Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Hyundai Creta: A Comparison of Their Variants Under Rs 18 Lakh for Performance Enthusiasts

What are some of the best performance cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we take a look at the mid-size SUVs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Hyundai Creta, and find out why they appeal to performance enthusiasts.

In this article, we will share

• What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Hyundai Creta – A comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
• How to pick the right car for you

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

What a Performance Enthusiast looks for in a car

Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:

• Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
• Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
• Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
• Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance

Performance enthusiasts crave vehicles that deliver exhilarating speed, precise handling, and dynamic responsiveness. They prioritize acceleration, power, and agility in fast cars, often focusing on technical specifications such as engine capacity, torque, and power delivery. 

An optimized balance of these elements ensures a thrilling driving experience, making every ride an adventure.

Why Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Hyundai Creta are Popular

Both Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Hyundai Creta have captured the attention of performance enthusiasts. 

The Grand Vitara, with its sturdy FWD and AWD configurations, promises stable high-speed rides and linear power delivery. 

Hyundai Creta, on the other hand, boasts a blend of performance and luxury. With variants offering both petrol and diesel engines, the Creta ensures efficient power output coupled with modern features. 

Its robust engine specifications combined with the agility of its FWD drive type makes it a top pick for those seeking thrilling drives.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Hyundai Creta Variants Shortlist in Rs 17-18 Lakh Range

For Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 13 September 2023
Alpha AT DT	₹17,07,000
Alpha AWD DT	₹17,07,000

For Hyundai Creta, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 13 September 2023
SX Opt IVT	₹17,54,000
SX Opt Diesel	₹17,60,000
SX Opt Knight IVT	₹17,70,000
SX Opt Knight IVT DT	₹17,70,000

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Alpha AT DT

A great choice for performance lovers, boasting a FWD drive type, stable high-speed rides, and a linear power delivery. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Grand Vitara with Hyundai Creta and Skoda Kushaq.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Alpha AWD DT

Offers all benefits of the AT DT variant but with the additional advantage of an AWD, promising better traction and handling on varying terrains.

Hyundai Creta SX Opt IVT

Features a petrol engine with a good balance of power and torque, supported by a responsive CVT transmission. If you’re a family-focused buyer, you can read our comparison of the Creta with Kia Seltos and MG Astor.

Hyundai Creta SX Opt Diesel

The diesel option ensures a higher torque, which can be a treat for enthusiasts seeking a more robust pull. If you enjoy long-distance road trips, you can check out our comparison of the Creta with Honda City.

Hyundai Creta SX Opt Knight IVT & IVT DT

Both these variants mirror the benefits of the SX Opt IVT but come with a glossy finish, giving a touch of elegance to performance.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Hyundai Creta for Performance Enthusiasts

The Hyundai Creta SX Opt Diesel stands out. Its diesel engine outputs a remarkable torque of 250 Nm, ensuring rapid acceleration and exhilarating rides. 

Along with a balance of power and efficiency, its specifications resonate best with the preferences of a performance enthusiast.

The Top 3 choices

1. Hyundai Creta SX Opt Diesel
2. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Alpha AWD DT
3. Hyundai Creta SX Opt Knight IVT

Attributes	Hyundai Creta SX Opt Diesel	Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Alpha AWD DT	Hyundai Creta SX Opt Knight IVT
# of cylinders	4	4	4
Acceleration (0-60 km/h)	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Agility	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Audio System (Brand)	Bose	Arkamys	Bose
Body Roll	Minimal	Moderate	Minimal
Drive Type (AWD/RWD/FWD/4WD)	FWD	AWD	FWD
Engine – displacement (cc)	1493	1462	1497
Engine – Fuel type	Diesel	Petrol	Petrol
Engine – power (BHP)	113.45	101.64	113.18
Engine – Torque (Nm)	250	136.8	143.8
Ground clearance (mm)	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
High-Speed Stability	Stable	Stable	Stable
Power delivery	Linear	Linear	Linear
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
Top Speed (km/h)	190	180	190
Transmission – # of gears	6	5	6
Transmission – Auto Type	None	None	CVT
Turbo lag	Minimal	Not Relevant	Minimal

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Creta SX Opt Diesel leads with its torque-rich experience. 
• The all-terrain prowess of the Grand Vitara Alpha AWD DT makes it the second choice.
• The luxury and performance blend of the Creta SX Opt Knight IVT rounds up the top 3 choices.

For performance enthusiasts, these three variants are quick cars that offer an unparalleled driving experience, and they assure every journey is filled with adrenaline and excitement.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered