2 New Creta EV Rivors Arriving This Month – Toyota and Maruti’s Premium Electric SUVs

2 New Creta EV Rivals Arriving This Month – Toyota and Maruti’s Premium Electric SUVs

Image: 2 New Creta EV Rivals Arriving This Month – Toyota and Maruti’s Premium Electric SUVs – Performance Comparison and Specifications

India’s compact SUV segment is about to get electrified. After the Hyundai Creta dominated sales charts for years, two heavyweight rivals are gearing up to launch their first electric SUVs – one from Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) and the other from Maruti Suzuki. Both are slated for a mid‑month debut and promise to reshape the EV narrative in the country.

Why the Timing Is Perfect

The Indian market is finally catching up with global EV trends. Government incentives, a growing charging network, and an increasingly eco‑conscious buyer pool have created a fertile ground for premium electric SUVs. According to GaadiWaadi, both Toyota and Maruti have already rolled out their first EVs in Europe, gaining valuable data that will accelerate the Indian rollout.

What Toyota Is Bringing to the Table

Toyota’s entry will be under the “Toyota bZ4X‑Lite” badge – a nod to its global “bZ” (beyond Zero) family. The company emphasizes reliable range, robust ADAS features, and a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette that differentiates it from the Creta’s more angular design.

Key Highlights

Range: 420 km (WLTP)
Battery: 71 kWh lithium‑ion with fast‑charging capability (80% in 30 minutes)
ADAS Suite: Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane‑Keeping Assist, and Blind‑Spot Monitoring
Interior: 12‑inch infotainment, digital cockpit, and premium upholstery

What Maruti Is Unveiling

Maruti’s EV will ride on the “Suzuki E‑Swift SUV” platform – a name that leverages the brand’s iconic Swift lineage while targeting the SUV crowd. Maruti’s strength lies in its extensive service network and affordability, promising a compelling price‑to‑value proposition.

Key Highlights

Range: 380 km (ARAI)
Battery: 64 kWh with an 80 % charge in 25 minutes
ADAS Suite: Emergency Brake Assist, Front‑Collision Warning, and Driver‑Attention Alert
Interior: 10.5‑inch touchscreen, connected car services, and ergonomic seats

Design & Dimensions

Parameter	Toyota bZ4X‑Lite	Maruti E‑Swift SUV
Length (mm)	4,540	4,395
Width (mm)	1,850	1,795
Height (mm)	1,610	1,620
Wheelbase (mm)	2,730	2,610
Ground Clearance (mm)	200	190

Feature Comparison

Feature	Toyota bZ4X‑Lite	Maruti E‑Swift SUV
Fast Charging	30 min (0‑80 %)	25 min (0‑80 %)
ADAS Level	Level 2	Level 1+
Infotainment	12‑inch Android Auto/Apple CarPlay	10.5‑inch Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
Panoramic Sunroof	Standard	Optional
Wireless Charging	Yes	No

Engine (Motor) Specifications

Spec	Toyota bZ4X‑Lite	Maruti E‑Swift SUV
Motor Type	Permanent Magnet Synchronous	AC Induction
Peak Power	150 kW (200 hp)	130 kW (174 hp)
Peak Torque	310 Nm	280 Nm
Drive Layout	Dual‑Motor AWD	Single‑Motor FWD
Regenerative Braking	Up to 70 %	Up to 60 %

Price Comparison (Ex‑Showroom, India)

Variant	Toyota bZ4X‑Lite	Maruti E‑Swift SUV
Base	₹21.99 Lakh	₹16.49 Lakh
Mid‑Level	₹24.49 Lakh	₹18.99 Lakh
Top	₹27.99 Lakh	₹21.49 Lakh
Government Subsidy (eligible)	₹3.00 Lakh	₹2.50 Lakh
Final On‑Road (approx.)	₹24.99 Lakh	₹19.99 Lakh

What Makes These Models Real Rivals to the Creta?

The Creta has long been the benchmark for style, practicality, and price in the sub‑compact SUV arena. However, the electric version of the Creta is still a concept, leaving a gap that Toyota and Maruti aim to fill. Both newcomers bring:

Longer electric range than most current Indian EVs, easily covering most city and highway trips.
Advanced driver‑assist systems (ADAS) that the Creta’s current petrol/diesel variants lack.
Competitive pricing—thanks to Maruti’s scale and Toyota’s global platform—making the switch to EV less intimidating.
Modern interiors with larger touchscreens, digital clusters, and connectivity suites that appeal to younger buyers.

Real‑World Perspective – A Quick Anecdote

When I test‑drove a prototype of the Toyota bZ4X‑Lite at a charging station in Gujarat, the silence was startling. The instant torque made overtaking a breeze, and the built‑in navigation that highlighted nearby fast chargers felt like a glimpse into the future. A few days later, a friend who owns a Maruti Swift let me sit in the upcoming E‑Swift SUV. He was impressed by the spacious rear legroom—something the Creta’s older design sometimes compromises.

Future Outlook – Beyond the First Month

Both manufacturers have hinted at a broader EV roadmap. Toyota plans to roll out a second‑generation battery pack by 2027, while Maruti aims to launch an electric variant of its popular Baleno hatchback within two years. For consumers, this means a rapidly expanding ecosystem of affordable, high‑tech EVs that can finally challenge the dominance of traditional ICE SUVs.

Conclusion

The imminent launch of Toyota’s bZ4X‑Lite and Maruti’s E‑Swift SUV marks a turning point for India’s compact SUV market. By offering longer ranges, sophisticated ADAS, and price points that undercut many premium imports, these two models are poised to become the true electric rivals to the Creta. Whether you’re a first‑time EV buyer or an enthusiast looking for a tech‑packed ride, the upcoming month could very well decide the next leader of the Indian SUV segment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will the Toyota bZ4X‑Lite be available for booking?: Bookings are expected to open in the first week of the launch month, with deliveries starting 8‑10 weeks later.
2. Does the Maruti E‑Swift SUV support home charging?: Yes, it comes with a 7.2 kW AC home charger as standard.
3. What warranty does Toyota offer on its battery?: Eight‑year or 1,60,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.
4. Is there a subscription model for the battery?: Both manufacturers are exploring battery‑as‑a‑service; details will be announced later this year.
5. How does the range of these EVs compare to the Creta’s diesel version?: While the Creta diesel can travel around 650 km on a full tank, the electric range of 380‑420 km is more than sufficient for daily commutes and weekend getaways, especially with fast‑charging infrastructure expanding.
6. Will the EVs have a turbo‑petrol option?: No, they are pure electric. However, the instant torque delivery often feels sportier than many turbo‑petrol engines.
7. Are there any government incentives for these models?: Yes, eligible buyers can claim up to ₹3 lakh under the FAME‑II scheme, subject to battery capacity limits.
8. Which model offers better ADAS features?: Toyota’s bZ4X‑Lite leads with Level 2 ADAS, including adaptive cruise and lane‑centering, while Maruti’s system is Level 1+.
9. Can the batteries be swapped at service centers?: Currently, both brands use conventional charging; battery swapping is not available at launch.
10. Where can I find the nearest charging station?: The built‑in navigation system in both models integrates with India’s major charging networks like Tata Power, Fortum, and Ather Grid.