Maruti Escudo:
When we think of Maruti Suzuki, cars like the Swift, WagonR, and Alto usually come to mind. But did you know that Maruti once had a powerful SUV called the Maruti Escudo? It’s a lesser known name in India, but it has an interesting story.The Maruti Escudo is actually the Indian version of the Suzuki Vitara, a compact SUV that became popular in many countries. The name “Escudo” was used in Japan and some other markets. In the early 1990s, Maruti imported a few Escudo SUVs to India, mainly for testing and government use. It was never officially sold to the public.Maruti never officially launched the Escudo in India for the general public. Only a few units were brought into the country. That’s why it is very rare, and only car lovers or collectors may know about it today. Some lucky people still have one in working condition.The Maruti Escudo is a forgotten piece of Maruti Suzuki’s journey in India. Though it never hit the roads in large numbers, it showed Maruti’s interest in SUVs long before the Brezza or Jimny came along. Today, the Escudo is a collector’s dream and a reminder of the early SUV days in India.
Maruti Escudo Design and Looks
The Maruti Escudo had a tough and rugged design. It looked like a proper SUV, with a boxy shape, bold front grille, and high ground clearance. It was built to handle off road roads and rough terrain. Its strong body and wide tires made it suitable for Indian conditions, especially in hilly or rural areas.
Maruti Escudo Engine and Performance
Maruti Escudo came with a 1.6 liter petrol engine. It had good power for its time and was paired with a 4 wheel drive system (4WD).This made it great for adventure driving and off road trips. The engine was smooth and reliable, and the 4WD system helped in difficult road situations like mud, sand, or steep hills.
Maruti Escudo Interior Features
The interior of the Escudo was simple but functional. It had enough space for five passengers and a decent boot for luggage. The dashboard had basic features, but it was easy to use. It wasn’t a luxury SUV, but it had everything needed for a comfortable ride.
Maruti Escudo Price
As of May 2025, Maruti Suzuki has not officially launched the Escudo in India, and therefore, there is no confirmed price available. The Escudo is the Japanese market name for the Suzuki Vitara, which has been trademarked in India, indicating a potential future launch .Globally, the 2023 Suzuki Escudo (Vitara) was introduced with a 140V full hybrid powertrain, combining a 1.5L petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a total output of 99 hp. In Japan, it is priced approximately ₹17.71 lakh
