Maruti Invicto

There are no new reasons to consider the Maruti Invicto over and above the Toyota Innova Hycross. The Invicto comes with a similar feature set as its Toyota countepart and offers the same space, comfort, and performance. It’s simply a matter of choosing what you either like the look of, name of, or manage to get your hands on first.

With that out of the way, let’s now focus on what the Invicto brings to the table. 

• I like how Maruti has done more than just a badge-swap. The front-end looks significantly different that its Toyota counterpart, and that makes the Invicto more recognizable.

• Compared to the Innova Hycross, it gets a redesigned grille, Nexa’s signature three dot DRLs, and a redesigned bumper.

• While it is just an MPV, the design stands somewhere between an MPV and an SUV, which makes the Invicto look rugged.

• The profile highlights its length and the sheer size. There are subtle chrome inserts on the door handles and on the window line which complement this blue shade nicely.

• However, the 17-inch alloys look small for a car of this size, and it would have benefited from larger 18-inch wheels.

• The rear end looks flat, upright, and MPV-like, and only differs from the Hycross due to its different lighting elements.

• Maruti offers it in five monotone shades: Magnificent Black, Nexa Blue, Stellar Bronze, Majestic Silver, and Mystic White.

• While the Nexa Blue shade looks more premium, the Magnificent Black adds a dash of strength to this MPV.

Design & Quality

• The layout of the dashboard and the overall cabin design is the same as the Innova Hycross, save for the cabin theme.

• It comes with an all-black cabin theme with rose gold accents on the doors, around the AC vents, and around the centre console.

• There is soft touch leatherette padding on the dashboard and door pads, but Maruti could have used a contrasting colour for the padding, as the black just blends with the rest of the dashboard.

• The cabin’s fit and finish is hard and durable, which should hold up for years.

• But the graining and quality of the plastics could have been better to make this cabin feel more premium.

Driving Position

• Height adjustable driver seat is offered from the base variant along with both tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, which makes it easy to find your ideal driving position.

• The top-spec variant comes with an 8-way power adjustable driver seat with memory function which makes the process even more convenient.

• From the driver seat, you get a commanding view of the road due to the tall ride height of the Invicto, and there are no issues in visibility.

Passenger Comfort

• The base Zeta+ variant of the 2025 Invicto comes in both 6- and 7-seater configurations,  where the former gets a bench seat suitable for three passengers.

• There is enough headroom for 6-footers in the second row and you won’t complain about knee room and legroom since both the bench and captain seats get slide and recline function.

• Captain seat variants are better for those who want a chauffeur driven experience, and both seats get individual armrests.

• While the Zeta+ variant gets fabric upholstery, the top-spec Alpha+ variant offers leatherette upholstery. But it does not have the option of a 7-seater configuration.

• Maruti wants you to believe that the third row can seat 3 passengers (since it calls its 7-seater variant an 8-seater one), but the space is only enough for two passengers, regardless of the third headrest.

• This row can only seat two passengers, but it has enough space for two adults to sit comfortably for longer journeys.

• If you want space for 7 people, you can go for the Zeta+ variant, but you’ll have to miss out on the feel good features of the Alpha+ variant.

Storage Options

• There’s no shortage of storage options as all four doors get 1-litre bottle holders with some space on the side for smaller items.

• Front occupants get two cupholders in the centre control, two-cupholders in the dashboard, a tray on the dashboard, a large centre armrest storage, and a large glovebox.

• Second row passengers get a centre armrest with two cupholders in the bench seat variant, and a foldable tray with two cupholders in the captain seat variants.

• They also get seat back pockets behind both front seats, and a foldable hook behind the front passenger seat.

• Third row passengers get two cupholders on either side, along with two trays to keep their phone or wallet.

Features

• The feature list of the 2025 Maruti Invicto is good but not as good as its Toyota counterpart.

• It gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. But the user interface is outdated, lacks contrast, and it’s not as smooth to operate as you’d want it to be.

• It also features a 7–inch semi-digital driver’s display which shows the drive information in a neat and clean manner.

• It gets a basic 6-speaker sound system with an average sound quality, but misses out on a 9-speaker JBL sound system offered in the Hyrcross.

• Front seats are ventilated which is becoming a necessary feature considering the tropical Indian climate.

• Other features include dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, cruise control, and ambient lighting, and a powered tailgate.

• Apart from the JBL sound system, the Invicto also misses out on ottoman function for second row captain seats among other features.

• The standard safety kit of the Invicto comprises 6 airbags, rearview camera, electronic parking brake with auto hold, vehicle stability control, all-wheel disc brakes, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

• The top-spec variant additionally gets a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and a 360-degree camera.

• Camera quality of the 360-degree camera setup is grainy and needs improvement.

• Also, while this safety kit is good, it misses out on Level 2 ADAS features which the Innova Hycross gets.

• With all three rows in use, you have 289-litres of boot space which can be used to keep a few duffle bags or 2-3 small suitcases.

• But if you want more space, you can fold the third row to get a total boot loading capacity of 690-litres, which is more than enough to keep your entire family’s luggage.

• Also, while the boot lip is high, which makes loading and unloading a little difficult, the powered tailgate makes opening and closing the boot a little easier.

• The 2025 Invicto comes with a 2-litre petrol engine paired with a battery pack and electric motor as part of its strong hybrid (self-charging) setup.

• Since there is no non-hybrid powertrain on offer, the only transmission you get is an e-CVT (continuously variable automatic transmission).

• At slow speeds, the Invicto offers a calm and relaxed drive experience as most of the time it runs in EV mode if the battery is charged.

• When you need more power, the petrol engine kicks in and combines with the hybrid powertrain to give you more than enough power for quick overtakes.

• At high speeds, the power delivery is smooth and the hybrid system assists with additional power whenever required.

• It is also quick to overtake as it has a claimed 0-100 kmph time of 9.5 seconds, and the real world number is quite close.

• It reaches triple digits very easily and you can easily cruise around at those speeds.

• Due to its hybrid setup, you get a real world fuel efficiency of around 18-20 kmpl, and it can go even higher while cruising.

• At slow speeds, the cushioning is good but passengers will experience some side-to-side movement due to its body roll, but it's never uncomfortable.

• It handles potholes and speedbreaker well and settles back to its original position quickly.

• At high speeds, it remains stable and planted on highways. Going over undulations and flyover joints is also very comfortable.

• The steering feels light inside the city which results in easy maneuverability and it becomes hard enough on high speeds to inspire confidence.

• 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.

CarDekho Recommends

• 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 Invicto isn’t that different from its Toyota cousin, and while it gives you less features, it also comes at a slightly more affordable price. If you don’t mind missing out on a few features for a slightly more affordable price tag, and just want a spacious and efficient car for your family, the Invicto can fulfil all your needs.

Considering the Hycross’ high waiting period, the Invicto can be a good option for those who want a big car and are not planning to wait for months.

Other Options To Consider

Toyota Innova Hycross

Reasons To Consider

• Better feel good features

• Option of affordable non-hybrid variants

Reasons To Ignore

• More expensive hybrid variants

• High waiting period

Mahindra XUV700

Reasons To Consider

• Option of diesel and AWD variants

• Gets SUV styling and better features

Reasons To Ignore

• No hybrid powertrain

• Less third row space