Maruti Suzuki has confirmed plans to introduce a new SUV later this year. During the company’s FY2025 earnings call, chairman RC Bhargava announced that alongside the upcoming e-Vitara, another SUV is scheduled for launch before the end of 2025. While Bhargava refrained from revealing specifics, Autocar Professional has learned that this new model will be a three-row version of the popular Grand Vitara.
Three-Row Grand Vitara: What to Expect
Internally codenamed Y17, the three-row Grand Vitara has already been spotted testing in India under heavy camouflage. Early observations suggest it will feature updated design elements, including new front and rear bumpers and revised lighting signatures, likely inspired by the all-electric e-Vitara.
To accommodate a third row of seats, Maruti is expected to extend the Grand Vitara’s wheelbase and increase the rear overhang. Although the full interior hasn’t been revealed yet, spy shots hint that the SUV will retain the familiar dashboard layout, including the centrally mounted touchscreen and most of the equipment from the current Grand Vitara.
Engine, Platform, and Performance
The upcoming three-row Grand Vitara will continue to be based on Maruti’s global C-platform, shared with the existing five-seater model. It will likely be offered with the same 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 104hp, as well as the 1.5-litre strong-hybrid unit delivering 116hp. Buyers can expect both manual and automatic transmission options, and Maruti is also likely to retain the AWD system for select variants.
Positioning and Rivals
Once launched, the three-row Grand Vitara will compete against models like the Hyundai Alcazar, Tata Safari, and MG Hector Plus — all three-row iterations of their respective five-seater counterparts. The addition of this model will strengthen Maruti’s presence in the premium SUV segment, an area where the brand is actively expanding. A Toyota-badged version of the SUV, developed under the two companies’ partnership, is expected to follow.
The Maruti Y17 will be unveiled by late 2025, with production taking place at the brand’s new facility in Kharkhoda, Haryana.
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