How Is Maruti’s First EV? Don’t Buy It Before Checking These Pros And Cons!

Maruti Suzuki enters the electric SUV segment with the launch of the e Vitara. Built on the HEARTECT-e platform, the new e Vitara is designed to focus not only on comfort but also on first-time buyers looking to switch to an EV from ICE vehicles. However, the e Vitara being the very first attempt for Maruti in the EV space, it is obvious to be skeptical. 

So instead, we decided to prepare a list for you on what works and what doesn’t with the new Maruti Suzuki e Vitara.

Driving Experience & Ease Of Use

Pros: Effortless And Beginner-Friendly

The driving experience in the e Vitara is set up to be accessible, and its performance is smooth. The power delivery is also linear; therefore, driving is easy in traffic. The driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, allow the driver to choose and control the performance of the e Vitara according to the road conditions, while its single-pedal driving brings a certain level of confidence in first-time users. 

What also adds to the ease is its low turning radius and smooth steering, which make easing into corners effortless, making it perfect for those purchasing an EV for the first time. This car is certainly not tuned for performance, but it does its job well as a daily commuter. 

Interior Space & Comfort

Pros: Spacious And Premiumly Finished

One aspect of the e Vitara that stands out is interior quality. It has soft-touch panels, two-tone upholstery, ambient lights, and a clean dashboard design. A 2700 mm long wheelbase translates to ample legroom in the rear. It is quite comfortable enough even for tall people with straightened knees.

The occupants at the front get ventilated seats and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, whereas the rear seats come with sliding and reclining ability, making long drives even more comfortable. Oh, and the large sunroof is just the icing on the cake. 

Cons: Rear Seat Ergonomic Limitations

However, as generous as the space is, the under-thigh support for passengers in the rear seating position is only average, and headroom can be considered limited for taller passengers.

Features & Technology

Pros: Loaded And Modern

The e Vitara is well-loaded. The car comes with a large 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on higher trims, an electric sunroof, wireless charging, ambient lights, and an Infinity by Harman audio system. The interior design comprises an optional twin-deck floating centre console with shift-by-wire functionality, along with connected car technology in the form of Suzuki Connect.

From a tech perspective, it provides everything one would expect from a contemporary electric SUV without overwhelming the driver.

Battery, Range & Efficiency

Pros: Strong Real-World Usability

As per Maruti Suzuki, the e Vitara will give you a driving range of more than 500 km, but our assessment tells us that the e Vitara will give you a driving range of 400+ km, and this should easily suffice for your daily commute and week-long outings as well.

Maruti Suzuki e Vitara	49 kWh	61 kWh
Charging Time (10-100 per cent): 7 kW AC Charger	6.5 hours	9 hours
Charging Time: (10-100 per cent): 11 kW AC Charger	4.5 hours	5.5 hours
Charging Time: (10-80 per cent): DC Fast Charging	45 minutes

Safety

Pros: Comprehensive Safety Package

The e Vitara has up to seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, all-wheel disc brakes, an electronic parking brake with a brake hold function, a 360-degree camera, TPMS, and Level 2 ADAS.

Its Level 2 ADAS has features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist system, autonomous emergency braking system, blind-spot monitoring system, and rear-cross traffic alert system. On the structural front, the car features over 60 per cent high-tensile steel, and the SUV has also been able to secure a safety rating of 5 stars from Bharat NCAP.

Pricing & Positioning

Cons: Overlaps With Larger EVs

Although the pricing has not been announced yet, the higher variants are expected to range alongside the larger and more powerful electric SUVs like Tata Harrier EV and Mahindra XEV 9S. As a consequence, potential customers may look for other options with more to offer within the same price range.

ZigSays…

The e Vitara leverages Maruti's strengths: ease of use, comfort, space, and peace of mind. However, its average rear-seat ergonomics and price point that overlap with larger EVs such as the Mahindra XEV 9S and the Tata Harrier EV might deter some consumers. The e Vitara might not be the most enticing electrified SUV on paper, but it certainly has a strong corner to turn in as a well-balanced, confidence-boosting electric car.

Would a priority on ease of ownership over performance be a consideration for a first purchase of an electric SUV? Let us know in the comments.