The automotive market in India has always offered many exciting choices and the 2025 MG Astor and the Maruti Grand Vitara are two such models that capture the attention of many buyers.
Recently, MG introduced the 2025 Astor in the country and made some updates to its standard features. At the same time, the Maruti Grand Vitara continues to be one of the top picks in its segment.
Although these two vehicles share several common traits, they differ in some very important areas.
In this article, we compare their size, engine choices, features, safety measures, and pricing in simple terms so you can decide which one is best for you.
Comparing the Size and Design
When you look at the size of a vehicle, even small differences can affect the overall feel and comfort. Let us start with the external dimensions. The MG Astor measures 4323 millimeters in length, 1809 millimeters in width, and 1650 millimeters in height. Its wheelbase measures 2585 millimeters.
On the other hand, the Grand Vitara is slightly longer with a length of 4345 millimeters, and has a wheelbase of 2600 millimeters. This means the Grand Vitara offers a little extra room at the front and rear.
In contrast, the MG Astor is a bit wider and taller. Even though these differences are small, they may influence how roomy the cabin feels and how the vehicle handles on the road.
Exploring Engine and Drivetrain Options
One of the most important factors when choosing a car is the type of engine and how the vehicle drives. The MG Astor now comes with a single-engine option.
It is powered by a 1.5 liter naturally aspirated petrol engine. This engine produces a little more power and torque than the similar 1.5-liter petrol unit found in the Grand Vitara. The reason for this difference is that the MG Astor no longer offers the 1.3-liter turbo engine.
In contrast, the Grand Vitara gives buyers more choices. It offers several engine types such as a 1.5-liter petrol engine with mild hybrid technology, another with a strong hybrid system, and an option that runs on petrol combined with CNG.
In addition to this variety, the Grand Vitara can also be chosen with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive in some versions. This means that if you are looking for an option that may give you a better fuel economy and extra grip on challenging roads the Grand Vitara might be the more attractive option.
The multiple engine choices make it easier to find a model that fits your driving style and budget.
A Look at Features and Comfort
Both the MG Astor and the Grand Vitara have a host of features that add to the driving comfort and overall appeal. On the exterior, both vehicles come with LED headlights that include a follow-me home function.
The MG Astor offers auto LED projector headlights and even has heated outside mirrors. The Grand Vitara, on the other hand, has its style with fog lights that work well when turning corners and a set of auto LED headlights that brighten the road ahead.
Step inside and you will notice that both vehicles offer a choice of interior themes. You can select a dual tone or a plain black finish depending on the variant you choose.
The MG Astor stands out by offering a leather-finished dashboard and door panels along with leather seats in higher variants. It also comes with extra touches such as LED reading lights for both front and rear passengers and a 60 to 40 split rear seat that makes it easier to balance passenger space with cargo needs.
The Grand Vitara also ensures a comfortable ride by providing features like interior lighting on the doors and footwell areas.
It has a sliding front armrest that comes with storage and even offers a rear seat with reclining functions in some variants. Both vehicles come equipped with modern conveniences like a digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless phone charger.
Yet the MG Astor takes a slight lead by including over-the-air updates and a driver seat that adjusts in six different ways. Meanwhile, the Grand Vitara impresses with its head-up display and paddle shifters which may appeal to those who enjoy a sporty feel.
Safety and Modern Assistance Systems
Safety is always a top priority and both these compact SUVs have been designed keeping your protection in mind. They both offer a range of safety features. Standard equipment includes a set of airbags, an electronic stability program, a hill hold assist, and hill descent control.
They are also fitted with systems that help in braking such as brake assist and ABS combined with electronic brake distribution. Both vehicles come with disc brakes on all four wheels, a 360-degree camera to help you park safely, tyre pressure monitoring, and rear parking sensors.
They also include ISOFIX child seat anchors for added security when traveling with young children.
While both vehicles are well equipped for safety, the MG Astor adds a few advanced features such as a level two driver assistance system and an electronic parking brake.
On the other hand, the Grand Vitara offers features such as a terrain mode selector on its all-wheel drive versions.
These additional features may prove useful depending on your driving habits and the kind of roads you usually navigate.
Understanding the Price Differences
Price is often the final deciding factor. The base model of the MG Astor is priced from 9.99 lakh rupees and goes up to 17.56 lakh rupees on an ex-showroom basis. In comparison, the Grand Vitara starts a little higher at 11.19 lakh rupees and can reach up to 20.09 lakh rupees for the top variant.
This makes the MG Astor more affordable for buyers looking for an entry-level compact SUV.
However, the top-end Grand Vitara offers more engine options and additional features which come at a higher price.
It is important to note that both vehicles do not include six airbags as a standard feature in all variants. This is something to consider if safety is your main concern.
The price difference can be partly attributed to the Grand Vitara offering a wider range of powertrain options such as hybrid versions and a petrol plus CNG option.
For buyers looking for a simple yet well-equipped model, the MG Astor may provide a good balance of features and affordability.
Overall, Both the MG Astor and the Maruti Grand Vitara have much to offer. They share many common features in terms of safety and modern comforts, but they also have distinct differences.
At the end of the day, the choice between the MG Astor and the Grand Vitara depends on your personal needs and budget. If you are looking for an affordable compact SUV with a straightforward engine choice and a rich list of features, the MG Astor might be your best bet. However, if you value multiple engine options and are ready to invest a little more for added flexibility and performance, the Grand Vitara could be the perfect match.
Enjoy the ride and happy driving!
Also Read: