Maruti Suzuki Victoris vs Hyundai Creta: Can The Newcomer Take On The Segment Leader?

Maruti has unveiled the Victoris as its newest compact SUV, positioned alongside the Grand Vitara with similar engine options. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Creta continues to hold its ground as the most popular SUV in the segment, thanks to its wide engine lineup, and tech-rich interior. The question is, can Maruti’s all-new Victoris tilt the scales in its favour? Let’s break it down.

Price

Maruti is yet to announce prices for the Victoris, but it is expected to start from Rs 10 lakh, undercutting the Creta’s entry price by over a lakh. The Creta also goes up to Rs 20.92 lakh, while we will have to wait for the full pricing of the Victoris.

Dimensions

Sizing-wise, the Victoris is longer and wider than the Creta, so you can expect a roomier feel inside. The Creta makes up for it with a slightly longer wheelbase, which can help with second-row legroom. Notably, the Victoris is also taller than the Creta, whose height figure includes roof rails.

Features

Both SUVs pack in plenty of features and are almost neck and neck. The Creta leans towards a more premium experience with its Bose sound system, even though both models offer an 8-speaker setup. It also gets a slightly larger infotainment screen, which adds to the feel-good factor inside the cabin.

Powertrain

Maruti will offer the Victoris with two petrol engine options that include the 1.5-litre mild-hybrid unit and the 1.5-litre strong hybrid unit. The mild-hybrid petrol makes 103 PS and 137 Nm and is paired with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, while the strong-hybrid setup delivers 116 PS  and 141 Nm paired with an e-CVT gearbox. There’s also a CNG version on offer paired with the mild-hybrid petrol engine that produces 88 PS and 121.5 Nm in CNG mode. A key highlight is Maruti’s new twin-cylinder CNG setup, fitted under the floor so you still get the full boot space.

The Creta, on the other hand, has a greater variety of powertrain choices than the Victoris. It includes a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine making 115 PS and 144 Nm, a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol that churns out 160 PS and 253 Nm, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine producing 116 PS and 250 Nm. Transmission options include 6-speed manual, CVT, 7-speed DCT or 6-speed automatic gearbox, depending on the engine option you pick.

ZigSays…

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris looks promising with its lower expected starting price, hybrid engine choices, and the twin-cylinder CNG option. The Hyundai Creta, on the other hand, remains a suitable option if you want a stronger performance with a turbo-petrol or a diesel engine. Other than that, both SUVs offer similar equipment when it comes to convenience and safety.

In the end, it depends on what you value more. Let us know in the comments below which of the above-mentioned compact SUVs you would go for?