Maruti Suzuki Victoris Special Feature - 'V' for Victoris
Crowned ICOTY 2026, the Maruti Suzuki Victoris proves that smart engineering, strong safety, and real-world usability still matter most to Indian buyers.
By Team autoX
The Maruti Suzuki Victoris has been crowned Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026, emerging on top in one of the most competitive years the Indian automotive industry has seen in recent times. Amid a flurry of high-profile launches, the Victoris stood out not through hype or gimmicks, but by delivering a thoughtfully engineered, well-rounded package that resonates strongly with real-world Indian buyers. The success of the Victoris is a clear endorsement of a product that successfully balances ambition, innovation, safety, and everyday usability.
Maruti Suzuki Victoris Best Features in the Mid-Size SUV Segment
A new addition to Maruti Suzuki’s expanding SUV portfolio, the Victoris broadens choices for mainstream buyers without introducing unnecessary complexity. It is offered with a wide range of powertrain options, including an efficient petrol engine, a strong hybrid setup, and a cleverly engineered CNG variant featuring an underbody-mounted tank, ensuring minimal compromise on boot space.
Step inside, and the Victoris immediately feels like a segment step-up. The cabin combines practicality with modern technology, featuring a crisp 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a clean, intuitive digital instrument cluster. Thoughtful touches such as ambient lighting and a premium Dolby Atmos sound system enhance everyday driving comfort and experience.
Passengers benefit from more comfort-oriented features like 8-way powered seats that are ventilated, a smart powered tailgate that makes boot operation easy, and, for tech aficionados, the Victoris also offers connected-car tech via Suzuki Connect and Alexa Voice AI, which enable various voice commands for enhanced convenience.
Safety is another area where the Victoris clearly outpaces its rivals. The SUV has earned a five-star rating in both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP crash tests, reinforcing Maruti Suzuki’s renewed focus on safety. Standard equipment includes multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), boosting confidence across both city commutes and long drives on the highways.
Beyond features and hardware, versatility remains one of the Victoris’ strongest suits. The strong hybrid variant delivers excellent real-world fuel efficiency, while the CNG option appeals to cost-conscious buyers seeking lower operating costs. Crucially, despite its extensive feature list and safety credentials, the Victoris remains competitively priced, enhancing its appeal across age groups and income brackets.
ICOTY 2026 Winner: How the Victoris Gets the Fundamentals Right
The Victoris entered the Indian market with a comprehensive feature set and a clear focus on what buyers truly value. From its clean, confident styling and tech-laden cabin to its composed ride quality, stable handling, and diverse engine options – including petrol, CNG, and hybrid – the Victoris presents itself as a genuinely well-rounded SUV.
Its exemplary performance in Global and Bharat NCAP crash tests further underlines Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to making safer cars accessible to the masses. Put simply, the Victoris has all the ingredients of a winner.
Maruti Suzuki Victoris: A Balanced Blend of Safety, Efficiency and Usability
The Victoris’ holistic appeal aligns perfectly with evolving Indian consumer expectations – offering smart technology, strong safety credentials, real-world efficiency, and everyday usability. Rather than merely ticking boxes, it delivers on them with thoughtful execution.
Its success also mirrors a broader shift in the Indian car market. Buyers today are no longer content with bare-bones transportation; they seek comfort, connectivity, and genuine capability, without paying a steep premium. The Victoris answers that demand with a compelling blend of value, performance, and sophistication – making it equally attractive to first-time SUV buyers and seasoned drivers.
In a crowded and fiercely competitive segment, the Victoris didn’t dominate by excelling in just one area – instead, it did it by excelling across the board. It’s fair to say then that more than just a commercial success, the Victoris now stands as a new benchmark in its segment.
