The verdict is out, and the Maruti Suzuki Victoris has been crowned the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026. In a market crowded with SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, Maruti’s latest challenger has taken the top spot.
Launched in late 2025, the Victoris quickly became a best-seller, and this award cements its position as the “Boss” of the mid-size SUV segment. But what makes it so special? Is it just the mileage, or is there more to it? Here is a detailed look at why the Maruti Victoris is the talk of the town and whether you should buy one.
The “ICOTY 2026” Winner: What Happened?
On January 24, 2026, the jury of the Indian Car of the Year awards selected the Maruti Victoris as the winner, beating strong contenders from Tata and Mahindra. The jury praised the SUV for its “Got It All” package—offering premium features, 5-star safety, and hybrid efficiency at an aggressive price point.
Top 5 Reasons Why India Loves the Maruti Victoris
The Victoris isn’t just another Maruti; it is the brand’s most advanced SUV sold through the Arena dealership network.
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1. Unbeatable Mileage (28.65 kmpl)
Maruti knows what Indian buyers want. The Victoris comes with a Strong Hybrid engine option (1.5L Petrol + Electric Motor) that delivers a certified mileage of 28.65 kmpl. Even the standard petrol manual variant gives around 21 kmpl, making it the most fuel-efficient SUV in its class.
2. 5-Star Safety Rating (Bharat NCAP)
Gone are the days when Maruti cars were questioned for safety. The Victoris has secured a 5-Star Safety Rating from Bharat NCAP.
- Standard Safety: All variants, starting from the base model, come with 6 Airbags, ESP, and Hill Hold Assist.
- Advanced Tech: It is the first Arena car to feature Level-2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), which includes automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
3. Smart CNG with “Invisible” Tank
For CNG buyers, the Victoris solves the biggest problem: boot space. It uses a Twin-Cylinder Underbody Tank technology (similar to Tata’s), allowing you to use the full boot space for luggage while enjoying the low running cost of CNG.
4. Premium Interiors & Tech
The cabin feels unlike any older Maruti. It features:
- A 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Ventilated Front Seats (a must for Indian summers).
- A Panoramic Sunroof that opens fully.
- Digital Instrument Cluster with navigation support.
5. Aggressive Pricing
Maruti has priced the Victoris to kill the competition.
- Base Model (Petrol MT): Rs 10.50 Lakh
- Top Model (Strong Hybrid): Rs 19.99 Lakh This pricing undercuts rivals like the Honda Elevate and German SUVs significantly.
Engine Options: Which One to Pick?
The Victoris is available in three powertrain choices:
- 1.5L Mild Hybrid Petrol: Good for city and highway use (Manual/Automatic).
- 1.5L Strong Hybrid: Best for high daily usage (Silent EV mode + Max Mileage).
- 1.5L S-CNG: Best for budget-conscious drivers who need boot space.
What Happens Next?
Following the ICOTY win, Maruti Suzuki has announced that the waiting period for the Victoris has increased. The “Mystic Green” and “Eternal Blue” colors are currently commanding a waiting time of up to 3 months. If you are planning to book, dealers are suggesting doing it online to lock in the current price, as a price hike is expected in February 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the on-road price of the Maruti Victoris?
The on-road price varies by state. Roughly, the base model costs around Rs 12.20 Lakh, while the top-end Strong Hybrid variant touches Rs 23.50 Lakh in cities like Delhi/Mumbai.
Q2: Does the Maruti Victoris have a sunroof?
Yes, the mid-to-top variants (ZXi and ZXi+) come with a large Panoramic Sunroof.
Q3: Is the Victoris bigger than the Grand Vitara?
They are very similar in size as they share the same platform. However, the Victoris has a slightly more rugged design and is sold via Arena showrooms, whereas the Grand Vitara is a Nexa product.
Q4: What is the mileage of the CNG version?
The Maruti Victoris S-CNG delivers a mileage of 27.02 km/kg, making it extremely economical for daily commuters.
Q5: Is it worth buying the Hybrid over the Petrol model?
If your daily drive is more than 40-50 km, the Strong Hybrid is worth the extra cost because it can run on EV mode in traffic, saving huge amounts of fuel. For less frequent driving, the standard Petrol model is sufficient.
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