Maruti Suzuki Victoris 2026 Winner – Is this the best SUV in India?
The Indian car market sees numerous car launches every year, but only a few models change the direction of the industry. The SUV that’s making the most headlines for 2026 is the Maruti Suzuki Victoris. It’s not just a new SUV; it’s also officially won the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026. The ICOTY award is considered the most prestigious in the Indian automobile industry, where jury members evaluate real-world performance, innovation, safety, and value for money. The Vitara winning this award is a clear indication that Maruti Suzuki has delivered something special this time.
Launched in September 2025, the Victoris is positioned as the flagship model of the Arena lineup. Its price range ranges from ₹10.49 lakh to ₹19.99 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a strong competitor in the mid-size SUV segment. This segment is one of the most competitive in India, where buyers want style, mileage, safety, and features all in one package. The biggest highlight of the Victoris is its 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, Level 2 ADAS features, and a combination of hybrid and CNG engine options. In today’s blog, we will understand in detail whether the Victoris is really a “Have It All” SUV or just hype. This detailed review is specially for the readers of The Car Samaj, who want real information and practical analysis.
Maruti Suzuki Victoris Price Chart (2026)
| Variant | Petrol (Manual) | Petrol (6-Speed AT) | S-CNG (Manual) | Strong Hybrid (e-CVT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LXi | ₹10.50 Lakh | — | ₹11.50 Lakh | — |
| VXi | ₹11.80 Lakh | ₹13.36 Lakh | ₹12.80 Lakh | ₹16.38 Lakh |
| ZXi | ₹13.57 Lakh | ₹15.13 Lakh | ₹14.57 Lakh | ₹17.80 Lakh |
| ZXi (O) | ₹14.08 Lakh | ₹15.64 Lakh | — | ₹18.39 Lakh |
| ZXi+ | ₹15.24 Lakh | ₹17.19 Lakh | — | ₹19.47 Lakh |
| ZXi+ (O) | ₹15.82 Lakh | ₹17.77 Lakh | — | ₹19.99 Lakh |
Bold design and premium road presence that turns heads
Let’s talk about the design first, because for Indian buyers, the first impression is the final impression. The design language of the Maruti Suzuki Victoris is quite futuristic and chiseled. The front profile features pixel-style LED DRLs and a bold chrome-accented grille, giving it a premium SUV identity. The connected LED tail lamp strip looks quite modern from the rear, making it look even more aggressive, especially during night driving. The 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and strong shoulder lines give this SUV a commanding stance.
The size positioning of the Victoris is also smart. It fills the gap between the compact SUV Brezza and the mid-size Grand Vitara. This positioning makes it attractive to buyers who want a slightly premium feel but don’t want to go for a full-size SUV budget. The ground clearance and wide body stance of the SUV seem perfectly tuned for Indian road conditions. Be it city traffic or highway cruising, the road presence feels strong.
The color options have also been kept quite attractive, with dual-tone themes available. Maruti has given special focus on detailing in this model, such as sharp LED headlamps, a sculpted bonnet, and sporty roof rails. The overall design language is safe as well as modern, targeting both mass buyers and young audiences. SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are popular for their design in the Indian market, but Victoria has tried to create its own distinct identity.
“Theatre on Wheels” Interior Experience – Premium Feel With Smart Technology
After the exterior, the real surprise comes when you enter the cabin. Maruti has called the interior of the Victoris a “Theatre on Wheels,” and to be honest, this tagline is justified to a great extent. The dashboard layout is modern and clean, with soft-touch materials and premium finishes used. A large 10.1-inch SmartPlay Pro X touchscreen has been provided in the center, which supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Along with this, a 10.25-inch fully digital driver display has been provided, which clearly shows navigation, mileage data, and ADAS alerts.
For audio lovers, an 8-speaker Infinity sound system by Harman has been provided, which has Dolby Atmos support. It is a unique highlight in this segment, as the immersive sound experience makes long drives more enjoyable. The 64-color ambient lighting gives the cabin a luxury car vibe at nighttime. The panoramic sunroof gives the cabin an airy feel and has become an emotional feature for Indian buyers.
Seating comfort is also quite good. The front seats are well-cushioned, and the rear seats offer adequate legroom and headroom. Rear AC vents, multiple charging ports, and large storage spaces prove to be quite practical for family usage. Boot space is also impressive, especially in the CNG variant, which does not compromise on luggage capacity due to the underbody tank layout. This feature seems to be a genuinely practical innovation, as boot space is usually very limited in CNG cars.
Engine Options, Mileage Aur Smart CNG Innovation – Real Value For Indian Buyers
Mileage is a major deciding factor in the Indian market. The Victoris offers strong performance here as well. This SUV is available with three engine options—a 1.5L mild hybrid petrol, a 1.5L strong hybrid, and an S-CNG variant. The mild hybrid engine is for buyers who want traditional petrol reliability and balanced performance for daily city driving. This engine offers a smooth and refined feel.
The Strong Hybrid variant is the Victoris’ biggest attraction. It delivers a claimed mileage of up to 28.65 km/l, which is quite impressive in the mid-size SUV segment. The hybrid system uses electric mode in low-speed city traffic, significantly reducing fuel consumption. This variant can be a very practical choice considering the long-term fuel savings.
The S-CNG variant has changed the level of innovation. Normally, boot space in CNG cars is halved because the cylinder is installed in the luggage area. But the Victorias have an underbody CNG tank layout, which maintains full boot space. This technology is perfect for buyers who want low running costs but do not want to compromise on luggage during family trips. Transmission options include manual and automatic choices, covering different driving preferences.
The overall driving experience feels smooth and stable. The suspension setup is tuned for Indian roads, maintaining cabin comfort even on potholes and uneven surfaces. The steering is light for the city and builds confidence on the highway.
Star Safety, Level 2 IDAS and Final Verdict – Is This the Best SUV of 2026?
Maruti Suzuki has faced a lot of criticism regarding safety in the past, but the company has made a strong comeback with the Vitara. This SUV has received a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, which is a strong trust factor for Indian buyers. Multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, and a strong body structure are part of the standard safety package.
The biggest highlight is the inclusion of Level 2 ADAS features. This includes advanced features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. This is the first time such advanced safety tech has been introduced in the Arena lineup. These features make highway driving safer and stress-free.
The price range starts at ₹10.49 lakh, which makes the entry-level variant accessible, while the top variant goes up to ₹19.99 lakh, which gets hybrid tech and ADAS features. In this price bracket, the Victoris faces direct competition from popular models in the segment, but the combination of hybrid mileage, underbody CNG innovation, and 5-star safety makes it unique.
If you are looking for an SUV that is a balanced package of style, mileage, safety, and technology, then the Maruti Suzuki Vitara should definitely be on the shortlist. The ICOTY 2026 award is not just a trophy, but a proof that this SUV has lived up to the market expectations. Space and safety for family buyers, mileage for office commuters, and features for tech lovers—the Victoris looks like a strong contender from every angle.
Seen from The Car Samaj’s perspective, the Victoris could redefine the mid-size SUV segment in 2026. The final decision will obviously depend on your budget and priorities, but if you want a future-ready SUV that offers resale value, brand trust, and modern technology, this model deserves serious consideration.
What are your opinions? Will you make the Victoris your next family SUV? Stay tuned to The Car Samaj for more such honest, detailed, and full Hinglish reviews.
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