Maruti Suzuki Victoris Wins Indian Car of the Year 2026

The automotive landscape in India witnessed one of its most talked-about moments in December 2025. At the highly anticipated Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2026 Awards, the newly launched Maruti Suzuki Victoris emerged as the standout vehicle of the year, capturing the prestigious Indian Car of the Year 2026 title. This achievement not only marks a milestone for Maruti Suzuki but also reflects broader shifts in consumer preferences, automotive technology, and market dynamics in India.

First introduced in 2005, the Indian Car of the Year awards have, over two decades, become the most credible and widely respected automotive accolade in the country. Often described as the “Oscar of the Indian automotive industry”, the ICOTY title is not simply about sales figures or popularity; it’s rooted in rigorous evaluation by a distinguished jury of leading automobile journalists and experts. Eligible vehicles undergo in-depth assessments across multiple parameters—design, comfort, performance, safety, value for money, innovation, and suitability for Indian driving conditions.

The process involves a points-based jury system, with each member required to allocate scores across a minimum number of cars, ensuring fairness and broad perspective. Because nominees must be all-new products (not minor facelifts), the award highlights genuine innovation and fresh thinking in vehicle design and engineering.

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris stood out among a strong roster of contenders that included SUVs, EVs, hybrids, and tech-rich entries from global and domestic brands. Among the closest rivals were the Skoda Kylaq, which finished as first runner-up, and the Mahindra XEV 9e, which doubled as both a podium finisher and Green Car of the Year.

What made the Victoris particularly compelling was its balanced blend of advanced technology, comfort, safety, versatility, and price value—a mix that resonated well with both the ICOTY jury and the broader Indian audience.

Design and Features That Impressed: The Victoris boasts a modern design language that blends sophistication with rugged SUV cues—high ground clearance, strong stance, and a distinctive front fascia—that appeals to family car buyers and urban users alike. Its cabin is loaded with features that are rare or segment-first in this category, such as:

A 10.1-inch SmartPlay Pro X touchscreen infotainment system paired with a premium surround-sound setup (Dolby Atmos-enabled) for a “theatre on wheels” experience.

• Advanced Level 2 ADAS safety suite and a 360-degree view camera system.
• Customizable ambient lighting with up to 64 colors, enhancing the modern cabin ambience.
• Multiple powertrain options to fit customer needs: from petrol and CNG to strong hybrid with EV mode for a refined and fuel-efficient experience.
• An under-body fuel/CNG tank layout to maximize usable boot space.

Across these attributes, the Victoris delivers a modern motoring experience that rivals more expensive vehicles while retaining affordability—a combination that evidently resonated with the ICOTY jury.

Technological Advancements and Future-Friendly Engineering

One of the most exciting aspects of the Victoris is its powertrain diversity. At a time when electrification is rapidly reshaping the automotive industry, the Victoris’ multiple powertrain options including a strong hybrid system with EV mode place it at the forefront of accessible hybrid technology in India. Its hybrid version, with impressively high reported fuel efficiency figures, exemplifies how mainstream vehicles can integrate more sustainable technologies without sacrificing usability or driving enjoyment.

Meanwhile, the availability of a 4×4 ALLGRIP Select model with paddle shifters diversifies the appeal further, showcasing that the Victoris isn’t just about city cruising—it’s also tailored for adventurous driving scenarios.

Market Impact:Since its launch in September 2025, the Victoris has been widely adopted by the Indian market. Within just a few months, it has not only delivered impressive sales figures but has also become one of the top-selling SUV choices in its segment. Enthusiastic reception from customers and growing showroom footfalls underscore how well the market is responding to this new offering.

Winning ICOTY 2026 only amplifies this momentum. Awards like ICOTY do much more than recognize a product—they validate a brand’s strategy and product vision. For Maruti Suzuki, this trophy bolsters its image as a maker of vehicles that are not just reliably practical, but forward-looking and technologically competitive as well.

Industry Reception and Broader Trends

The ICOTY 2026 results also tell a larger story about where the Indian automotive industry is headed:

• SUV dominance: Most finalists were SUV models, reflecting the continued preference of Indian buyers for spacious and versatile vehicles.
• Electrification and green mobility:The presence and success of electric models like the Mahindra XEV category highlight electrification gaining stronger ground.
• Premium aspirations: Premium car awards, like the one secured by the Volkswagen Golf GTI, show that premium and performance segments are also closely watched by consumers even as mainstream cars dominate sales.

Together, these trends reflect an Indian auto market that is becoming more diverse, sophisticated, and innovation-driven—a striking shift from what was once a mostly value-oriented landscape.

At the awards ceremony in New Delhi, Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director of JK Tyre & Industries, highlighted the broader significance of the ICOTY and IMOTY awards. He emphasized how the awards recognize forward-looking innovation, celebrate technological shifts, and encourage the industry to embrace sustainable and intelligent mobility.

From Maruti Suzuki’s side, Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director & CEO of Maruti Suzuki India, expressed gratitude for the honor and reiterated how the Victoris was conceptualized to meet the emerging needs of today’s new-age customers, blending style, technology, safety, and smart innovations in one package.

For buyers, the Victoris win sends a clear message: India’s automotive offerings are maturing rapidly. You no longer have to trade off features, safety, or technology for affordability. The Victoris exemplifies how modern cars can still be accessible, practical, and packed with cutting-edge tech.

It also sets a new benchmark for competitors, pushing other manufacturers to elevate their game in terms of innovation, feature content, and overall value. As electrification, hybridization, and digital enhancements continue to transform mobility, vehicles that can balance technology, efficiency, and real-world practicality are poised to lead the market.

The Road Ahead: As Victoris begins 2026 with this significant accolade, expectations are high—not just for Maruti Suzuki, but for the entire SUV segment in India. The ICOTY win could influence buying decisions, shape marketing narratives, and reinforce consumer confidence as new models emerge in the coming year.

What’s clear is this: Maruti Suzuki Victoris is not just a winner of a title; it represents a shift toward a more advanced, diversified, and consumer-centric automotive future in India.