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Maruti Suzuki Victoris First Drive Review: Maruti's Safest SUV Is Here For The Creta's Crown
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris recently arrived as the brand’s new flagship SUV for its Arena sub brand. With prices ranging between Rs 10.5 lakh and Rs 17.7 lakh (ex-showroom).
Maruti Suzuki has focused on advanced safety and technology, making the Victoris one of the most feature-rich SUVs in its segment. Notably, it is the first Maruti model to offer Level 2 ADAS.
The Victoris is based on the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara’s platform but features a fresh bodyshell, distinct design details, and a long list of equipment. It comes in multiple variants, including petrol, CNG, mild hybrid, and strong hybrid options. We drove the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, and here’s how it performs on the road.
Maruti Suzuki Victoris First Drive Review – Exterior Highlights
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris features a bold, modern exterior with a sleek profile. At the front, it gets a brushed aluminium strip across the grille, flanked by bi-functional projector headlamps with LED DRLs and cornering lights. The front also houses the radar hardware for the Level 2 ADAS system and a 360-degree camera setup.
Moving to the side, the Victoris SUV sports 17-inch dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheels and pronounced body cladding. The ground clearance stands at 210 mm, which is suitable for Indian roads. Roof rails and a large panoramic sunroof add to its premium appeal.
At the rear, the Victoris gets connected LED tail lamps, and a segment-first feature in the form of a powered tailgate. The boot offers 273 litres of space, with room for five pieces of luggage and also hosts the sub-woofer for the sound system.
Maruti Suzuki Victoris First Drive Review – Interior Highlights
The cabin of the Victoris is finished in dual-tone upholstery with soft-touch materials and piano black accents. Up front, the Victoris features ventilated seats, an Infinity by Harman sound system with eight speakers (including a subwoofer) is connected to the new infotainment touchscreen setup, and ambient lighting with 64 colour options.
Other features include a fully digital instrument cluster, heads-up display, and a multi-function steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment. There are dedicated controls for lane keep assist, traction control, 360-degree camera, and power tailgate operation. The centre console houses controls for seat ventilation and the electronic parking brake with auto hold.
The rear seats provide three adjustable headrests, an armrest with cupholders, rear AC vents, and two fast-charging Type-C USB ports. There is ample storage, including large bottle holders and seatback pockets.
The panoramic sunroof extends over both rows, making the interior feel spacious. However, taller passengers may find headroom limited due to the sunroof’s design. Convenience features include auto-dimming IRVM, sunglass holder, vanity mirrors with lights for both front occupants, and a wireless phone charger.
Maruti Victoris First Drive Review – Powertrain Highlights
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris is powered by a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol engine paired with either a six-speed torque converter automatic or a manual gearbox. Power output for the petrol engine stands at 101 bhp with 139 Nm of torque. The strong hybrid variant of the Maruti Suzuki Victoris uses a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder engine, delivering around 116bhp which is paired with a eCVT gearbox.
The strong Victoris hybrid variants claims a mileage of 28.65km/l, while the standard mild-hybrid petrol offers a claimed 21.18km/l (MT) and 21.06km/l (AT).
Maruti Suzuki Victoris First Drive Review – Driving Impressions
On the road, the Victoris feels refined and composed. Power delivery felt linear with a top end that felt decent. cceleration is smooth in both manual and automatic modes, and the cabin remains quiet even at higher speeds. However, when we pushed the Victoris' mild-hybrid setup for a bit of overtaking, it revealed a hint of lag in the response.
The steering setup felt is sharp and confidence-inspiring, while body roll is well contained, making quick lane changes effortless but weas suppleenough to deal with uneven surfaces without any issue. Braking performance is solid thanks to discs at all four corners. Maruti's first Level 2 ADAS works seamlessly, adding to the sense of confidence behind the wheel and the 360-degree camera is clear and helps with parking and tight manoeuvres.
Maruti Suzuki Victoris First Drive Review – Verdict & Final Thoughts – Is It Worth Buying?
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris stands out as a well-equipped, safe, and comfortable SUV. With features like six airbags, Level 2 ADAS, and a five-star safety rating, it prioritises occupant protection. The range of engine options, including strong hybrid and CNG, caters to the different needs of customers.
Given its pricing, feature list, and safety credentials, the Victoris is a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment. It is a practical choice for families looking for a modern, reliable SUV that offers enough oomph for both the everyday drive and the long weekend trips. For us, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris is a definite recommendation.
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