The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga stands as a cornerstone in the Indian Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment, blending practicality, affordability, and modern features into a seven-seater package that resonates with families and fleet operators alike. Launched in India in 2012, the Ertiga has evolved through multiple generations, with its latest iteration reflecting Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to delivering value-driven mobility. Known for its spacious cabin, fuel-efficient powertrains, and extensive service network, the Ertiga has sold over 10 lakh units since its debut, a testament to its widespread appeal. Available in petrol and CNG variants, it caters to diverse needs, from urban commuting to long-distance travel, while maintaining a competitive edge in a crowded market. This detailed overview explores the Ertiga’s technical prowess, variant lineup, pricing across metro cities, and its standing against rivals, offering a comprehensive look at why it remains a top choice in the MPV landscape.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid (Petrol/CNG) |
| Displacement | 1462 cc |
| Max Power (Petrol) | 101.64 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| Max Torque (Petrol) | 136.8 Nm @ 4400 rpm |
| Max Power (CNG) | 87 bhp @ 5500 rpm |
| Max Torque (CNG) | 121.5 Nm @ 4200 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT / 6-speed AT (Petrol only) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / CNG |
| Mileage (ARAI) | Petrol MT: 20.51 kmpl, AT: 20.3 kmpl, CNG: 26.11 km/kg |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4395 mm x 1735 mm x 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2740 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 180 mm (unladen) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 litres (Petrol), 60 litres (CNG, water equivalent) |
| Boot Space | 209 litres (expandable) |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Kerb Weight | 1150-1205 kg (Petrol), 1250-1255 kg (CNG) |
| Suspension (Front) | MacPherson Strut & Coil Spring |
| Suspension (Rear) | Torsion Beam & Coil Spring |
| Brakes (Front/Rear) | Disc / Drum |
| Tyre Size | 185/65 R15 |
Variants
| Variant | Fuel Type | Transmission | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| LXi (O) | Petrol | Manual | Dual airbags, ABS, AC, power steering |
| VXi (O) | Petrol | Manual | Touchscreen, rear AC vents, wheel covers |
| VXi (O) CNG | CNG | Manual | Same as VXi + CNG kit |
| ZXi (O) | Petrol | Manual | Alloy wheels, fog lamps, Suzuki Connect |
| VXi AT | Petrol | Automatic | Same as VXi + 6-speed AT |
| ZXi Plus | Petrol | Manual | Push-button start, cruise control, 4 airbags |
| ZXi (O) CNG | CNG | Manual | Same as ZXi + CNG kit |
| ZXi AT | Petrol | Automatic | Same as ZXi + 6-speed AT |
| ZXi Plus AT | Petrol | Automatic | Top-spec with all features |
Price in Metro Cities (Ex-Showroom as of March 2025)
| Variant | Delhi | Mumbai | Bangalore | Chennai | Kolkata |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LXi (O) | Rs. 8.84 L | Rs. 9.03 L | Rs. 9.06 L | Rs. 9.06 L | Rs. 9.03 L |
| VXi (O) | Rs. 9.88 L | Rs. 10.07 L | Rs. 10.10 L | Rs. 10.10 L | Rs. 10.07 L |
| VXi (O) CNG | Rs. 10.78 L | Rs. 10.97 L | Rs. 11.00 L | Rs. 11.00 L | Rs. 10.97 L |
| ZXi (O) | Rs. 10.98 L | Rs. 11.17 L | Rs. 11.20 L | Rs. 11.20 L | Rs. 11.17 L |
| VXi AT | Rs. 11.28 L | Rs. 11.47 L | Rs. 11.50 L | Rs. 11.50 L | Rs. 11.47 L |
| ZXi Plus | Rs. 11.68 L | Rs. 11.87 L | Rs. 11.90 L | Rs. 11.90 L | Rs. 11.87 L |
| ZXi (O) CNG | Rs. 11.88 L | Rs. 12.07 L | Rs. 12.10 L | Rs. 12.10 L | Rs. 12.07 L |
| ZXi AT | Rs. 12.38 L | Rs. 12.57 L | Rs. 12.60 L | Rs. 12.60 L | Rs. 12.57 L |
| ZXi Plus AT | Rs. 13.08 L | Rs. 13.27 L | Rs. 13.30 L | Rs. 13.30 L | Rs. 13.27 L |
Note: Prices are ex-showroom and subject to change. On-road prices will include RTO, insurance, and additional charges.
About the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga emerged as a game-changer when it debuted, introducing the concept of a “Life Utility Vehicle” (LUV) tailored for Indian consumers. Unlike Maruti’s globally designed models, the Ertiga was engineered with India-specific needs in mind—spacious interiors, cost-effective ownership, and adaptability to varied road conditions. Its first generation, built on the Swift platform, laid the foundation for its success, while the second generation, introduced in 2018 and facelifted in 2022, embraced the lightweight HEARTECT platform, enhancing space, safety, and efficiency. Measuring 4395 mm in length, 1735 mm in width, and 1690 mm in height, with a 2740 mm wheelbase, the Ertiga offers a balanced footprint—compact enough for city maneuvers yet roomy for seven occupants.
Inside, the Ertiga’s cabin exudes practicality and comfort. The three-row seating configuration is its hallmark, with a flexible second row that slides and reclines, and a third row that folds flat to expand the 209-litre boot into a cavernous cargo space. The beige and black dual-tone interiors, accented by a metallic teak-wood finish on higher trims, lend a premium touch, though material quality remains functional rather than luxurious—typical of Maruti’s value-focused approach. Features like the 7-inch SmartPlay Pro touchscreen, compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, and rear AC vents elevate the experience, especially in mid-to-top variants. The inclusion of Suzuki Connect—with over 40 connected car features like remote AC activation and vehicle tracking—adds a modern edge, appealing to tech-savvy buyers.
Under the hood, the Ertiga is powered by a 1.5-litre K15C petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology, delivering 101.64 bhp and 136.8 Nm of torque in petrol mode. This engine pairs with a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic, the latter replacing the older 4-speed unit for smoother shifts and better refinement. For eco-conscious buyers, the CNG variant—available in select trims—offers 87 bhp and 121.5 Nm, exclusively with a manual gearbox, and boasts an impressive 26.11 km/kg mileage, making it one of the most fuel-efficient MPVs in its class. The mild-hybrid system, featuring a battery pack and regenerative braking, subtly boosts efficiency (up to 20.51 kmpl in petrol-manual variants), though it’s not a performance enhancer. The Ertiga’s drivability shines in urban settings, with light steering and a tight turning radius, while its suspension—MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear—handles India’s pothole-laden roads with composure, though it may feel soft at higher speeds.
Safety, a critical consideration for family buyers, is a mixed bag. The Ertiga earned a one-star Global NCAP rating in its latest South Africa-spec test (2023), a downgrade from its earlier three-star score, reflecting modest structural integrity and basic safety kit. Standard features include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX mounts, while higher trims add side airbags (totaling four), ESP, and hill-hold assist. The absence of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and a sunroof—common in newer rivals—may disappoint some, but the Ertiga compensates with Maruti’s unmatched reliability and a 3-year/1 lakh km warranty (up from 2 years/40,000 km as of 2024), extendable to 5 years.
Externally, the Ertiga’s design has matured. The facelifted model sports a bold chrome-winged grille, projector headlamps, and two-tone 15-inch alloy wheels, though the lack of LED DRLs and larger rims keeps it understated compared to flashier competitors. Seven monotone colors—Pearl Midnight Black, Magma Grey, Dignity Brown, Pearl Arctic White, Oxford Blue, Splendid Silver, and Auburn Red—offer variety, with no dual-tone options. The CNG tank, discreetly housed under the boot floor, reduces luggage space slightly but integrates seamlessly, with the filler cap hidden behind the fuel lid.
The Ertiga’s appeal lies in its cost of ownership. With petrol mileage ranging from 18-22 kmpl in real-world conditions (per user reports) and CNG at 22-25 km/kg, coupled with Maruti’s vast 4000+ service centers, maintenance is affordable—typically under Rs. 2500 per service for CNG variants. Its resale value, bolstered by brand trust, further sweetens the deal. Variants like the ZXi strike a value-for-money chord, offering essentials like a touchscreen, alloy wheels, and connected tech without breaking the bank, while the top-spec ZXi Plus AT caters to those seeking luxury within the MPV mold.
However, the Ertiga isn’t flawless. Its 1.5-litre engine lacks punch for spirited driving, especially when fully loaded, and the third row, while usable, compromises on thigh support and ingress/egress ease. The absence of a diesel option—discontinued in 2019—may deter mileage-focused buyers, though CNG fills that gap effectively. Noise insulation could be better, and the one-star safety rating raises concerns for safety-conscious families. Still, for its price point—starting at Rs. 8.84 lakh ex-showroom—the Ertiga delivers a compelling package that few rivals can match holistically.
Close Competitors
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga faces stiff competition in India’s MPV segment, with each rival bringing unique strengths to the table. Here’s how it stacks up against its closest contenders:
Kia Carens
Launched in 2022, the Carens targets a premium audience with its bold design, feature-rich cabin, and multiple powertrain options—petrol, diesel, and turbo-petrol, paired with manual, automatic, or DCT gearboxes. Priced from Rs. 10.45 lakh to Rs. 19.67 lakh (ex-showroom), it offers six- or seven-seat layouts, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, ventilated seats, and ADAS in higher trims—features the Ertiga lacks. Its three-star GNCAP rating edges out the Ertiga’s safety credentials, but its higher price and less extensive service network make it less accessible for budget buyers. The Carens excels in performance and modernity but sacrifices the Ertiga’s fuel efficiency and affordability.
Maruti Suzuki XL6
A sibling to the Ertiga, the XL6 is a premium six-seater variant sold through Nexa showrooms, priced between Rs. 11.61 lakh and Rs. 14.77 lakh (ex-showroom). Sharing the same 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid engine, it offers a captain-seat second row, a more upscale design with LED DRLs, and a 360-degree camera in top trims. While it mirrors the Ertiga’s mileage and reliability, its higher cost and six-seat limit cater to buyers prioritizing comfort over maximum seating. The Ertiga, with its lower entry price and seven-seat option, appeals to larger families.
Toyota Rumion
Essentially a rebadged Ertiga, the Rumion (priced Rs. 10.44 lakh to Rs. 13.73 lakh ex-showroom) leverages Toyota’s badge for added reliability perception. It shares the Ertiga’s engine, variants, and features, with minor cosmetic tweaks like a distinct grille. Toyota’s 3-year/1 lakh km warranty matches Maruti’s, but its smaller service network and slightly higher pricing (due to branding) don’t significantly differentiate it. The Ertiga remains the more economical choice with identical underpinnings.
Renault Triber
A budget-friendly seven-seater, the Triber starts at Rs. 6 lakh and tops out at Rs. 8.97 lakh (ex-showroom), undercutting the Ertiga significantly. Its 1.0-litre petrol engine (71 bhp) is underpowered compared to the Ertiga’s, and it lacks CNG or automatic options. However, its modular third row, four-star GNCAP rating, and compact size appeal to small families or urban buyers. The Ertiga counters with superior space, power, and features, justifying its higher price.
Mahindra Marazzo
Positioned as a premium MPV (Rs. 14.59 lakh to Rs. 17.17 lakh ex-showroom), the Marazzo offers a 1.5-litre diesel engine (121 bhp), a ladder-frame chassis, and a four-star GNCAP rating. Its spacious cabin and robust build outshine the Ertiga, but the lack of petrol or CNG options, coupled with higher running costs and a smaller service network, limits its mass-market appeal. The Ertiga’s affordability and efficiency give it an edge for cost-conscious buyers.
The Ertiga’s primary advantage lies in its balanced proposition—it’s neither the cheapest (Triber) nor the most premium (Carens/Marazzo), but it blends space, efficiency, and Maruti’s ecosystem better than most. Its CNG option and extensive after-sales support further solidify its dominance, though rivals with better safety or power may sway discerning buyers.
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga remains a benchmark in the MPV segment, offering a rare blend of affordability, practicality, and efficiency. Its seven-seater layout, fuel-efficient CNG option, and Maruti’s unparalleled support network make it a go-to choice for families and commercial users. While it lags in safety ratings and premium features compared to rivals like the Kia Carens or Mahindra Marazzo, its value proposition—starting at Rs. 8.84 lakh—and real-world usability keep it ahead of the pack. Whether navigating metro traffic or embarking on a family road trip, the Ertiga delivers dependable performance with minimal fuss, cementing its status as India’s favorite people-mover.
