If you have a family of 7 to 8 people and are looking for a family car on a tight budget, the first name that comes to mind is the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. The Ertiga has been a favorite of millions for years, and it’s perfect for those with a big family but a tight budget. Even if your budget is tight, you don’t have to compromise in features like space, mileage, and maintenance. These cars, priced between 9 and 13 lakh rupees, offer a large space of 7 to 8 peoples, and the Maruti brand will never disappoint you in terms of reliability and service.
In short, if you have a large family and want a low-maintenance 7 to 8-seater car, the Maruti Ertiga could be your first choice.
Short information
| Details | Petrol (1.5L K15C) | CNG (1.5L K15C) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid | 1.5L K15C CNG |
| Power | 103 PS @ 6,000 rpm | 87.8 PS @ 5,500 rpm |
| torque | 137 Nm @ 4,400 rpm | 121.5 Nm @ 4,200 rpm |
| Mileage (ARAI) | ~20.51 kmpl | ~26.11 km/kg |
| Gearbox | 5MT / 6AT (Paddle Shifters) | 5MT |
| Price (starting) | 8.80 lakh | 10.76 lakh |
| Boot Space | ~550 liters (3rd row folded) | ~550 liters (3rd row folded) |
| Airbags | 6 (all variants standard) | 6 standard |
| Seating | 7 people | 7 people |
Note: Prices given are Ex-Showroom. May vary from city to city. Contact your nearest Maruti Suzuki dealer.
Price and Variants
| Budget | Variant | Main features available |
|---|---|---|
| 8.80 to 9.50 lakh | LXi (Petrol) | 6 Airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors |
| 9.50 to 10.50 lakh | VXi (Petrol/CNG) | SmartPlay Pro, rear AC vents, alloy wheels |
| 10.50 to 12.00 lakh | ZXi (Petrol/CNG) | 360° camera, leather seats, cruise control |
| 12.00 to 12.94 lakh | ZXi+ (Petrol AT) | 6AT Paddle Shifters, ESC, premium finish |
On-Road Price (Estimated):
- Pune: Starting from 10.20 lakh (LXi base)
- Mumbai: Starting from 10.50 lakh (LXi base)
- Nagpur: Starting from 10.00 lakh (LXi base)
Sweet Spot: ZXi Petrol Manual SmartPlay Pro, 360° camera, cruise control, 6 airbags at a balanced price. If you drive a lot in the city, the CNG VXi is the champion for running cost.
Available colors
| Colour | Speciality |
|---|---|
| Arctic White | Most in demand clean, timeless look |
| Splendid Silver | Great for resale, scratches are less visible |
| Magma Grey | Subtle but premium feel |
| Bluish Black | Stealthy, sophisticated appearance |
| Auburn Red | Attracts attention on the road |
| Prime Oxford Blue | Unique, different look for a family car |
| Pearl Metallic Dignity Brown | Earthy, premium feel |
Waiting period
Since Ertiga is Maruti’s bestseller, stock is usually available. Usually, you have to wait for 1 to 4 weeks. The ZXi+ Automatic and CNG variants may take a little longer in some cities. Waiting period depends on city, dealership stock, color and variant. Demand increases during festivals.
Engine and Performance
1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid Petrol
| Displacement | 1,462 cc |
| Power | 103 PS @ 6,000 rpm |
| torque | 137 Nm @ 4,400 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed MT / 6-Speed AT |
1.5L K15C CNG
| Power | 87.8 PS @ 5,500 rpm |
| torque | 121.5 Nm @ 4,200 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed MT |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 26.11 km/kg |
The Ertiga’s engine runs smoothly on the highway. The smart hybrid system provides slightly more torque, making overtaking easier. Even with 7 passengers, the car remains quite comfortable with the AC on.
Gearbox type
- 5-Speed Manual Available in both petrol and CNG, light gear shifts
- 6-Speed Automatic (Paddle Shifters) Petrol ZXi+ only, very smooth in the city
Mileage Claimed vs Real
| Variant | ARAI (Official) | In the city | On the highway |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L Petrol Manual | ~20.51 kmpl | 16 to18 kmpl | 20 to 23 kmpl |
| 1.5L Petrol AT | ~20.3 kmpl | 15 to 17 kmpl | 19 to 22 kmpl |
| CNG Manual | ~26.11 km/kg | 18 to 22 km/kg | 24 to 26 km/kg |
The Ertiga’s fuel efficiency is truly exceptional in this segment. Getting over 20 kmpl from a large 7-seater MPV is truly impressive. If you drive long distances every day, the CNG version will be ideal for you.
Exterior design
The Ertiga doesn’t try too hard to stand out, and that’s part of its appeal. Its design is clean and family-friendly, while the updated grille, projector headlamps, and stylish alloy wheels give it a fresh, modern look.
- Updated front fascia bold grille and projector headlamps
- Sleek LED DRLs Recognizable at night
- Tall, upright stance practical for boarding and headroom
- 15-inch alloy wheels (in higher variants)
- Dimensions: 4,395mm (L) × 1,735mm (W) × 1,690mm (H)
- Ground Clearance: 180mm, Enough for city roads
Interior and Features
The first thing you notice when you sit in the Ertiga is that there is legroom in the back seat. The second row is as comfortable as the captain’s chairs.
- SmartPlay Pro 7″ Infotainment Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Digital Instrument Cluster (higher variants)
- Rear AC Vents Very useful for the rear in summer
- USB Type-C Fast Charging for all rows
- Cruise Control (ZXi and above)
- 360° Camera (ZXi and above)
- Leather Seats (in ZXi+)
- Keyless Entry + Push Button Start
- Auto Climate Control (ZXi+)
- Flat-folding 3rd row boot space up to 550 liters
| Features | Availability |
|---|---|
| SmartPlay Pro Infotainment | VXi and above |
| Rear AC Vents | VXi and above |
| 360° Camera | ZXi and above |
| Cruise Control | ZXi and above |
| Leather Seats | ZXi+ |
| 6-Speed AT + Paddle Shifters | ZXi+ |
Safety Features
Let’s be honest here, under Global NCAP’s stringent 2024 protocol, the Ertiga scored 1 star, with some shortcomings in bodyshell stability and chest protection.
However, for the 2025-2026 Indian models, Maruti has made 6 airbags standard across all variants, which is a significant upgrade.
- 6 Airbags Driver, co-driver, side, curtain standard across all variants
- ABS with EBD control in emergency braking
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Hold Control
- ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors
- Rear Parking Sensors (all variants)
- 360° Camera (ZXi and above)
- Pre-tensioner Seatbelts
- High-Speed Alert System
- Seatbelt Reminder for all rows
Honest Opinion: The Ertiga doesn’t have as good an NCAP score as the Tata Harrier. However, with six airbags, ESC, and ABS, it’s plenty safe for daily use. If safety is your top priority, consider the Harrier or Alcazar.
Driving Experience
Steering:
The Ertiga’s steering is very light, making it easy to maneuver in narrow city streets and mall parking lots. On the highway, the steering feels a bit loose at speeds of over 100 kmph, but with practice, it can be managed.
Suspension:
The Ertiga has been tuned for comfort. It smooths out the ride over potholes and uneven roads, making everyday city driving comfortable. If you take corners at high speeds, you’ll experience some body movement, but this is quite normal for a family MPV.
NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness):
The petrol engine is quiet in the cabin. The CNG engine vibrates a bit more, but it’s not annoying. There’s some wind noise on the highway, but the overall ride is comfortable.
Service and maintenance costs
| Service type | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Service (Petrol) | 4,000 to 7,000 |
| Annual Service (CNG) | 4,500 to 7,500 |
| 5-year total (approximate) | 25,000 to 38,000 |
| Tyre Replacement (one set) | 12,000 to 18,000 (15″ tyres) |
The Ertiga’s biggest strength is its low maintenance costs, and Maruti’s extensive service network across the country is a major plus. Fuel costs are much lower in the CNG variant. If you drive 40+ km daily, CNG saves a lot more than petrol in 3 to 4 years.
✅ Advantages
- 7-seater + 6 airbags standard, price ₹8.80 lakh
- Best-in-class fuel efficiency (20.51 kmpl)
- CNG option offers very low running costs
- Maruti’s extensive service network
- Lightweight build, smooth, agile driving
- ~550L boot space (third row folded)
- Resale value is very good in the segment
- Spare parts are readily available and inexpensive.
❌ Disadvantages
- Bodyshell concerns in NCAP crash test
- CNG does not have an automatic option.
- No ADAS features
- No sunroof (in any variant)
Comparison with competitor cars
| Details | Maruti Ertiga | Kia Carens | Renault Triber | Citroen Aircross |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | 8.80L | 10.49L | 6.48L | 11.99L |
| Safety Rating | 1-star GNCAP (old) | 3-star GNCAP | 4-star GNCAP | 5-Star BNCAP |
| Seats | 7 | 6/7 | 7 | 7 |
| Mileage | ~20.5 kmpl | ~16 to 18 kmpl | ~18 to 20 kmpl | ~17 to 19 kmpl |
| CNG synonyms | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Service Network | Excellent | Good | Average | Good |
Who should buy Ertiga?
Definitely buy if…
- There will be 5 to 7 people in the family.
- Will commute 30 to 50 km daily (ideal for CNG)
- Will have a low maintenance budget.
- You might want a comfortable, nippy car in the city.
- Resale value will be important.
Avoid if…
- 5-star NCAP safety rating mandatory
- ADAS features may be required.
- Sunroof will be very important.
- You may want an SUV-like road presence.
Final Thought
| Design | 8.5 / 10 |
| Performance | 8.0 / 10 |
| Security | 7.0 / 10 |
| Features | 8.0 / 10 |
| Value for Money | 9.5 / 10 |
| Overall | 8.2 / 10 |
One thing’s for sure about the Ertiga: at this price, it’s hard to find another car with this much space and mileage. It’s neither showy nor fancy, but it’s reliable and worth the money.
The NCAP safety score is a genuine concern. But for everyday family needs, both urban and rural, the Ertiga is still a very sensible choice.
In short, if there’s one car in this segment you can buy without a second thought, it’s the Ertiga.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It gets a mileage of 16 to 18 kmpl in the city and 20 ti 23 kmpl on the highway. The CNG variant gets an excellent mileage of 18 to 22 km/kg in the city.
Under Global NCAP’s stricter 2024 protocol, the Ertiga received 1 star. However, In the 2025 model, Maruti has given standard 6 airbags in all variants.
If you drive 40+ km daily, CNG is very economical running cost 1.5 to 2 per km. If you have long trips, the Petrol ZXi AT is smooth and comfortable.
Due to the Maruti brand and the popularity of the Ertiga, the resale value is the best in the segment. It is common to get 60 to 65% resale value after 3 to 4 years.
The second row is comfortable. The third row is spacious enough for adults only for short trips. The third row is perfect for small children.
ZXi Petrol Manual SmartPlay Pro, rear camera, cruise control, 6 airbags, 360° camera at a balanced price. If you drive a lot in the city, the VXi CNG is the champion for running costs.
If you want less mileage, running cost and maintenance, go for Ertiga. If you want more features, better infotainment and a better NCAP score, go for Carens.
No. No sunroof is available in any Ertiga variant. If a sunroof is a must, look at the Kia Carens or Grand Vitara.
The annual service comes to around 4,000 to 7,000, this is the lowest in this segment.
The 6-Speed Automatic Paddle Shifters in the ZXi+ are very smooth in the city. Gear changes are automatic in traffic, which reduces fatigue.
