Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Skoda Kushaq: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 16-18 Lakh for Off-roading Enthusiasts
Off the beaten track lies adventure. The off-roading enthusiast, for that reason, is looking only for the best off-road cars, or top SUVs for off-roading in India. Today, we look at the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Skoda Kushaq, and find out what draws off-roaders to them.
In this article, we will share
- What an off-roading enthusiast looks for in a car
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Skoda Kushaq – an in-depth look at their variants, features, and off-roading capabilities
- How to pick the right car for you
So, can these cars handle water-wading, rough or muddy terrains, or traverse through sand? Are they capable of mild to serious off-roading? Let’s find out.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
What an Offroading Enthusiast looks for in a car
Here’s what to look for in a car as an off-roading enthusiast:
- Drive system – What drive system does the vehicle have (FWD, AWD, or 4X4)
- Ground clearance – the car should have high ground clearance to tackle uneven terrains
- Low range gearing – the car should have low range gearing to allow the vehicle to drive at lower speeds while still operating the usable power band/RPM of the entire engine
- Locking differential – the vehicle should have differential locking for better traction when driving on soft, muddy or uneven surfaces
- Engine power and torque – the engine should have adequate power and generate enough torque
- Safety – safety features are important, especially when traveling through challenging terrains
- Comfort and convenience – the vehicle should offer good comfort, as well as convenience features
An offroading enthusiast looks for a car with good approach and departure angles for tackling steep inclines and declines. A high ground clearance, 4WD capability, differential locking, hill hold assist are must-have features.
Capabilities like water wading, underside protection, traction control aid challenging terrains. Torquey engines, manual gearbox, low range gears add thrill. Safety like airbags, ESC, hill descent control are desired. Interior space and features for adventure trips matter too.
Why Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Skoda Kushaq are popular
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Skoda Kushaq offer a good blend of offroad capabilities and everyday comfort at attractive prices. Both come with multiple drivetrain options including capable 4WD and automatic transmissions.
The Grand Vitara offers up to 208 mm ground clearance and approach/departure angles of 18.5/21.2 degrees on AWD variants. The Kushaq offers up to 188 mm clearance but lacks details on approach/departure angles.
Both offer hill hold assist and decent water wading abilities. Safety kit includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control which add confidence off-road. Interiors are feature-rich with large touchscreens, connected tech and spacious, flexible seating.
Their torquey petrol engines deliver decent off-road abilities. The Grand Vitara’s optional hybrid drivetrain also appeals to the eco-conscious offroader. Overall, these midsize SUVs stand out with modern creature comforts paired with genuine soft-roading capabilities.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Skoda Kushaq variants shortlist in Rs 16-18 Lakh Range
For Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 18 October 2023 |
|---|---|
| Alpha AWD | ₹16,91,000 |
| Alpha AWD DT | ₹17,07,000 |
For Skoda Kushaq, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 18 October 2023 |
|---|---|
| 1.5 TSI Ambition DSG DT | ₹16,84,000 |
| 1.5 TSI Style | ₹17,79,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Alpha AWD
The Grand Vitara Alpha AWD variant is a strong contender with its 4WD system, 208 mm ground clearance and 18.5 degree approach angle. The 102 hp 1.5L petrol engine makes adequate torque. Safety kit has 6 airbags, ESC, hill hold assist.
Interiors feature a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, auto AC among other goodies. At ₹16.91 lakhs, it packs in genuine off-road hardware and modern comforts. If you’re a style-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the Grand Vitara with Hyundai Creta.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Alpha AWD DT
The Grand Vitara Alpha AWD DT adds the convenience of a 6-speed torque converter AT to the AWD drivetrain. Mileage takes a minor hit but off-road ability remains identical. Priced at ₹17.07 lakhs, it offers an automatic transmission for off-road expeditions. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Grand Vitara with Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta.
Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI Ambition DSG DT
Among Skoda variants, the 1.5 TSI Ambition DSG DT marries a 7-speed DSG gearbox to the torquey 150 hp 1.5 TSI petrol engine. Safety kit includes 6 airbags and ESC. However, it misses out on 4WD. Priced competitively at ₹16.84 lakhs, it offers an engaging powertrain for soft off-roading. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Kushaq with Hyundai Creta.
Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI Style
The Kushaq 1.5 TSI Style adds more features like a 10-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats, auto headlamps etc. But again lacks 4WD. Priced at ₹17.79 lakhs, it serves well for mild off-road adventures.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Skoda Kushaq for Offroading Enthusiasts
For the offroading purist, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Alpha AWD variant emerges as the best choice. Its 4WD system with dedicated low range gearing gives it a clear edge over other variants when tackling challenging terrain.
The 208 mm ground clearance allows navigating rough trails better while 18.5 degree approach angle enables driving up steep inclines. Safety tech like hill hold assist, downhill assist and ESC make off-road driving more assured. The torquey 102 hp engine has adequate power for off-road excursions.
The variant also comes loaded with features like auto headlamps, push button start, wireless charger, auto AC and more. At ₹16.91 lakhs, it strikes the best balance between credible off-road hardware and everyday comfort. While the Skoda variants excel as refined daily drivers, the Grand Vitara AWD clearly has the edge for serious off-road enthusiasts looking for 4WD capabilities.
The Top 3 choices
- Maruti Grand Vitara Alpha AWD
- Maruti Grand Vitara Alpha AWD DT
- Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI Ambition DSG DT
| Variants | 4WD | Ground Clearance | Approach Angle | Hill Hold Assist | ESC | Wireless Charging | Auto AC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Grand Vitara Alpha AWD | Yes | 208 mm | 18.5 degrees | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maruti Grand Vitara Alpha AWD DT | Yes | 208 mm | 18.5 degrees | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI Ambition DSG DT | No | 188 mm | NA | Yes | Yes | No | No |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Grand Vitara Alpha AWD and AWD DT variants top our list for their 4WD system, generous 208 mm ground clearance and 18.5 degree approach angle – crucial for serious off-roading. Their safety kit adds assurance while features like auto climate control, wireless charging make road trips comfortable.
- The Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI Ambition DSG DT makes it to the list for its capable 150 hp petrol engine mated to a 7-speed DSG automatic. This allows relaxed off-road driving but the lack of 4WD limits extreme terrain capabilities. It excels as an engaging soft roader for mild trails and gravel paths.
Overall, the Grand Vitara AWD variants are the undisputed choices for hardcore off-road enthusiasts wanting serious 4WD capabilities. The Skoda appeals to those looking for a refined daily driver that can handle easy off-road jaunts.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered