The all-new 2023 Suzuki Vitara is coming. Redesign and hybrid engines are the most notable changes for the upcoming vehicle. There are no further details yet since the official launch is about to happen later this year. For now, we know that Suzuki Escudo, which they call Vitara in its homeland, is redesigned and uses new drivetrains.
Compact SUVs have become commonplace nowadays. The fact is that Suzuki Vitara is one of the pioneers in this market. The company had ups and downs. Escudo SUV was withdrawn from the Japanese market in 2021. Now, the carmaker is bringing it back as an all-new vehicle. The same is expected from the 2023 Suzuki Vitara, the same crossover, but this is the name for most markets.
According to the first details and reports from Japan, the carmaker will bring the Escudo with similar design solutions to the Jimny SUV. It means the SUV is becoming boxier. Plus, it will definitely feature a hybrid drivetrain, the first ad says.
2023 Suzuki Vitara Hybrid Specs
The carmaker already released a statement about the Japanese version of the SUV. Well, the new Escudo will share the platform and features with the 2023 Suzuki Vitara. According to the company, they will install a hybrid system on the compact SUV. The drivetrain now comes with an electric motor that recharges faster and offers an extended range. Also, the capacity of the lithium-ion battery boosts the maximum output of the system. the first predictions are the 2023 Vitara and Escudo will return nearly 20 km/l. Converted to miles per gallon, that is 47 mpg. Unfortunately, the small SUV is not coming to the US. In addition, Suzuki adopted a regenerative brake system for the first time. It can efficiently charge the battery when the brake is applied or driving reverse.
In the powertrain room, we’ll see the combination of the K15C dual-jet engine and the 6AGS transmission. The plant combines fuel-economy efficiency and power boosted by excellent thermal productivity. On the other hand, the gearbox enhances a smooth acceleration. We’ll see what buyers have to say about the revisited system, which is debuting in most markets. By linking these with the four-wheel control system called ALL GRIP, you will also get an SUV that is capable of the off-road drive. Suzuki won’t stop there. The 2023 Vitara and Escudo are equipped with a hybrid engine, and the carmaker will continue to promote efforts toward complete electrification.
Short History of Vitara/Escudo
The first Vitara/Escudo appeared in 1988. At that time, full-sized 4WD models, such as Land Cruiser and Mitsubishi Pajero, were popular. In such an era, the first Vitara/Escudo started as a 3-door compact crossover. Vehicles had a rudder frame structure and a part-time 4WD with a manual transmission. The stylish exterior and small size made it suitable for city riding. Practicality was a key to its popularity, especially when Suzuki added the 4-door model. It lead to the second-generation model, launched in 1997. The three-row Grand Escudo was also there, but the company left this model behind very soon.
The market was changing and the third-gen Escudo was the mid-size SUV. Still, some old characteristics were kept – tough platform and 4WD. In 2015, the 4th generation made the SUV smaller and more attractive. The new 2023 Suzuki Vitara brings something fans haven’t seen in the past. The next chapter of the SUVs history starts with hybrid systems.
2023 Suzuki Vitara Release Date and Expectations
Ad for the new Escudo (Vitara for the Japanese market) is already out on Youtube. The SUV will feature a hybrid engine, but not too many further details were unveiled. Since the 2023 Suzuki Vitara will be closely related to Escudo, we expect the same upgrades. The sales are not starting before the next year, so the company will have more time to tune the crossover to perfection.
According to Japanese magazines specializing in the automotive industry, the upcoming 2023 Vitara will take some design solutions from the Jimny SUV. This vehicle is well-known for its boxy look. Many carmakers are dropping such styling, because of the aerodynamics. But, it seems like Suzuki fans can’t wait to see the new crossovers being different. Some of them also want the company to bring back Grand Vitara. However, this move is not so likely to happen.
