2023 Suzuki Grand Vitara Debuts In India With Electrified Powertrains

Suzuki took the wraps off the all-new Grand Vitara – its latest SUV model, offered in mild hybrid and self-charging hybrid forms as a twin model to the recently revealed Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. Just like its sibling, the Suzuki Grand Vitara debuted in India, but the automaker plans on exporting it to other markets including Africa.

Styling-wise, the Suzuki Grand Vitara does little to hide its relationship with the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, since both models are sharing the same greenhouse and most of their body panels. However, the Suzuki boasts a redesigned face that retains the split-headlight style but with slimmer DRLs, a significantly larger grille with a Dark Chrome or a Rich Chrome finish, a smaller lower bumper intake and more aggressive main headlight housings.

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While the profile remains identical to the Toyota twin, the rear end is also different thanks to the dark-themed full-width LED taillights. Finally, the skid plates on both ends and the plastic cladding on the squared-off wheel arches emphasize the adventurous nature of the Grand Vitara.

The Grand Vitara measures 4,345 mm (171 inches) long, 1,795 mm (70.7 inches) wide, and 1,645 mm (64.8 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,600 mm (102.4 inches). The wheelbase is identical to the Suzuki S-Cross, and 100 mm (3.9 inches) longer than the regular Vitara / Escudo. Thus, it is no surprise that the Grand Vitara is sharing the Suzuki TECT architecture – also known as Global C-platform – with the aforementioned models.

Inside, the Grand Vitara looks just like the Hyryder with the exception of color combinations and the Suzuki emblems. Suzuki’s color and trim department chose a black and burgundy dual-tone synthetic leather upholstery for the seats, dashboard, and door cards, with contrasting stitching, while an all-black option is also available. Likewise, the center console is flanked by aluminum-style or champagne gold trim elements, housing the controls for the dual-zone air-conditioning.

The 9-inch touchscreen gets the latest Suzuki Connect infotainment offering 40+ connected features, and voice assist. In high-end trims, the high-mounted touchscreen is combined with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display in high-end trims. Other cool features include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, a wireless charging pad, a premium sound system, a 360-degree camera, and rear AC vents which were missing from Suzuki SUVs. In terms of safety, equipment includes six airbags, plus basic systems like the Hill Descent Control although other markets outside India could get more modern ADAS.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara is offered with two different powertrains. The entry-level Progressive Smart Hybrid is fitted with a 1.5-liter K-series Dual Jet VVT petrol engine mated to a 12-Volt ISG system and a small 6Ah Li-ion battery, producing a combined 101 hp (75 kW / 102 PS) and 135 Nm (99.6 lb-ft) of torque. Power is sent to either the front or to all four wheels (AllGrip) through either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Note that the sibling Toyota Hyryder is FWD-only, with Suzuki keeping the familiar AllGrip Select system (Auto, Sport, Snow, and Lock) for the Grand Vitara.

The second option is a full-hybrid called Intelligent Electric Drive. The Toyota-sourced system comprises a different 1.5-liter engine, a stronger electric motor, an ISG, and a larger lithium-ion battery producing a combined 114 hp (85 kW / 116 PS) and 141 Nm (104 lb-ft) of torque. Here, power is exclusively transmitted to the front axle through an e-CVT transmission. The driver has access to four different driving modes EV, Eco, Power, and Normal. Despite being a self-charging hybrid, the large battery is good enough for up to 25 km (16 miles) of electric range in traffic.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara will be produced by Toyota Kirloskar in Bidadi, Karnataka (India) alongside its Toyota twin. Pricing will be announced in the near future. Rival models in India include the recently facelifted Hyundai Creta and the Skoda Kushaq. In India, the Grand Vitara replaces the S-Cross which was not updated as it did in Europe. Given the electrified nature of the lineup we wouldn’t be surprised if Suzuki brought the Grand Vitara to Europe, possibly as a replacement for the regular Vitara.