Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car manufacturer, has introduced its flagship mid-sized SUV the Grand Vitara in India, just a few weeks after the launch of its sister SUV, the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The best part is that both SUVs will be produced on Toyota’s manufacturing planet. Yes, you read that correctly. The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara will be manufactured alongside the Hyryder at Toyota’s Bidadi plant in Karnataka, India, and will compete with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, and other models.
Because both cars will be manufactured by Toyota, we do not anticipate any differences in the build quality of the two vehicles. Furthermore, the engine options are the same. So, what’s the difference between the two vehicles? Let’s compare and contrast the two models.
Exterior
The differences between the two are most noticeable at the front. While both use the same basic split headlamp design, Toyota’s design is more in line with its global models, featuring a sleek partially covered grille flanked by dual-stock LED daytime running lamps, angular headlamp recesses on the bumper, and a prominent central air-vent. The Grand Vitara, on the other hand, has opted for a simpler single LED DRL layout with the dot-style elements first seen on the second-generation Baleno. The Grand Vitara’s overall design language is very similar to the New Generation S-cross available in the global market. The prominent grille gives the design some muscle, while the headlamp housings are squarer than on the Toyota.
From the side, there is little to distinguish between the two SUVs. Both have identical shoulder lines and window lines, as well as the same floating pillar execution at the D-pillar. The main distinction is in the wheels, with the Toyota and Maruti using different designs.
When it comes to the back, the most noticeable difference is the tail lamp. The Toyota employs sleek units with C-shaped LED elements, whereas the Grand Vitara employs three stacked LED elements with a lightbar stretching towards the Suzuki badge on the tailgate.
Interior
The cabins of the Grand Vitara and Hyryder look largely the same, despite their distinct exterior styling. Aside from the badging, it’ll be difficult to tell the difference in design until the upholstery is examined. The cabin of the Vitara’s mild hybrid variants is finished in a dual-tone shade, whereas the same variants of the Hyryder are finished in all-black.
When you compare the strong hybrid models, you’ll notice that the Silver trim on the Hyryder’s dashboard has been replaced by Champaign gold trim on the Grand Vitara. Furthermore, while the Hyryder Hybrid has dual-tone black and brown upholstery, the Grand Vitara has an all-black interior.
Both vehicles include a large touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Suzuki’s connected car tech, a panoramic sunroof, wireless smartphone charger, digital instrument cluster, ventilated front seats, and safety features such as a 360-degree parking camera, six airbags, ESP, hill hold assist, and so on.
Engine
The Grand Vitara, like the Hyryder, will be available with either Suzuki’s mild-hybrid 1.5-litre engine producing 101 hp (75 kW / 102 PS) or a Toyota-sourced full-hybrid 1.5-litre engine producing 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS). Power will be transmitted to the front axle in both cases, though Suzuki is also planning an all-wheel-drive variant.
| Specs | 1.5-litre,4 cylinders, mild-hybrid | 1.5-litre,3 cylinders, strong-hybrid |
| Power | 101 bhp | 114 bhp ( combined power ) |
| Torque | 137Nm | 122Nm (engine) 141Nm (Motor) |
| Transmissions | 5-speed manual / 6-speed AT | e-CVT |
| Drivetrains | FWD/ AWD (only with MT) | FWD |
The higher trims of both SUVs get a powerful hybrid powertrain that allows them to operate in “pure EV mode”. Running on battery power, the vehicle functions as an electric car in pure EV mode. The Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Hyryder strong hybrid SUVs can both run on battery power for approximately 25 kilometres.
The Hyryder will be the first to go on sale, followed by Maruti’s Grand Vitara midsize SUV. Toyota will provide a three-year/1,000,000-kilometer warranty that can be extended to five years/220,000 kilometres. The hybrid batteries are also covered by an 8-year/160,000-kilometer warranty from the manufacturer.