Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Skoda Kushaq vs Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (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 Skoda Kushaq if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.50 Lakh), the most power (148 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (385 L).
- Pick the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere.
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara | Skoda Kushaq | Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹10.77 Lakh – ₹19.70 Lakh | ₹10.50 Lakh – ₹18.50 Lakh | ₹11.30 Lakh – ₹20.20 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L K15C mild hybrid Petrol / 1.5L TNGA Strong Hybrid | 1.0L & 1.5L TSI turbo-petrol | 1.5L mild-hybrid petrol / 1.5L strong-hybrid petrol |
| Max power | 115 bhp | 148 bhp | 115 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Strong Hybrid, CNG | Petrol | Petrol, CNG, Strong Hybrid |
| Transmissions | Manual, Torque Converter AT, e-CVT | Manual, Torque Converter AT, DCT | Manual, Torque Converter AT, e-CVT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 21.11–27.97 kmpl (strong hybrid), 26.6 km/kg (CNG) | 17.7-19.8 kmpl (ARAI) | 21.1 km/l petrol, up to 27.97 km/l strong hybrid, 26.6 km/kg CNG (ARAI) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | 5 stars | Not tested |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 373 L | 385 L | 373 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 →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 →Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder in short
The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder brought strong-hybrid technology to the mainstream midsize SUV segment, delivering diesel-beating efficiency of nearly 28 km/l without a plug. Co-developed with Maruti, it shares its platform with the Grand Vitara but wears distinct Toyota styling. Against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Honda Elevate, its self-charging hybrid powertrain and optional AWD remain unique selling points.
Full Urban Cruiser Hyryder prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Grand Vitara vs Kushaq vs Urban Cruiser Hyryder — which should I buy?
Pick the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 27.97 kmpl). Pick the Skoda Kushaq if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.50 Lakh), the most power (148 bhp), the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (385 L). Pick the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere. Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Grand Vitara, Kushaq, Urban Cruiser Hyryder?
The Skoda Kushaq starts lowest at ₹10.50 Lakh, against ₹10.77 Lakh for the Grand Vitara and ₹11.30 Lakh for the Urban Cruiser Hyryder (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: not yet NCAP-tested; Skoda Kushaq: 5 stars; Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder: not yet NCAP-tested.