Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs MG Astor vs Skoda Kushaq (2026)
The classic midsize suv shortlist, settled with numbers (August 2026):
- Pick the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 27.97 kmpl).
- Pick the MG Astor if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.00 Lakh), the biggest boot (488 L).
- Pick the Skoda Kushaq if you want the most power (148 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara | MG Astor | Skoda Kushaq |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹10.77 Lakh – ₹19.70 Lakh | ₹10.00 Lakh – ₹17.50 Lakh | ₹10.50 Lakh – ₹18.50 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L K15C mild hybrid Petrol / 1.5L TNGA Strong Hybrid | 1.5L petrol / 1.3L turbo-petrol | 1.0L & 1.5L TSI turbo-petrol |
| Max power | 115 bhp | 138 bhp | 148 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Strong Hybrid, CNG | Petrol | Petrol |
| Transmissions | Manual, Torque Converter AT, e-CVT | Manual, CVT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, Torque Converter AT, DCT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 21.11–27.97 kmpl (strong hybrid), 26.6 km/kg (CNG) | 13.2-14.8 kmpl (ARAI) | 17.7-19.8 kmpl (ARAI) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | Not tested | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 373 L | 488 L | 385 L |
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara in short
The Grand Vitara is Maruti's Nexa flagship midsize SUV, co-developed with Toyota (which sells it as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder). Its headline act is the 1.5L strong-hybrid powertrain claiming 27.97 kmpl, unique in the segment alongside its Toyota twin, and it also offers mild-hybrid petrol, CNG and an AllGrip AWD manual. It takes on the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate and VW Taigun.
Full Grand Vitara prices & variants →MG Astor in short
The MG Astor is the petrol sibling of the ZS EV and takes on the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara in the fiercely contested midsize SUV space. It stands out with Level 2 ADAS, a talking AI assistant on the dashboard and a plush red-leather cabin option. Sharp pricing keeps it relevant against newer rivals.
Full Astor prices & variants →Skoda Kushaq in short
The Kushaq was the first product of Skoda's India 2.0 programme and remains the keen driver's alternative to the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara. Its European-tuned chassis and strong TSI engines set the segment's dynamic benchmark, and a five-star Global NCAP score underlines its solid build. It counters feature-heavy rivals with substance over gadget count.
Full Kushaq prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Grand Vitara vs Astor vs Kushaq — which should I buy?
Pick the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 27.97 kmpl). Pick the MG Astor if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.00 Lakh), the biggest boot (488 L). Pick the Skoda Kushaq if you want the most power (148 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Grand Vitara, Astor, Kushaq?
The MG Astor starts lowest at ₹10.00 Lakh, against ₹10.50 Lakh for the Kushaq and ₹10.77 Lakh for the Grand Vitara (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: not yet NCAP-tested; MG Astor: not yet NCAP-tested; Skoda Kushaq: 5 stars.