Maruti Suzuki’s New Grand Vitara 7-Seater: India’s SUV Market Gets a New Contender

Maruti Suzuki is preparing to launch the seven-seater Grand Vitara in India, offering extended seating, refreshed design, new tech features like Level-2 ADAS, and hybrid engine options, aiming to take on rivals such as Hyundai Alcazar and Tata Safari.

Maruti Suzuki is once again preparing to make waves in India's thriving SUV market with the upcoming launch of the Grand Vitara seven-seater. Following the success of the five-seat version, this new model is designed to slot neatly between the current Grand Vitara and the more premium Invicto MPV, broadening the Nexa lineup's appeal to Indian families seeking more space without stepping fully into minivan territory.

Based on recently leaked spy shots, the new Grand Vitara seven-seater retains the familiar design language that fans have come to appreciate but with noticeable upgrades. The SUV stretches out slightly to accommodate a third row while maintaining the recognizable silhouette of the original model. However, the front and rear ends receive a thoughtful refresh. Traditional headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights replace the split headlamp design of the five-seater, giving the new variant a more conventional yet premium appearance. Fog lamps with cornering functionality and redesigned alloy wheels round out the exterior updates, enhancing both functionality and style without straying too far from the Grand Vitara’s trusted look.

Maruti Suzuki seems intent on delivering more than just extra seats. Inside, the Grand Vitara seven-seater is expected to offer an extended features list, with a strong emphasis on safety and technology. Notably, it could be one of the first vehicles in its class to feature Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), as indicated by the presence of front parking sensors visible in the test vehicle images. This move towards advanced safety tech aligns perfectly with evolving consumer expectations and the government's focus on vehicle safety, potentially setting the new Grand Vitara apart from its rivals in a meaningful way.

Under the hood, buyers can expect the same proven powertrain options found in the five-seat Grand Vitara. The SUV will likely offer a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations. Transmission choices will probably include a five-speed manual and a six-speed torque converter automatic, ensuring flexibility for different driving preferences. For those prioritizing efficiency, Maruti is also expected to offer a 1.5-litre strong hybrid engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), helping the Grand Vitara 7-seater cater to the increasingly eco-conscious Indian market.

Once it hits the showrooms, the new Grand Vitara will enter a fiercely competitive segment, going up against heavyweights like the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, and Mahindra XUV700. However, Maruti Suzuki's renowned service network, trusted brand reputation, and a possible edge in pricing could make this SUV a highly compelling choice for Indian families looking for a stylish, spacious, and tech-laden ride.

In short, Maruti Suzuki's strategy to extend the Grand Vitara family feels timely and well-calculated. With Indian consumers showing a growing appetite for three-row SUVs that blend practicality with a touch of premium flair, the Grand Vitara seven-seater could very well become the next big thing in India’s SUV space, provided Maruti nails the pricing and feature balance.