The Indian SUV market has never been more exciting. India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, after winning hearts in the entry-level and compact SUV segments, is gunning for glory with its biggest bet yet- the all-new Victoris. With a bold slogan “Got it all”, the Victoris enters the intensely competitive midsize SUV arena, led by stalwarts like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Toyota Hyryder, MG Astor, and the likes. As someone who’s spent over a decade reviewing cars and decoding market trends, I slid behind the wheel of the Victoris, eager to find out if Maruti’s latest is truly “victorious” in every sense.
Styling and Exterior Presence
If first impressions matter, Victoris nails it right at the start. The forward-leaning stance and a sleek, closed grille give the Victoris a European appeal rarely seen on Maruti’s portfolio. At the front, LED headlamps merge seamlessly with the sculpted fascia, shedding those chunky-SUV cliches for a more modern, sleek vibe. The coupe-inspired sloping roofline, coupled with premium alloy wheels, adds just the right dose of sportiness without feeling forced.
At the rear, segmented LED tail lamps (not the usual bar we see everywhere else) truly help it stand out on crowded Indian roads. Dimensionally, the Victoris fits perfectly into the segment, measuring 4,360mm long and offering substantial width for road presence. Its profile is unmistakably SUV, yet with just enough contemporary chic for younger buyers who crave style as much as substance.
Interior Experience – Modern Comforts, Thoughtful Touches
Step inside, and Maruti Suzuki’s cabin transformation is immediately evident. The layered dashboard, draped in soft-touch materials with piano black inserts, sets a premium tone rarely associated with Maruti’s midsize efforts of the past. Whether you’re greeted by 64-colour ambient lighting during a night drive or kicking back under the panoramic sunroof on a sunny afternoon, the Victoris feels inviting, airy, and loaded. The plastics, though, stand a notch below the Koreans in terms of feel.
Driver’s seat adjustment is as simple as it comes, with power controls and eight-way configurations making long journeys a breeze. Both front occupants benefit from ventilated seats, and the multi-zone climate control works well for every season. At the rear, passengers are decently catered for, though the sloping roof does slightly hamper headroom for those 6 feet and above. The boot, especially in the clever CNG variant with an underbody tank, is practical- a smart move for luggage-loving Indian families.
Also Read: Maruti Victoris Outperforms Tata Safari, Becomes Safest Car in India
Infotainment and Technology – Segment Benchmark?
If the Victoris is to be judged on in-car tech, it already punches above its weight. The centrepiece is a vivid 10.1-inch SmartPlay Pro X touchscreen offering wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Alexa integration, and built-in maps. OTA updates and in-app stores make it future-proof. Equally impressive is the Infinity by Harman audio setup with Dolby Atmos 5.1 – it’s immersive, loud, and will make Maruti buyers rethink their after-market upgrade plans.
Convenience features include a cooled wireless charger, Type-C USB ports, Suzuki Connect with 60-plus trick features, and remote locking/unlocking straight from the phone.
However, a word of caution: the giddying feature list is fragmented across variants. ADAS, for instance, is only available on select smart hybrid automatics and is absent on the strong hybrid. Similarly, the top hybrid gets a manual handbrake instead of an electronic one- quirky choices that may leave some buyers wishing for more uniformity.
Safety – Maruti Suzuki’s HUGE Leap Forward
In the past, Maruti Suzuki wasn’t usually the brand leading on safety credentials. That’s changed with the Victoris. With six airbags standard, 360-degree cameras, hill hold, traction control, all-wheel disc brakes, front parking sensors, ISOFIX mounts, and a tyre pressure monitoring system, Victoris ticks all the right boxes.
It doesn’t stop there- it’s aced both the Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP tests with five stars. Level 2 ADAS includes adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and emergency auto braking. In busy Indian city traffic, these systems performed seamlessly, with the steering nudging me back on track and the sensors reliably tracking unpredictable traffic.
Engine Choices and Real-World Driving
Maruti Suzuki finally gives buyers multiple powertrains:
- 1.5-litre K15C petrol smart hybrid (5MT/6AT)
- ALLGRIP Select AWD with 6AT
- 1.5-litre Toyota-sourced strong hybrid with e-CVT
- 1.5-litre petrol-CNG (underbody tank, 5MT)
On test, I drove the mild hybrid manual variant. The initial acceleration was quite strong, which is perfect for crawling through metropolitan jams. The sprint to about 80 kmph is brisk, but 100 kmph comes in at a rather leisurely 14 secs+. The acceleration feels brisk enough for urban duties, but we believe the hybrid, with stronger performance figures, could be better suited for highways.
I managed just above 14 kmpl in a mix of heavy-footed acceleration tests and brief highway cruising. The ride quality feels plush; while the SUV feels planted at north of 100 kmph. However, the SUV goes slightly hesitant above 110 km/h, particularly during sudden lane changes.
Those seeking adventure can opt for the ALLGRIP AWD, which offers terrain modes like Auto, Snow, Sport, and Lock. The CNG variant impresses with real-world practicality and segment-first innovation that beats legacy packaging.
Also Read: New Maruti Victoris 0-100 km/h Acceleration Test – Video
Ride, Handling, and Everyday Usability
The Victoris shines brightest in day-to-day city usage. Steering is light yet precise at low speeds, while suspension tuning soaks up potholes and broken tarmac. For most buyers, comfort will be king, and the Victoris delivers.
Push it hard on highways, though, and the softer suspension makes its presence felt, with steering feedback is low at triple-digit speeds. Braking is adequate for everyday use, but emergency stops reveal a hint of instability. This is something that can be a trade-off for that well-cushioned ride. NVH is another area that can do with at least some improvement.
Variants, Pricing, and Value Proposition
With 21 variants (petrol, hybrid, AWD, CNG), there’s enough choice to rival even the most diverse segment portfolios. Prices start at ₹10.49 lakh and top out at ₹19.99 lakh for the strong hybrid- sharp enough to rattle the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Yes, some features and tech options only appear as you ascend the trim ladder, but the Victoris does well to keep its entry pricing accessible, especially for buyers upgrading from smaller or older cars.
Verdict – Victoris Delivers on Most Fronts
So, does Maruti Suzuki’s Victoris ‘have it all’? The answer, as with most things automotive, is nuanced. For Indian families wanting style, features, comfort, and safety, it’s hard to beat the Victoris. The strong hybrid efficiency is a segment disruptor, and the cabin tech sets new benchmarks. Its value proposition, coupled with Maruti’s vast network and reasonable running costs, will tempt plenty.
If you want sharp handling and rock-solid highway composure, a Seltos or Creta may still earn your rupees. But for versatility, urban comfort, and next-gen tech, the Victoris raises the bar for Maruti Suzuki, and to a large extent, even for the entire midsize SUV segment in India.
Ultimately, the Victoris isn’t just another new SUV; it’s Maruti Suzuki’s boldest step into this territory yet. If “Got it all” is the slogan, the Victoris comes pretty close. For most buyers, that’s a victory.
Also Read: Maruti Victoris Lxi vs Grand Vitara Sigma – Which Base Model is More VFM?
