It is the Grand Vitara vs. Hyryder story all over again, but this time, the stakes are EV.
With the global unveiling of the Maruti Suzuki eVitara and the India launch of the Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella (yes, that’s the official name!), the mid-size electric SUV segment has just exploded.
Both cars share the same DNA—the new HEARTECT-e skateboard platform—and are built in the same Gujarat plant. But don’t be fooled; Toyota and Maruti have taken drastically different approaches to design, warranty, and ownership models.
If you are holding a cheque for ₹20 Lakh, which one should you sign? Let’s break it down.
Design: Rugged vs. Robot
While they share the same skeleton, the skin is very different.
- Maruti Suzuki eVitara: It leans into the “SUV” persona. It features a chunky, upright front bumper, tough cladding, and distinct Y-shaped LED DRLs. It looks muscular, rugged, and ready for bad roads.
- Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella: Toyota has gone for a “Tech-Luxe” vibe. It gets the signature Hammerhead front fascia (like the Prius), sleek Pixel-Style LED lights, and a cleaner, more aerodynamic bumper. It looks more “urban” and sophisticated.
GForce Take: The Ebella looks more premium and futuristic, while the eVitara looks tougher.
Interior & Features: Same Space, Different Vibe
Step inside, and the layout is nearly identical, dominated by the dual-screen setup (10.25-inch infotainment + 10.25-inch cluster). However, the themes differ:
- Maruti eVitara: Uses a Black & Tan color scheme with textured grey inserts. It feels warm and conventional.
- Toyota Ebella: Opts for a Dual-Tone Brown & Black theme with Piano Black finishes on the console. It feels slightly more upmarket (and harder to keep clean!).
Shared Tech Arsenal: Both cars come loaded to the gills:
- Level 2 ADAS (Adaptive Cruise, Lane Keep Assist).
- Ventilated Front Seats & Powered Driver Seat.
- Panoramic Sunroof.
- 7 Airbags Standard
- 360-Degree Camera
Battery, Range & AWD: The Numbers Game
Since they share the powertrain, the specs are a tie. Both offer two battery packs:
| Spec | Medium Range | Long Range |
| Battery | 49 kWh (LFP) | 61 kWh (LFP) |
| Power | 144 PS | 174 PS |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 189 Nm (FWD) / 300 Nm (AWD) |
| Drive | FWD Only | FWD & AWD (ALLGRIP-e) |
| Range (Claimed) | ~400 km | ~543 km |
The AWD Factor: Both brands offer the AWD system on the top-spec 61 kWh variant. This is a “Trail Mode” capable system that mimics a differential lock using brakes—perfect for snow or slush.
The Game Changer: Toyota’s “BaaS” Model
This is where the battle shifts.
Maruti Suzuki is selling the eVitara the traditional way: You pay the full price upfront.
Toyota, learning from MG’s success with the Windsor EV, has introduced BaaS (Battery as a Service) for the Ebella.
- How it works: You buy the car without the battery cost, significantly lowering the sticker price. You then pay a monthly rental fee for the battery usage (e.g., ₹3.5 per km).
- The Benefit: This could make the Ebella starting price drop to ~₹14 Lakh, making it drastically cheaper to drive off the lot than the eVitara.
Price & Warranty War
Maruti Suzuki eVitara: Expected ₹17.00 – ₹22.50 Lakh.
- Warranty: Standard 8 Years / 1,60,000 km on battery.
Toyota Ebella: Expected ₹19.00 – ₹24.00 Lakh (Without BaaS).
- Warranty: Toyota is offering a Superior Warranty package and a 60% Assured Buyback plan after 3 years, which Maruti currently does not match.
Comparison Table: At a Glance
| Feature | Maruti Suzuki eVitara | Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella |
| Key Design Element | Y-Shaped DRLs (Rugged) | Hammerhead Face (Premium) |
| Interior Theme | Black & Tan | Brown & Black |
| Buying Model | Standard Purchase | Standard OR BaaS (Battery Rental) |
| Warranty | Standard NEXA Warranty | Toyota 8-Year + Buyback Assurance |
| Service Network | Unmatched Reach | Premium Experience |
Color
Maruti Suzuki eVitara
Nexa Blue & Grandeur Grey
Opulent Red & Splendid Silver
Artic White & Bluish Black
Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella
Sportin Red & Sportin Red Dual Tone
Gaming Grey & Enticing Silver
Cafe White & Bulish Black
GForce Verdict: Which One Should You Pick?
Buy the Maruti Suzuki eVitara if:
- You live in a Tier-2 or Tier-3 city where NEXA service reach is king.
- You prefer the rugged, SUV look over the soft EV styling.
- You want a straightforward purchase without monthly battery rental calculations.
Buy the Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella if:
- You want the “Toyota Badge” for higher resale value.
- You are attracted by the Low Upfront Cost using the BaaS model.
- You prioritize the Assured Buyback plan to safeguard against EV depreciation.
The Winner? Strictly on product, it’s a tie. But on ownership strategy, Toyota has played a bold card with BaaS. If the rental math works out, the Ebella might just steal the show.
FAQs: eVitara vs Ebella
Q: Is the Toyota Ebella just a rebadged eVitara? A: Yes, structurally they are identical. However, the bumper design, lights, interior color themes, and alloy wheels are different.
Q: Does the eVitara have AWD? A: Yes! The top-spec Alpha AWD variant (61 kWh) features Suzuki’s legendary ALLGRIP-e system.
Q: What is the real-world range of these cars? A: With the 61 kWh battery, expect a real-world highway range of 380-400 km and a city range of 450+ km.
By Gaurav Mantri | Automotive Expert & Founder, GForceMotor Published: February 01, 2026
Image & Video credit: nexaexperience.com & toyotabharat.com