Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car manufacturer, is gearing up for a major push in the SUV segment with the announcement of two all-new SUVs set to launch in 2025. Among them, the much-anticipated Suzuki e-Vitara is scheduled to hit the market in September and will be sold through the premium NEXA dealership network. In addition, a new 7-seater SUV based on the Grand Vitara platform is expected to arrive later in the year.
However, what’s catching the industry’s attention is Maruti’s upcoming Fronx facelift, which will debut a strong in-house hybrid powertrain. While originally expected in 2025, Maruti Suzuki has confirmed that the Fronx facelift will be launched in 2026, likely during the next Bharat Mobility Global Expo. The company’s hybrid engine is currently under development and not yet production-ready for the Indian market.
The upcoming Fronx facelift is expected to be the first Maruti model to introduce the brand’s in-house developed strong hybrid system, a move that could reshape the small SUV landscape. Unlike the Toyota-supplied Atkinson cycle hybrid system used in Maruti’s current premium models like the Grand Vitara, the new setup will be more cost-effective and better suited for Maruti’s mass-market small cars.
At the heart of this new hybrid system will be the 1.2-litre Z12E three-cylinder petrol engine, already seen in the recently launched Swift 2024. The hybrid system will follow a series hybrid layout, in which the petrol engine functions solely as a generator to power an electric motor that drives the wheels. This format is simpler and more affordable than the series-parallel or parallel hybrid systems seen in higher-end vehicles.
The upcoming Fronx facelift, equipped with this hybrid setup, is expected to deliver an outstanding mileage of over 35 km/l, making it a potential leader in fuel efficiency across the sub-4-meter SUV segment. This could not only boost Fronx sales but also help Maruti regain ground in the small car segment, which has faced rising competition in recent years.
In addition to Fronx, the new hybrid powertrain is also expected to be introduced across Maruti’s other key models like the Swift, Dzire, and Brezza. Furthermore, a new entry-level sub-4-meter MPV is in the pipeline for a late 2026 launch, and it too will benefit from the hybrid setup.
Visually, the Fronx facelift is expected to feature several design updates. On the outside, buyers can expect a revised grille, a tweaked front and rear bumper, updated headlamps and taillights, and new alloy wheel designs. Inside, Maruti is likely to introduce a larger infotainment screen, new seat upholstery, and possibly a sunroof in top variants to keep up with segment expectations.
Maruti Suzuki is also planning to keep using Toyota’s strong hybrid technology for its larger vehicles. Models like the Grand Vitara, Toyota HyRyder, Maruti Invicto, and Innova HyCross are built using Toyota’s THS (Toyota Hybrid System) and will continue to be assembled by Toyota. This dual-strategy approach allows Maruti to cater to both premium and entry-level customers with tailor-made hybrid systems suited to each segment.
The decision to introduce a proprietary hybrid solution for smaller cars is a strategic one. Maruti aims to future-proof its volume-oriented portfolio against increasing fuel costs and stricter emission norms. At the same time, the hybrid system gives it a competitive edge against rivals like Tata Motors and Hyundai, who are also intensifying their presence in the subcompact and compact SUV segments.
Notably, Maruti’s hybrid technology, while new to its own lineup, is not entirely unfamiliar to global markets. Similar series hybrid systems have been in use by brands like Nissan, particularly with models like the Nissan Note, which featured this technology as early as 2016.
With the upcoming launch of the Suzuki eVX, Maruti Suzuki will also step into the fully electric SUV space. The eVX is scheduled for launch at the end of 2025 and marks the brand’s serious foray into battery electric vehicles. With multiple powertrain strategies including petrol, CNG, mild hybrid, strong hybrid, and electric, Maruti Suzuki is preparing for a future where flexibility and efficiency will be paramount.
In summary, the 2026 Maruti Fronx facelift is shaping up to be a pivotal product in Maruti’s future strategy. With bold design updates, a fuel-efficient new hybrid powertrain, and an ambition to make strong hybrid technology mainstream in small cars, Maruti Suzuki is sending a clear signal that it intends to maintain its leadership position across all price points and body styles. For Indian car buyers, especially those prioritizing economy and long-term value, the upcoming Fronx could well be a segment-defining option.