Maruti Victoris Wins The Indian Car Of The Year (ICOTY) 2026, marking a significant milestone for India’s largest automaker. Announced on December 18, 2025, at the prestigious awards ceremony in New Delhi, the Victoris emerged victorious against formidable competition, including next-generation electric vehicles and popular SUVs from rival manufacturers.
This triumph sends a clear message. Maruti Suzuki has proven that it can deliver a product that excels across the parameters that matter most to Indian car buyers safety, efficiency, technology, and value.
The ICOTY awards, often referred to as the “Oscar” of the Indian automotive industry, represent the highest benchmark of credibility in the sector. With 19 eminent automotive journalists from leading publications evaluating each contender, the victory of the Maruti Victoris against eight strong finalists underlines its exceptional standing in the market.
Why Maruti Victoris Wins The Indian Car Of The Year Recognition
The Victoris did not secure this coveted title by chance. It represents Maruti Suzuki’s most ambitious Arena offering to date, blending modern technology, strong safety credentials, and the value proposition the brand is known for.
Launched in September 2025 with prices starting at ₹10.50 lakh, the Victoris quickly positioned itself as a serious contender in the fiercely competitive mid-size SUV segment.
The ICOTY jury evaluated the Victoris against rivals such as the Hyundai Creta Electric, Hyundai Venue, Kia Syros, Mahindra XEV 9e, Skoda Kylaq, Kia Carens Clavis EV, and Tata Harrier EV. Despite competing against both electric and conventional powertrains, the Victoris accumulated the highest overall score.
The Skoda Kylaq finished as the first runner-up, while the Mahindra XEV 9e secured the second runner-up position.
Key Features That Set The Maruti Victoris Apart
The Victoris marks a clear shift in Maruti Suzuki’s product philosophy. It is the brand’s first SUV to offer Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), bringing features such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist into the mainstream Arena portfolio.
Inside, the cabin reflects a significant step up in sophistication. A 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster is paired with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, creating a modern and intuitive cockpit layout. The eight-speaker Infinity sound system with Dolby Atmos enhances the in-car entertainment experience, while 64-colour ambient lighting allows occupants to personalise the cabin ambience.
Convenience features include a smart powered tailgate with gesture control, ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold. The availability of AllGrip Select AWD with automatic variants further improves confidence on challenging terrain and poor road conditions.
Maruti Victoris Wins The Indian Car Of The Year Through Exceptional Safety
Safety is where the Victoris truly stands out. The SUV achieved a five-star rating in both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP, making it only the second Maruti vehicle after the Dzire to secure this distinction.
In Global NCAP testing, the Victoris scored 33.72 out of 34 points for adult occupant protection and 41 out of 49 points for child occupant protection, placing it among the safest vehicles tested under current protocols.
Standard safety equipment includes six airbags across all variants, electronic stability control, hill start assist, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. A 360-degree HD camera further improves visibility during parking and low-speed manoeuvres.
Richard Woods, Chief Executive Officer of Global NCAP, highlighted that the Victoris clearly demonstrates Maruti Suzuki’s renewed commitment to improving safety standards across its new-generation models.
Powertrain Versatility: Something For Every Buyer
Recognising India’s diverse buyer preferences, Maruti Suzuki offers the Victoris with three powertrain options.
The 1.5-litre K15C mild-hybrid petrol engine produces 103 PS and 139 Nm of torque and is available with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers focused on maximum efficiency can opt for the strong-hybrid variant, which delivers an ARAI-certified mileage of 28.65 kmpl.
The S-CNG variant stands out for its innovative underbody-mounted 55-litre CNG tank, which preserves the full 439-litre boot space. This addresses one of the biggest compromises traditionally associated with CNG vehicles. With an efficiency of 27 km/kg, the CNG variant has gained strong traction, accounting for approximately 38 percent of total Victoris bookings.
The Significance Of Maruti Victoris Winning The Indian Car Of The Year Award
The reason Maruti Victoris Wins The Indian Car Of The Year 2026 goes beyond features and specifications. It reflects a strategic response to changing market dynamics.
While several rivals focused heavily on electrification and niche positioning, Maruti concentrated on delivering safety, efficiency, real-world usability, and affordability at scale. The ICOTY jury’s decision reinforces the relevance of this approach in the Indian market.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Mr. Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India Limited, stated that the Victoris was developed to meet the expectations of new-age customers by combining style, technology, safety, and smart innovations in a single package.
Motors77 Verdict
The fact that Maruti Victoris Wins The Indian Car Of The Year 2026 validates what buyers have already recognised since its launch. The Victoris successfully balances premium features, class-leading safety, efficient powertrains, and the reassurance of Maruti Suzuki’s extensive service network — all at a price point that remains accessible.
For buyers in the mid-size SUV segment, the Victoris presents a compelling case. The five-star safety rating offers genuine peace of mind, while features such as ADAS, Dolby Atmos audio, and a gesture-controlled tailgate enhance everyday usability. Multiple powertrain options ensure there is a Victoris for every type of buyer.
The ICOTY 2026 victory confirms what strong sales momentum and customer response have already indicated. The Maruti Victoris is not merely worthy of the Indian Car of the Year crown it has earned it decisively.
For a detailed driving impression and real-world ownership perspective, check out our Maruti Suzuki Victoris review.
🔗 Link: https://www.motors77.com/maruti-suzuki-victoris-review/
