The Toyota-Maruti SUVs Will Have Their Own Unique Identities

• The front and rear designs of both SUVs should be different.

• Styling distinction won’t be as extreme as on Skoda and Volkswagen models.

• Could come with features such as a 360-degree camera, heads-up display and a large touchscreen infotainment like the Baleno.

• To be based on a localised version of Toyota’s TNGA-B architecture.

• To be powered by a self-charging hybrid powertrain.

• Toyota-badged SUV to show up before the Maruti SUV.

We know that Toyota and Maruti Suzuki are jointly working on an all-new compact SUV as part of their current joint venture. In fact, the Toyota iteration was silently teased as well, with a unveil set for June. Now our sources suggest the two compact SUVs will actually get their own identities to differentiate themselves. 

By identity, we mean clear styling differences between the SUVs. This isn’t new from Toyota and Maruti as our most recent example is with the Toyota Glanza and Maruti Baleno hatchbacks. Even the Toyota Urban Cruiser and Maruti Vitara Brezza sub-4 metre SUVs have differences as well. We’ve gotten a slight hint of how different the Toyota-Maruti SUVs will look in spy images.

As for what areas will be different, the usual trend has been in the front and rear fascias. So it shouldn’t change for the Toyota-Maruti SUV either. In fact, such differences are also present in global models such as the Toyota RAV4 and Suzuki Across. But keep in mind, again, that the styling distinction won’t be as extreme as the likes of the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun. 

On the inside, aside from different colour themes and badging, the two SUVs will likely remain identical. Features could include some key bits from the Baleno such as a 360-degree camera, a large touchscreen infotainment system, and a head-up display. 

Under the skin, the two SUVs are to be based on localised versions of Toyota’s TNGA-B platform and be powered by a self-charging hybrid powertrain, a first for a compact SUV in India. We think the powertrain will likely be Toyota’s latest 1.5-litre three cylinder petrol-hybrid powertrain that’s present in Yaris Cross. 

The Toyota-badged SUV is set to show up first, followed by Maruti Suzuki’s version. A launch is likely around August at competitive prices against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, Volkswagen Taigun, and the Skoda Kushaq. 

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