changing everything. Its biggest strength remains the strong hybrid system delivering genuine city mileage of up to 25 km/l in practical conditions. Comfort-oriented suspension, smooth automatic driving experience, and Maruti’s extensive service network make ownership predictable and easy across India.

The weakness is clear performance enthusiasts may find it less exciting. There is no turbo petrol option, and driving dynamics are tuned for comfort over thrill. Some rivals may offer more powerful engines or slightly sharper interiors.