What is the other name for the Suzuki Vitara?
The other name for the Suzuki Vitara is the Suzuki Escudo. Across markets, Suzuki used different badges for the same compact SUV, most notably Escudo in Japan. The naming reflects decades of global marketing and model evolution since the late 1980s.
Origins of the name and regional branding
When Suzuki introduced the compact SUV in 1988, the car carried different badges depending on the market. In Japan, it was marketed as the Escudo, while export markets around the world commonly used the Vitara name. The Escudo badge became closely associated with the model in Japan, even as the exterior design and technology evolved.
First generation overview (1988–1998)
The original generation laid the groundwork for Suzuki's compact SUV lineup. In Japan the Escudo name anchored the product line, while other regions adopted Vitara to emphasize a global identity. The result was a shared platform with separate branding across regions.
Branding shifts in the late 1990s and early 2000s
As Suzuki expanded the range, some markets began using the Grand Vitara badge for the larger, pricier sibling built on the same platform. This helped distinguish size and features in North American and other markets while the Vitara name continued in Europe and elsewhere for the smaller model variant.
Current branding and consumer takeaway
Today, the name most people encounter for Suzuki's compact SUV line is Vitara in most international markets. The Escudo badge remains a notable historical footnote for the Japanese market and for collectors and enthusiasts tracking the model's global journey.
Summary
In short, Suzuki's Vitara is also known as the Escudo in Japan for the original model. The dual-branding illustrates how automakers navigate regional markets while keeping a common platform under the hood.
Is the Suzuki Sidekick the same as a Vitara?
Though Vitara is the global model name, it is marketed under different names in certain markets. In Japan the Vitara is sold as the Escudo, while in North America the first generation was known as the Sidekick. The choice of the name ”Vitara” was inspired by the English word “vital,” as in “vitality.”
Is the Suzuki Vitara made by Toyota?
The Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder are subcompact crossover SUVs (B-segment) developed by Suzuki and produced by Toyota in India since 2022.
What is the nickname of the Suzuki Vitara?
Suzuki Vitara / Sidekick / Escudo (1st generation)
The second and third generation were known as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, while the fourth generation eschewing the "Grand" prefix. In Japan and a number of other markets, all generations have used the name Suzuki Escudo (Japanese: スズキ・エスクード, Hepburn: Suzuki Esukūdo).
What is the name of the Suzuki Vitara in the US?
Suzuki Sidekick
The original series was designed to fill the slot above the Suzuki Jimny. The first generation was known as Suzuki Sidekick in the United States.
