Hyryder Edges Past Grand Vitara in Mid-Size SUV Sales Race
The ongoing partnership between Toyota and Maruti Suzuki has spawned many 'shared' vehicles- from the Baleno-Glanza to the Innova Hycross- Invicto. The Hyryder and its Maruti rebadged version, Grand Vitara have been strong sellers in the Indian market. However, we have mostly seen the Grand Vitara sell more numbers than the Hyryder. In an interesting development, the Hyryder has sold more number of units than the Grand Vitara in July this year.
Data shows that Maruti Suzuki posted sales of 6373 units of the Grand Vitara in July 2025. During the same period, Toyota sold 8814 units of the Hyryder. This marks a difference of over 2440 units- sizable considering the competitive nature of the mid-SUV segment and the stellar acceptance of Maruti Suzuki models.
A quick look at the larger picture reveals that this is a broader trend. The Hyryder has been selling more units than the Grand Vitara in the past three months. The trend began in May this year. The Hyryder sold 7,573 units, while the Grand Vitara posted sales of 5,197 units. In June, 7,462 units of the Hyryder were sold, and the Grand Vitara sales stood at 6,828 units. Toyota has managed to maintain the lead since May.
Wondering what caused this shift in trend? First, the Hyryder has been posting consistent monthly numbers. Secondly, Maruti Suzuki is set to launch a new mid-size SUV on September 3, 2025. The new vehicle will be sold through Arena dealerships and will sit below the Grand Vitara in Maruti Suzuki's lineup.
With days left for the debut, Maruti Suzuki has rejigged the production patterns at its plant. It seems to be focusing on producing the new SUV (which is likely to be called the Escudo when launched), causing a slowdown in the production of the Grand Vitara. This likely brought about a proportionate slowdown on the sales front as well.
Maruti's New Mid-Size SUV: What To Expect?
The new SUV is claimed to be larger than the Grand Vitara in its dimensions. It will also have a fresh take on design. The new SUV is expected to become the most expensive and most premium Arena product. It will have a strong focus on comfort, features and practicality.
Maruti Suzuki is expected to give it features like a level 2 ADAS suite, a powered tailgate, a Head-Up Display (HUD), a large infotainment touchscreen, premium audio with Dolby Atmos, a fully digital instrument cluster, wireless charger, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, rear AC vents and connected car features. The new SUV will borrow heavily from the Grand Vitara in terms of in-cabin features and powertrains.
*Representational image
It will also come with safety features like multiple airbags, ABS, EBD, rear parking sensors, Hill decent control, Tyre pressure monitor, ESP with hill hold and ISOFIX mounts.
Previously, there were rumours that suggested that the new SUV would have an electric powertrain. The latest reports, however, say that it will borrow its Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) powertrains from the outgoing Grand Vitara. It will thus have both petrol and CNG powertrains. The strong hybrid powertrain, which is in good demand today, making it to the new SUV also remains a possibility.
On the Grand Vitara, the mild hybrid petrol engine makes 103bhp, while the strong hybrid version has an output of 115bhp. A five-speed manual, six-speed torque convertor automatic and an e-CVT transmission are offered on the Grand Vitara, and the same could be included on the new SUV as well. The new product will reportedly come with 4WD (four-wheel drive) system.