Maruti Suzuki and Toyota Kirloskar Motor are set to enter India’s EV market with the e Vitara and Urban Cruiser electric SUVs. Made in India, long range, premium features.
Maruti Suzuki and Toyota Kirloskar Motor are about to make their long-awaited entry into India’s electric vehicle space—and the timing couldn’t be more exciting. After years of speculation and previews, both brands are now ready to launch their first electric SUVs in the country. What’s more interesting is that these EVs are not completely new. They are already being manufactured in India and sold in European markets, proving that India-made electric SUVs are ready for the global stage.
Production for both models is happening at Maruti Suzuki’s Hansalpur facility in Gujarat. This makes the upcoming launches not just important product events, but also a big milestone for India’s growing EV manufacturing ecosystem.
Maruti Suzuki e Vitara: A Big Moment for the Brand
For Maruti Suzuki, the launch of the Maruti Suzuki e Vitara is a historic step. This will be the company’s first-ever electric vehicle for the Indian market. The e Vitara was first shown at Auto Expo 2025, where it instantly grabbed attention for its sharp design, modern interior and promise of long driving range.
Since then, Maruti Suzuki has already begun exporting the e Vitara to Europe. Recently, the company also organised a media drive in India, giving a glimpse of what buyers can expect, though many crucial details like pricing and charging specifications are still being kept secret.
In terms of size, the e Vitara fits perfectly into the midsize SUV segment. It measures 4,275 mm in length and sits on a long 2,700 mm wheelbase. This not only gives it strong road presence but also ensures good interior space, something Indian buyers value highly.
Two Battery Options, Big Range Promise
Maruti Suzuki will offer the e Vitara only with a front-wheel-drive setup, keeping things simple and efficient. Buyers will get two battery and motor choices. The standard version will use a 49 kWh LFP battery paired with an electric motor producing 142 hp and 192.5 Nm of torque. This variant is expected to cater to city users and daily commuters who want an EV that is easy to live with.
The highlight, however, is the top-spec version. It comes with a larger 61 kWh LFP battery and a more powerful motor delivering 172 hp. Maruti Suzuki claims a driving range of up to 543 kilometres for this version, a figure that instantly puts it among the longest-range electric SUVs expected in this price bracket.
If this real-world range turns out to be close to the claimed figure, range anxiety could finally stop being a major concern for many Indian EV buyers.
Premium Features to Match the Price
The e Vitara is clearly not being positioned as a basic or entry-level EV. Maruti Suzuki has loaded it with features to justify its premium tag. On the outside, it gets large 18-inch alloy wheels that add to its sporty stance.
Inside, the cabin feels modern and tech-focused. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind the steering wheel, while a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes centre stage on the dashboard. The driver gets a 10-way power-adjustable seat, and rear passengers benefit from a smart 40:20:40 split seat that can both slide and recline.
Safety is another strong point. Maruti Suzuki has confirmed seven airbags, underlining the brand’s renewed focus on building safer cars for Indian roads.
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Toyota Urban Cruiser EV: Same Strength, Different Style
Toyota Kirloskar Motor is all set to introduce its first electric SUV in India on January 19. Called the Toyota Urban Cruiser, this model is the Toyota version of the e Vitara and shares most of its mechanical components.
That said, Toyota has made sure the Urban Cruiser has a distinct personality. The front design is inspired by Toyota’s global “hammerhead” styling theme. It features a flatter bonnet, sleeker headlamps and a cleaner bumper layout, giving the SUV a more elegant and premium look.
Subtle design touches, like vertical air inlets and smoother body panels, help the Urban Cruiser stand out without being flashy. Compared to the e Vitara, it looks more understated and classy, something Toyota buyers generally prefer.
Familiar Cabin, Trusted Feel
Step inside the Urban Cruiser EV, and the similarities with the e Vitara are immediately noticeable. The dashboard layout, screen sizes and overall cabin design are almost identical. The main differences come in the form of Toyota branding and small trim changes.
Toyota is expected to offer the Urban Cruiser EV with the same battery packs and motors as the e Vitara. This means buyers can expect identical performance figures and the same maximum claimed range of 543 kilometres on the long-range variant.
For customers, this is actually good news. It allows them to choose between Maruti Suzuki and Toyota Kirloskar Motor based on brand preference, dealership experience and design taste, without compromising on technology or range.
Made in India, Ready for the World
One of the most exciting aspects of these electric SUVs is that they are being built in India for global markets. The Hansalpur plant in Gujarat is already exporting these EVs to Europe, showing that India-made electric vehicles can meet international standards.
This high level of localisation could also help both companies price their EVs competitively in India, making them more accessible to a wider audience.
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Why These Launches Matter
The entry of Maruti Suzuki and Toyota into the EV space could be a game-changer for the Indian market. Maruti Suzuki brings unmatched reach and mass appeal, while Toyota brings a strong reputation for quality and reliability. Together, they have the potential to push electric SUVs into the mainstream.
With long range, premium features and the backing of two trusted brands, the e Vitara and Urban Cruiser EV could become strong alternatives for buyers looking to switch from petrol or diesel SUVs.
As the official launches draw closer, all eyes will now be on pricing and real-world performance. If Maruti Suzuki and Toyota get these two factors right, India’s EV story could be about to shift into a higher gear.
