All-new SUVs launching this month: Which Maruti facelift will square up to Hyundai’s lineup?

Why this month matters for SUV buyers

India’s SUV market is closing the year with a flurry of launches and facelifts, headlined by Hyundai’s updated Venue and Tata’s much-hyped Sierra. In the sub-4m space where volumes peak, the Venue’s tech-forward refresh puts pressure on rivals—especially Maruti’s Brezza, which is slated for its own 2025 update. If you’re planning to book, expect short introductory offers, quick waiting lists in metro dealerships, and fast-changing variant mixes.

The real battle is compact and value-loaded: sub-4m SUVs for city-life practicality, features that punch above class, and lower ownership costs. This month’s launches sharpen that equation with bigger screens, ADAS trickle-down, and better connected features without major engine overhauls.

The Hyundai play: Venue facelift as the spearhead

The new Venue gets a bold exterior refresh and a cabin overhaul to align with Hyundai’s newer design language seen on the Creta. Expect a reworked front fascia, tweaked tail lamps, fresh alloys, and a more premium dashboard with large dual displays, better software polish, and expanded connected-car features.

• Engines likely unchanged: 1.2 NA petrol, 1.0 turbo-petrol, and 1.5 diesel with MT/DCT options—keeping strengths in drivability and choice.
• Feature push: Level-2 ADAS in higher trims is the headline upgrade for the segment, along with 360° camera, ventilated seats, and improved sound and UX polish.
• Price band expectation: Aggressive entry price to hook Brezza/Nexon buyers, with mid-variants stacking value where most demand sits.

So, which Maruti facelift will counter Hyundai?

All eyes are on the updated Brezza for 2025—Maruti’s bread-and-butter compact SUV. The Venue facelift directly targets Brezza’s core value pitch with tech and safety, so Brezza’s update is expected to respond on interiors, infotainment, and driver-assist features without going wild on pricing.

• What to expect on Brezza 2025: A neater dashboard, bigger infotainment with crisper UI, 360° camera on higher trims, connected tech improvements, and safety pack enhancements.
• Powertrain outlook: The reliable 1.5-litre petrol with mild-hybrid assist is likely to continue, tuned for mileage and easy ownership. An auto box update and small NVH refinements are likely.
• Why it matters: Brezza’s strengths—ride comfort, service network, mileage, and resale—stay compelling. A cabin-tech refresh narrows the gloss gap with Hyundai.

Other big spotlight: Tata Sierra’s modern comeback

Tata is set to revive the Sierra badge in a modern avatar, slotting above Curvv and nudging into midsize territory alongside Creta/Seltos and Grand Vitara/Hyryder. Sierra brings a heritage name with contemporary design, richer interiors, and a focus on safety tech that Tata has leaned into lately.

• Positioning: Premium-leaning midsize with strong road presence; ideal for buyers moving up from sub-4m SUVs.
• Engines and variants: Expect multiple petrol trims at launch with feature-loaded top ends; EV derivative to follow later.
• Buyer takeaway: If you were eyeing Creta/Seltos for presence and features, Sierra adds an emotional pull with fresh design and likely strong safety kit.

Hyundai vs Maruti: the sub-4m face-off

Should you wait or buy now?

If you’re locked on sub-4m: Test-drive the Venue facelift for its tech leap and cabin ambience, but keep a booking window open to sample Brezza’s update before finalizing—especially if your priorities are mileage, long-term running costs, and Maruti’s widespread after-sales comfort.

• Need it this month: Venue facelift mid-trims will be the sweet spot for features-per-rupee. Watch early allotments and color/trim stock.
• Can wait 4–8 weeks: Brezza update could bring just enough cabin-tech and safety add-ons to swing value toward Maruti without stretching budget.
• Climbing a segment: Shortlist Tata Sierra if you’re moving from compact to midsize for space, presence, and higher safety-tech headroom.

Real-world buying tips for this launch cycle

• Drive back-to-back: Try Venue turbo-DCT and Brezza automatic on the same day/route. Note low-speed creep, gearbox smoothness, and AC performance in traffic.
• Check the mid-variant: That’s where brands stack value (safety + key comforts). Avoid paying just for cosmetic packs.
• Insurance and exchange: Get quotes outside the dealership and bring them in; exchange bonuses plus bank offers can trim on-road costs meaningfully.
• Software and ADAS demo: Ask for a live ADAS demonstration and infotainment walkthrough; check camera clarity at night.
• Delivery timeline: Secure VIN and PDI (pre-delivery inspection) in daylight; verify tyre brand, build month, and infotainment version.

Bottom line: who takes on Hyundai best?

In the sub-4m fight this month, Hyundai has first-mover buzz with the Venue facelift’s tech and sheen. Maruti’s Brezza update is the natural counterpunch—expect incremental but practical upgrades, anchored by running-cost advantages and service depth. For buyers jumping segments, keep a slot for the Tata Sierra test drive before you freeze a midsize pick.

If you’re shopping right now, shortlist the Venue facelift SX/SX(O) for features and polish, and hold a provisional booking for Brezza’s refreshed ZXi+ to compare pricing and delivery. The right choice will be less about horsepower and more about daily usability, service comfort, and the features you’ll actually use.