Maruti e-Vitara vs Maruti Grand Vitara: Exterior and Interior Design Compared

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car manufacturer, continues to dominate the Indian automobile market by evolving its offerings in line with modern trends and customer preferences. Among its popular SUVs, the Maruti Grand Vitara has been a longstanding choice for buyers seeking style, performance, and practicality. Enter the Maruti e-Vitara, the company’s first fully electric SUV, which marks a significant milestone in Maruti’s journey toward sustainable mobility. While the e-Vitara aims to cater to the growing demand for EVs, the Grand Vitara remains a strong contender in the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) SUV segment. This article dives into a detailed comparison of the exterior and interior design of these two SUVs to help potential buyers make an informed choice.

 

Exterior Design Comparison

 

1. Front Fascia

Maruti e-Vitara: The e-Vitara features a futuristic design language that aligns with its electric identity. The closed grille, a signature of most EVs, gives the front fascia a clean and aerodynamic look. The sleek LED headlamps, accompanied by striking DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), provide a modern touch. The bumper integrates subtle air vents, emphasizing functionality without compromising aesthetics.

Maruti Grand Vitara: The Grand Vitara’s front fascia boasts a more traditional SUV design with a bold and aggressive grille, chrome accents, and a robust stance. The angular LED headlamps and DRLs add character, while the muscular bumper design reinforces its SUV persona.

Verdict: The e-Vitara’s front fascia focuses on modernity and aerodynamics, appealing to eco-conscious buyers. In contrast, the Grand Vitara’s bold and traditional design resonates with those who prefer a rugged SUV aesthetic.

2. Side Profile

Maruti e-Vitara: The side profile of the e-Vitara showcases clean lines and a minimalist approach. Flush door handles, a common feature in premium EVs, enhance its aerodynamics and futuristic appeal. The alloy wheels have a distinct turbine-like design that further signifies its electric roots.

Maruti Grand Vitara: The Grand Vitara’s side profile exudes athleticism, with strong shoulder lines and flared wheel arches. The traditional door handles and bold roof rails add practicality and ruggedness. The alloy wheels have a more conventional yet stylish design.

Verdict: The e-Vitara emphasizes futuristic design and aerodynamics, while the Grand Vitara leans toward practicality and sportiness.

3. Rear Design

Maruti e-Vitara: The rear design of the e-Vitara is sleek and modern, with connected LED taillights that span the width of the vehicle. A clean tailgate and minimal badging further enhance its sophisticated look. The absence of an exhaust system gives it a smooth, clutter-free rear profile.

Maruti Grand Vitara: The Grand Vitara’s rear design is bold and dynamic, featuring sharp LED taillights and a sculpted tailgate. The dual-tone bumper with skid plates adds to its rugged charm, making it a standout among traditional SUVs.

Verdict: The e-Vitara’s rear design is modern and understated, while the Grand Vitara’s rear exudes strength and boldness.

Interior Design Comparison

1. Dashboard Layout

Maruti e-Vitara: The e-Vitara’s dashboard adopts a futuristic design with a clean and minimalist layout. The centerpiece is a large touchscreen infotainment system, seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. Soft-touch materials and ambient lighting enhance the premium feel.

Maruti Grand Vitara: The Grand Vitara’s dashboard combines functionality with elegance. It features a layered design with a mix of soft-touch materials and premium finishes. The infotainment screen is slightly smaller than the e-Vitara’s but still offers excellent usability.

Verdict: The e-Vitara’s interior feels more futuristic and tech-forward, while the Grand Vitara’s dashboard focuses on a balanced and elegant approach.

2. Seating Comfort and Space

Maruti e-Vitara: The e-Vitara offers spacious seating with plush upholstery and advanced seat adjustment options. The absence of a transmission tunnel provides extra legroom for rear passengers, a common advantage in EVs.

Maruti Grand Vitara: The Grand Vitara provides comfortable seating with ample cushioning and support. The rear seats are spacious, but the transmission tunnel slightly limits legroom for the middle passenger.

Verdict: The e-Vitara has a slight edge in rear-seat comfort due to the flat floor design, while the Grand Vitara offers comparable seating comfort overall.

3. Infotainment and Connectivity

Maruti e-Vitara: The e-Vitara’s infotainment system is a tech-lover’s delight. It features a large, high-resolution touchscreen with smartphone connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The inclusion of AI-based voice commands and EV-specific features like range estimation and charging station navigation adds to its appeal.

Maruti Grand Vitara: The Grand Vitara’s infotainment system is equally capable, though slightly less advanced than the e-Vitara’s. It offers smartphone connectivity, navigation, and a user-friendly interface but lacks some EV-specific features.

Verdict: The e-Vitara’s infotainment system edges ahead with its EV-specific functionalities and advanced tech.

4. Climate Control and Ambient Features

Maruti e-Vitara: The e-Vitara offers dual-zone climate control with advanced air purification, ensuring a pleasant cabin environment. Ambient lighting with customizable colors adds to the premium experience.

Maruti Grand Vitara: The Grand Vitara also features dual-zone climate control but lacks some of the advanced features found in the e-Vitara, such as air purification and customizable ambient lighting.

Verdict: The e-Vitara’s climate control and ambient features feel more premium and futuristic.

5. Boot Space

Maruti e-Vitara: The e-Vitara’s battery placement affects boot space slightly, but it still offers sufficient room for most practical needs. The flat-loading floor enhances usability.

Maruti Grand Vitara: The Grand Vitara provides a larger boot space, making it more suitable for long trips and family outings.

Verdict: The Grand Vitara wins in terms of boot space, making it more practical for luggage-heavy journeys.

Key Differences in Design Philosophy

The design philosophy of the Maruti e-Vitara and Maruti Grand Vitara reflects their intended audiences. The e-Vitara’s exterior and interior designs prioritize modernity, minimalism, and futuristic appeal to attract eco-conscious buyers and tech enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Grand Vitara sticks to traditional SUV traits, emphasizing ruggedness, practicality, and a premium feel to cater to buyers seeking a reliable and versatile SUV.

Conclusion

Both the Maruti e-Vitara and Maruti Grand Vitara are compelling choices in their respective segments. The e-Vitara stands out with its futuristic design, advanced technology, and eco-friendly identity, making it an excellent choice for those transitioning to electric mobility. Meanwhile, the Grand Vitara offers a tried-and-true SUV experience with its bold design, practical features, and robust performance.

Choosing between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a sustainable and tech-forward vehicle, the Maruti e-Vitara is the way to go. However, if you value traditional SUV aesthetics and practicality, the Maruti Grand Vitara remains a solid option.