Creta continues to dominate the midsize SUV segment despite the launch of Maruti Victoris. Here’s why I feel it still holds the edge.
The Indian midsize SUV segment has never been more exciting. With the arrival of the Maruti Victoris, things are getting hotter. Interestingly, however, the Creta continues with its dominance on the sales charts. It clocked its best-ever monthly sales of 18,861 units last month. This, in spite of the buzz created by the advent of the Victoris. As someone who has extensively driven various versions of the Hyundai Creta over the years and recently got behind the wheel of the Victoris for a detailed test drive, I’ve had the chance to compare them not just on paper, but out on the road. And taking all factors into account, here’s what I think helps Creta still hold the edge. That said, the Victoris might not too far behind. Intrigued? Read on
Creta’s long-standing dominance isn’t just because it was early to the game. Hyundai has consistently evolved the product by adding features, introducing new powertrain options, and keeping the design relevant. When I first reviewed the updated Creta, I found it to be a solid all-rounder that simply outclasses its more modern rivals. Whether it’s the diesel AT, the turbo-petrol DCT, or the entry-level variants, Hyundai has nailed the sweet spot across budgets and use cases. That level of product maturity gives it a head start that’s hard to replicate overnight. While the Victoris feels like a potent rival, it is yet to shake the Creta’s lead. Well, the Victoris feels like a strong challenger, but it’s the fewer engine variants that plays against it. The turbo-petrol, diesel and EV versions are simply conspicuous by their absence. And that’s where the Creta enjoys a clear upper edge. It’s also something I could sense while driving the Victoris recently.
Victoris Makes a Solid First Impression But…
I’ll admit, I was genuinely impressed when I drove the Maruti Victoris. The design is striking, the cabin feels sufficiently premium, and the tech on offer (especially in higher variants) rivals or even surpasses what the segment has seen so far. Maruti has come a long way in terms of both perception and execution. But comparing it with what I remember from driving the Creta gave me clarity. While Victoris shines in daily usability, comfort, and packaging, especially with the hybrid and CNG options, it still doesn’t offer the same refined highway dynamics or premium interior feel that the Creta delivers.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Victoris Test Drive Review – Victory Through Value?
Variant Spread & Real-World Differences
Creta offers a better variant spread with turbo petrol, diesel, manual, and automatics available in logical steps. Maruti, on the other hand, has gone the CNG and hybrid route. While that brings better fuel economy, and I respect the innovation of the underbody CNG tank, it may not cater to enthusiasts or highway-heavy users the same way. And let’s face it, the naturally-aspirated 1.5 petrol option feels underpowered on the expressway. My 0-100 km/h acceleration test results left me unimpressed. This one’s definitely not for even mildly enthusiastic drivers. All in all, I felt that the Victoris mild hybrid was great for city runs. Smooth, refined, easy to live with. But at higher speeds, it didn’t feel as responsive as the turbo-petrol Creta or, to some extent, even the NA version that I’d driven a few months ago. The Victoris is more commuter-friendly; the Creta feels more rounded.
Safety & Features: A Real Tug of War
Here’s where Victoris impressed me most. It brings in segment-first safety features, a 5-star crash rating, and even ADAS Level 2 on select trims. That’s commendable. Creta has responded with its own set of safety upgrades, but Victoris clearly wants to push the safety narrative further. And that’s great for the buyers. On the features front, both SUVs go toe-to-toe. But having used both infotainment systems, I found the Victoris system slightly more intuitive and future-ready. It offers a sharper screen and richer connectivity options. Still, Hyundai’s overall fit-and-finish, cabin ambience, and tactile feel of switches and controls offer a more upmarket feel.
Also Read: Maruti Victoris Outperforms Tata Safari, Becomes Safest Car in India
So Why Is Creta Still Selling More?
Honestly, it’s a mix of three things: legacy, consistency, and perception. People trust Creta because they’ve seen it deliver for years. The resale value, the service experience, the proven reliability; all of that matters. Plus, you get a better variant-spread. True, the Victoris has top kit on offer, but not all the bells and whistles are available on all the 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, I must say.
Also, the Creta’s performance across variants is well-documented. As someone who has driven the Creta extensively in both city and highway scenarios, I can confidently say that it’s the more versatile SUV today. Victoris is on the right path, but it’s still new. Buyers are naturally cautious with newer models, no matter the badge.
Also Read: Hyundai Marks 10 Years of Creta with New King and King Limited Edition
Editor’s Note
Yatharth Chauhan, Managing Editor
From the observations I made during the test drive of the Maruti Victoris, I genuinely believe it is one of the best efforts from Maruti Suzuki in years. It brings serious competition to the table, something we absolutely need in this segment. And from a value perspective, it’s hard to ignore. But as things stand today, Creta still remains the better-rounded choice for a wider audience. That could change over time. And it won’t be bad to have competition only making things better for buyers. For now, though, as someone who’s driven both, I’ll say this: the Creta has earned its lead, and the Victoris has earned my attention. The next 12 months will be very interesting for this segment.
