Maruti Suzuki’s Hybrid and EV Plans by 2026
Maruti Suzuki is accelerating its shift towards greener mobility with an all-new lineup of hybrid and electric vehicles set to arrive by 2026. Leading the charge will be the company’s first electric model, the e-Vitara, scheduled to debut by the end of this financial year. On the hybrid front, the Indo-Japanese automaker will roll out four new models: the Victoris with Toyota’s strong hybrid powertrain, and the Fronx, next-generation Baleno, and a sub-4 metre MPV, each equipped with Maruti Suzuki’s in-house developed strong hybrid system.
Victoris – India’s Most Fuel-Efficient Car
The upcoming Maruti Victoris, a midsize SUV, will be offered with three powertrain choices:
-
A 103bhp, 1.5L mild-hybrid petrol
-
A 116bhp, 1.5L strong-hybrid petrol
-
An 89bhp, 1.5L petrol + CNG
Although the Victoris will share its powertrains with the Grand Vitara, Maruti promises it will surpass its sibling in efficiency. The strong-hybrid variant, in particular, is claimed to deliver 28.65 km/l, making the Victoris the most fuel-efficient car in India upon launch.
Maruti’s New In-House Strong Hybrid System
In parallel, Maruti Suzuki is developing its own series hybrid powertrain, internally codenamed HEV, which will debut in the Fronx compact crossover in 2026. Unlike Toyota’s Atkinson-cycle hybrid, Maruti’s technology aims to be more affordable while offering class-leading fuel efficiency of over 35 km/l.
This series-hybrid setup will consist of a petrol engine, an electric motor, and a battery pack. The automaker is also electrifying its 1.2L Z-Series petrol engine to power a range of upcoming mass-market hybrid models.
Baleno Hybrid, Sub-4m MPV & Beyond
The same in-house hybrid system will extend to the next-generation Baleno hatchback and the Suzuki Spacia-based MPV. Over time, it will also be introduced in the next-gen Swift (2027) and the all-new Brezza (2029).
The Fronx hybrid is expected to carry subtle exterior tweaks such as a ‘Hybrid’ badge and receive hybrid-specific software updates inside, while retaining its familiar design and cabin layout.
Meanwhile, the new Baleno hybrid is likely to sport a refreshed exterior design, an upgraded interior with more features, and improved efficiency. The Spacia-based mini MPV, on the other hand, will be positioned as a rival to the Renault Triber and Nissan’s upcoming sub-compact MPV.
Also read : Maruti’s New SUV Explained: Price, Position, and Features
