When looking for a practical and feature-rich 3-row MPV under ₹15 lakh, the Maruti Ertiga and the Kia Carens both stand out. Each caters to slightly different audiences: the Ertiga focuses on value, reliability, and efficiency, while the Carens leans toward premium features and design.
Pricing (Ex-Showroom, India)
Variant | Maruti Ertiga | Kia Carens |
---|---|---|
Starting Price | ₹8.69 lakh | ₹10.45 lakh |
Top Variant Under ₹15L | ZXI+ AT (~₹13.03 lakh) | Prestige Plus 1.5 Petrol (~₹14.95 lakh) |
Engine Options
Engine | Maruti Ertiga | Kia Carens |
---|---|---|
Petrol | 1.5L NA Petrol (103hp, 137Nm) | 1.5L NA Petrol (115hp, 144Nm) |
Turbo Petrol | ❌ | 1.5L Turbo Petrol (160hp, 253Nm)* |
Diesel | ❌ | ❌ |
CNG | ✅ (1.5L, 88hp) | ❌ |
Transmission | 5MT / 6AT | 6MT / IVT (CVT) / 7DCT (turbo only) |
Fuel Efficiency (Claimed)
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Ertiga Petrol (MT): ~20.51 km/l
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Ertiga CNG: ~26.11 km/kg
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Carens Petrol (NA): ~16.5–17.9 km/l
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Carens Turbo Petrol (DCT): ~17.9 km/l
Verdict: Ertiga is more fuel efficient, especially with CNG.
Space & Comfort
Parameter | Maruti Ertiga | Kia Carens |
---|---|---|
Length | 4395 mm | 4540 mm |
Wheelbase | 2740 mm | 2780 mm |
3rd Row Comfort | Average | Better |
Boot Space (All Seats Up) | 209L | 216L |
Features Comparison (Top Variants)
Feature | Maruti Ertiga ZXI+ | Kia Carens Prestige Plus |
---|---|---|
Touchscreen | 7-inch | 8-inch |
Android Auto / Apple CarPlay | Wired | Wireless |
Rear Camera | ✅ | ✅ |
Airbags | 4 | 6 (standard) ✅ |
Sunroof | ❌ | ✅ (higher variants) |
Cruise Control | ✅ | ✅ |
AC Vents for All Rows | ✅ | ✅ |
Connected Car Tech | ❌ | ✅ (higher variants) |
Safety
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Ertiga: Dual airbags (base), up to 4 airbags, ESP, hill-hold, ISOFIX
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Carens: 6 airbags standard, ESP, VSM, TPMS, ISOFIX
Verdict: Kia Carens is significantly better equipped in terms of safety, right from the base variant.
Ride & Handling
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Ertiga: Soft suspension for comfort, ideal for city driving.
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Carens: Better high-speed stability, more refined and comfortable over long distances.
Verdict: Carens has a more mature and premium ride quality.
After-Sales & Ownership
Parameter | Maruti Ertiga | Kia Carens |
---|---|---|
Service Network | Extensive | Decent but growing |
Maintenance Cost | Lower | Slightly higher |
Resale | Strong | Good, improving |
If you want… | Choose |
---|---|
Lower price, CNG economy, lower maintenance | Maruti Ertiga |
More space, features, 6 airbags, premium feel | Kia Carens |