Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Skoda Kushaq vs Volkswagen Taigun (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 Volkswagen Taigun 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 | Volkswagen Taigun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹10.77 Lakh – ₹19.70 Lakh | ₹10.50 Lakh – ₹18.50 Lakh | ₹11.50 Lakh – ₹19.50 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L K15C mild hybrid Petrol / 1.5L TNGA Strong Hybrid | 1.0L & 1.5L TSI turbo-petrol | 1.0L & 1.5L TSI turbo-petrol |
| Max power | 115 bhp | 148 bhp | 148 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Strong Hybrid, CNG | Petrol | Petrol |
| Transmissions | Manual, Torque Converter AT, e-CVT | Manual, Torque Converter AT, DCT | Manual, Torque Converter AT, DCT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 21.11–27.97 kmpl (strong hybrid), 26.6 km/kg (CNG) | 17.7-19.8 kmpl (ARAI) | 17.2-19.9 kmpl (ARAI) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 373 L | 385 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 →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 →Volkswagen Taigun in short
The Volkswagen Taigun is the driver-focused pick among midsize SUVs, pitching German engineering against the feature-loaded Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Its GT variants with the 150 PS 1.5 TSI and DSG remain the quickest way to hustle through a set of corners in this class. Five stars at Global NCAP make it as safe as it is fun.
Full Taigun prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Grand Vitara vs Kushaq vs Taigun — 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 Volkswagen Taigun 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, Taigun?
The Skoda Kushaq starts lowest at ₹10.50 Lakh, against ₹10.77 Lakh for the Grand Vitara and ₹11.50 Lakh for the Taigun (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: not yet NCAP-tested; Skoda Kushaq: 5 stars; Volkswagen Taigun: 5 stars.