Maruti Suzuki Invicto

The Maruti Suzuki Invicto is Maruti’s version of the Toyota Innova Hycross. It’s fundamentally the same car with some revisions in design and a few omissions in features while offering the same values of space, practicality, efficiency and reliability. I’ve driven the Invicto in the city, on highways for interstate trips and through hilly-areas as well. Here’s my review based on my extensive experience with this MPV.

Maruti Suzuki’s Invicto blends SUV and MPV designs in equal measure. The result is a design that’s likely to pass muster with practically everyone in the family. An upright nose, a wide grille and high-set headlamps mean the Invicto has a face that’s confident. Full-LED headlamps get Nexa’s signature triple dot daytime running lamp setup. Compared to the Hycross, the bumper has been redesigned as well. 

Viewed from the side, the sheer size of the Invicto surprises you. It’s capable of standing its own against SUVs that prey in the same price segment. You’d raise an eyebrow at the wheel size, though. It’s running on 17-inch wheels (one size down from the Hycross’s 18 inch), which despite having a classy design seem too small given the Invicto’s slab-sided profile. Tasteful dabs of chrome find their way on the door handles and under the windows. 

The upright rear end is the most MPV-like angle of the Invicto. Save for the tail lamps that get a different lighting pattern, the design remains unchanged compared to the Innova Hycross. Build quality is good too and it feels more premium than any other Maruti Suzuki. Colour options include Magnificent Black, Nexa Blue, Stellar Bronze, Majestic Silver and Mystic White. My personal pick from these would be the blue followed by the black.

Design & Quality

Doors of the Invicto open w-i-d-e. Getting in and out is an easy affair, and you’re greeted by a cabin that’s just finished in a different colour scheme. There are no visual changes otherwise. Maruti Suzuki has chosen an all-black theme with rose gold accents akin to what the Grand Vitara Hybrid wears. It’s classy, alright, but Maruti Suzuki could’ve chosen a contrast colour for the leatherette wrap on the dashboard and door pads. The black soft-touch material simply melds into the surrounding black plastic, and you might actually be a little surprised that it’s a different material and texture upon touching it. 

Save for these inserts, the plastic quality and the fit-finish leaves you wanting for more. Plastics on the dashboard are of the hard-but-durable variety which is sure to hold up over years of use. However, better graining and material would’ve helped it appeal to you a whole lot more today. We also found some iffy gaps in the interior trim on our brand new test car — not something you expect when shelling out over Rs 30 lakh. 

Front Seats

As you’d expect with a Toyota/Suzuki, ergonomics are bang on. The cabin feels familiar and you’d be comfortable practically instantly if you’re upgrading from a smaller vehicle. You will also appreciate the driving position that gives you a clear view of the bonnet. All round visibility is fantastic, and it’s natural to feel confident piloting the Invicto. 

Also, if you’re a very tall driver, the Invicto will feel right at home with its generous space, large seats and big footwell space.

Second Row

The second row is where the magic is. Chances are you want to be chauffeur-driven in your new Invicto and it simply delivers here. The seats slide a fair bit backwards which means you can sit cross-legged with ease. There’s a (rather flimsy) fold-out tray table between the seats, sun blinds and two type-C chargers here. A fold-out tray on the seat back would’ve upped the experience. 

The captain seats by themselves are quite comfortable, accommodating even large frames with ease. There’s no electric adjustment for the slide or recline function here, nor do you get the ottomans that enhance calf support (like you do in the Innova Hycross). This ups the comfort significantly on long drives and something you are likely to miss if you spend time in the rear seats commuting between cities. One feature you’re likely to miss is one-touch tumble for the second row, regardless of other features. The seats just slide and recline. While there’s enough space in the cabin for you to walk past the second row, a tumbling second row would’ve made ingress and egress far easier for third row occupants.

Third Row

Space is a clear strength. You can very very comfortably fit a six-footer in each row. This isn’t one of those MPVs where the third row is reserved for kids. Actual adults can be seated here, for reasonably long journeys too. Third row occupants get roof-mounted AC vents, cupholders and phone chargers. 

Storage Options

Both space and practicality are given importance in equal measure. You get two pop-out style cupholders under the side AC vents & two cupholders are located in the centre console. All the door pockets are plus-sized and can hold a 1-1.5 litre bottle easily with space to spare. 

The storage pocket under the central armrest is deep and almost makes you wonder if it could accommodate a mini-fridge. On the passenger side, there is a long and slim tray on the dashboard above the glovebox. The glove box isn’t cooled but is big enough for documents and a few cleaning cloths. 

At the rear, both front seats have seatback pockets. Also, there is a foldable tray with a couple of cupholders between the middle-row seats. The third-row occupants get individual cupholders on both sides along with storage spaces to keep their smartphones. 

Charging Options

There’s type-A and a type-C charging port along with a 12V accessory socket in the front row. Move to the rear and the 2nd row occupants get two type-C chargers while the last row adds another 12V accessory socket. 

Features

Maruti Suzuki offers the Invicto in two variants: Zeta+ and Alpha+. Unlike other cars in Nexa’s lineup, there is no Sigma or Delta variant and both variants get ‘+’ in their name as the Invicto only gets a strong-hybrid powertrain.

The top-spec variant is based on the ZX trim on the Innova Hycross. This means there’s a whole lot of features to be had, many of which are a first for a Maruti Suzuki in India. Highlights include a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, front seat ventilation, a dedicated climate control zone for the second and third row occupants, and a powered tailgate. It also gets an 8–way powered driver’s seat with 2 memory settings, tilt and telescopic steering-adjustment, cruise control, passive keyless-entry, push-button start/stop and retractable sunshades in the 2nd row. 

Infotainment duties are handled by a 10.1-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Experience is sub-par for a vehicle this expensive — the screen lacks contrast and isn’t as snappy as you’d expect. The quality of the camera feed too seems sub-par for the price. Maruti Suzuki has also chosen to skip the 9-speaker JBL audio system that the Hycross gets to keep prices in check and gets a 6-speaker music system instead.

As standard, the Invicto is offered with six airbags, ABS with EBD, and traction control. The base-spec version gets a reverse parking camera, but oddly skips out on parking sensors. It’s important to note that there’s no equivalent of the Hycross’s ZX (O) variant that adds ADAS to the feature list. It must also be noted that the Maruti Invicto has received full 5 stars for adult and child occupant protection from Bharat NCAP.

Boot space is rated at 289-litres with all rows in place. This is plenty for a few duffle bags if you intend to head out to the farmhouse over the weekend. You can trade the third row for additional boot space — folding the third row gets you a total of 690-litres of space to play with. 

Powering the Invicto is Toyota’s 2-litre petrol engine that’s paired with an electric motor and a small battery pack. There is no diesel engine option available but this powertrain's real-world fuel-efficiency ensures you won’t miss one. 

City Performance

The hybrid setup has a split personality. It’s calm, composed and unbelievably efficient when you’re in the mood for a leisurely drive. It starts up in EV mode and is happy pottering around purely on battery power at low speeds. As the speeds climb, the petrol motor kicks in, giving you the power you need. Lifting off of the throttle and braking feeds energy back into the battery. The electric motor takes over from time to time, helping you extract more from every litre of petrol. 

Whether you’re driving yourself or are being driven, the Invicto is very smooth and progressive in its power delivery and it’s a quality you will appreciate. In the city, it’s capable of delivering a fuel-efficiency of over 16kmpl, depending on the driving conditions.

Highway Performance

The benefit of electric assistance isn’t just better fuel-efficiency but also instant power delivery. Getting up to and past 100kmph is no struggle. Sure, if you press the pedal hard, the engine gets vocal but it’s also quick enough to go from 0-100kmph in under 10 seconds. The electric and petrol combo also makes overtakes very easy and even when the engine gets vocal, vibrations are kept in check very well. Sit at a steady cruise on the highway and you can get 19-20kmpl from the Invicto.

A well-tuned ride rounds off the driving experience. Slow speeds have you experience some side-to-side movement, but it never gets uncomfortable. The cabin settles quickly. High speed stability is fantastic and will inspire confidence over those interstate journeys for sure. The steering feels light enough for the Invicto to be easily maneuvered in city traffic. Steering weight at high speeds feels adequate as well. 

• The 2025 Maruti Invicto only comes in two variants: Zeta+ and Alpha+.

Zeta+

• Good looking base-variant with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting elements, and chrome inserts.

• The cabin gets fabric seats but comes with rose gold inserts and offers both 6- and 7-seater configurations.

• Well-equipped variant with an 8-inch touchscreen, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, cruise control, and a 7-inch digital driver’s display.

• Safety kit gets 6 airbags, rearview camera, electronic parking brake with auto hold, all-wheel disc brakes, and ISOFIX child seat anchors among other features.

Alpha+

• Gets a more premium cabin with leatherette seats but only comes in a 6-seater configuration.

• Comes with feel good features like ventilated front seats, dual-zone AC, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, and an 8-way powered driver seat with memory function.

• The only major addition in the safety kit is a tyre pressure monitoring system and a 360-degree camera.

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• The Zeta+ variant is more value for money as you get all the basics, a good looking design, a good safety kit, and the option of a 7-seater configuration.

• Only consider the Alpha+ variant if you want a premium cabin or if you prioritize feel good features.

The Maruti Suzuki Invicto is a very well-rounded MPV, delivering a big punch on space, practicality, features, comfort and fuel-economy. If you’ve wanted an Innova and don’t really care about it being called a Toyota or an Innova, the Invicto will work just as well. Not only is the Invicto more affordable than the Hycross, you can push your Nexa dealer for a better discount as well.

Other Options To Consider

Toyota Innova Hycross

Reasons To Consider

• More features including ADAS.

• You value the Toyota badge and the Innova name.

Reasons To Ignore

• More expensive for features that aren’t necessarily must haves.

Toyota Innova Crysta

Reasons To Consider

• More rugged ladder-frame chassis and rear wheel drive.

• Diesel engine.

Reasons To Ignore

• Not as feature-loaded.

• Ride comfort isn’t as good.

• Not as feature-loaded.

Mahindra XUV700

Reasons To Consider

• More feature-loaded and more affordable.

• All-wheel drive option.

• Diesel engine option available.

• Petrol engine will appeal more to enthusiasts.

Reasons To Ignore

• Invicto’s ride comfort and back seat experience is better.

• Third row space and comfort is better.

• Boot space with a full passenger load is more generous.

• Petrol hybrid delivers as good if not better fuel-economy than the diesel XUV700.