Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid – Honest Thoughts After 7,000 km

Alright, so I’ve been driving the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Strong Hybrid for the past eight months. That’s over 7,000 km of city traffic, highway runs, random grocery trips, and the occasional weekend getaway. And now that I’ve lived with it for a while, I figured it’s time to share some real, no-nonsense thoughts on how this thing holds up in everyday life.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth dropping your hard-earned cash on one, here’s the full scoop — the good, the bad, and the “meh.”

First Impressions – How Does It Look?

Honestly? It’s a good-looking SUV. Has that proper SUV vibe without going overboard. Looks solid, has presence, and doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard.

Stuff I like:

• The front grille and LED DRLs are sharp. Gives it that “I’m important” face.
• Those dual-tone alloy wheels? Nice touch.
• The side profile has these clean, muscular lines that make it feel sturdy.
• The LED tail lamps are sleek, and they light up well at night.
• Oh, and there’s a panoramic sunroof, which is cool… until summer hits and the thin sunshade lets your scalp roast.

Stuff that’s kinda annoying:

• The sunroof cover is way too thin. If you live somewhere hot, get ready to feel the burn.
• Doors need a firm shove to close. Like, why is this a thing?

You Can also go through the Review of Maruti Breeza

Inside the Cabin – What’s It Like?

Honestly, sitting inside the Grand Vitara is pretty chill. The materials feel nice, it’s roomy enough, and overall, it’s a comfortable space to spend time in.

What works:

• The dashboard looks premium and is soft to the touch. Feels more expensive than you’d expect.
• Plenty of space — even folks sitting in the back won’t feel cramped.
• Seats are comfy, even on longer drives.
• The infotainment screen does its job, but phone calls through Bluetooth sound like you’re talking from the bottom of a well.
• Boot space? Ehh, not great. The hybrid battery eats up a lot of the room, so pack light.

Little things that bug me:

• The boot is tiny for an SUV. You’ll definitely notice on road trips.
• Sometimes the voice assistant just… wakes up. Like, “Hey, nobody called you.”
• Phone connectivity is hit-or-miss. Not ideal when you’re on the move.

The Drive – Is It Actually Fun?

This is where things get interesting. The hybrid setup is the star of the show here. You’ve got a 1.5L petrol engine and an electric motor working together, and the mileage? Chef’s kiss.

The good stuff:

• City mileage sits around 21 km/l, and on highways, it’s 17-18 km/l. That’s seriously good.
• Regenerative braking recharges the battery when you slow down. Feels fancy.
• There’s no reverse gear. The electric motor handles reversing, which is kinda cool.
• Instant torque makes quick moves in traffic a breeze.

The “ehhh” parts:

• Put your foot down expecting a rocket, and… yeah, no. It’s not that quick.
• The brakes feel a bit weird at first, like you’re pressing into a sponge. You do get used to it, though.
• Moving the gear lever from ‘Park’ to ‘Drive’ sometimes feels like arm day at the gym.

How Does It Handle?

Honestly, it’s better than I expected. For a car focused on sipping fuel, it’s surprisingly smooth and confident.

What’s good:

• It takes potholes like a champ.
• Stays stable around corners, which is always nice.
• Steering feels direct and gives good feedback.

What’s not:

• There’s a bit of body roll at higher speeds. Not a deal-breaker, just something to know.

The Big Question – Is It Worth It?

So, the price sits around ₹18-20 lakh (ex-showroom), which isn’t exactly pocket change. But here’s the thing — if you’re someone who racks up miles and wants to stop visiting the petrol pump every other day, it starts making a lot of sense.

Why it’s worth considering:

• You’ll save a ton on fuel.
• It’s loaded with premium features.
• Resale value should hold up well.

Why you might hesitate:

• It’s pricier than regular petrol SUVs.
• The boot’s on the smaller side.

My Final Take

After living with this thing day in, day out? I’m genuinely impressed. It’s comfortable, super fuel-efficient, and just easy to live with. Sure, it’s not perfect. The boot is small, acceleration is just okay, and the brake feel takes some getting used to. But the money you save on fuel, the smooth hybrid tech, and the overall driving experience make it a solid pick.

If you want a reliable, modern, and economical SUV, the Grand Vitara Hybrid is honestly hard to beat right now.

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Author- Ayush