The mid-size SUV segment in India just got more competitive with Maruti Suzuki unveiling its new flagship Victoris SUV, putting it up against the segment leader, the Hyundai Creta. Both models aim to cater to tech-savvy, looking for premium features, versatile powertrains, and striking designs.

Price and positioning

The Hyundai Creta is priced between Rs 11.11 lakh and Rs 20.92 lakh (ex-showroom, India) and competes with rivals such as the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Honda Elevate, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq. Meanwhile, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, positioned above the Brezza brings bookings with an initial payment of Rs 11,000 and will serve as Maruti’s Arena network flagship. Prices for the Victoris are yet to be announced.

Engines and performance

The Creta offers three engines:

• 1.5L MPi petrol (115bhp/144Nm) – 6-speed MT or CVT
• 1.5L Kappa Turbo GDi petrol (160bhp/253Nm) – 7-speed DCT
• 1.5L U2 CRDi diesel (116bhp/250Nm) – 6-speed MT or AT

Claiemed fuel efficiency

• 1.5-litre MPi petrol 6-speed MT – 17.4kmpl
• 1.5-litre MPi petrol IVT – 17.7kmpl
• 1.5-litre Kappa Turbo GDi petrol 7-speed DCT – 18.4kmpl
• 1.5-litre U2 CRDi diesel 6-speed MT – 21.8kmpl
• 1.5-litre U2 CRDi diesel 6-speed AT – 19.1kmpl

The Victoris, on the other hand, offers multiple petrol powertrains:

1.5L K-series petrol (103bhp/139Nm) – 5-speed MT or 6-speed AT

Strong-hybrid 1.5L petrol with EV mode – 116bhp, e-CVT

S-CNG variant – 87bhp/121Nm

ALLGRIP Select 4×4 with 6AT

Claimed fuel efficiency

• 1.5L K-series petrol manual: 21.18kmph
• 1.5L K-series petrol automatic: 21.06kmpl
• Strong-hybrid 1.5L petrol with EV mode: 28.65kmpl
• S-CNG variant: 27.02km/kg

Design and dimensions

The Creta facelift follows Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design language, with a bold front grille, quad-beam LED headlamps, Horizon LED DRLs, connected LED tail-lamps, and 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. It measures 4,330mm long, 1,790mm wide, and 1,635mm tall.

The Victoris sports a sleek, chiselled wraparound design, LED projector headlamps, connected LED tail-lamps, roof rails, and 17-inch aero-cut alloys. Dimensions stand at 4,360mm length, 1,795mm width, and 1,655mm height with a 2,600mm wheelbase. Both SUVs offer multiple monotone and dual-tone color options, with Victoris introducing Mystic Green and Eternal Blue.

Interior and features

With the facelifted Creta, Hyundai has heavily redesigned the Creta’s cabin, featuring:

• 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital cluster
• Dual-zone automatic AC, ambient lighting, ventilated front seats
• Bose 8-speaker sound system, panoramic sunroof
• Hyundai SmartSense Level 2 ADAS with over 70 safety features

The Victoris focuses on connectivity and comfort with:

• 10.1-inch SmartPlay Pro X touchscreen, 10.25 digital cluster
• Infinity by Harman 8-speaker Dolby Atmos 5.1 system
• Ventilated seats, smart powered tailgate, wireless charging
• Next-Gen Suzuki Connect with over 60 connected features
• Level 2 ADAS with adaptive cruise, AEB, lane assist, blind-spot monitoring

Safety

Both SUVs are packed with advanced safety:

Creta: 6 airbags, ESP, disc brakes on all wheels, 36 standard and 36+ enhanced safety features, including surround view and blind-spot view monitors

Victoris: 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, six airbags, ESP, ABS with EBD, hill hold assist, TPMS, reverse parking sensors, and 360-degree camera with 11 views

Both SUVs loaded with tech, comfort, and safety, India’s mid-size SUV buyers now have two strong options, making 2025 a thrilling year for the mid-size SUV segment.

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