With an average monthly sales of over 5,000 units per month, the Kia Carens is one of the highest-selling MPVs in the Indian market. Ranging between Rs 9.60 lakh and Rs 17.70 lakh (ex-showroom), the price of its entry-level variant has put it in a clash with a segment-below Maruti Suzuki Ertiga’s top-selling VXi variant. Hence we pitted them against each other to see which offers better value.
Here’s a specifications, dimensions, price and features based comparison between the Kia Carens Premium and Maruti Ertiga VXi variants –
Dimensions
| Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | Kia Carens | |
| Length | 4395mm | 4540mm |
| Width | 1735mm | 1800mm |
| Height | 1690mm | 1708mm |
| Wheelbase | 2740mm | 2780mm |
| Ground Clearance | ≈185mm | ≈195mm |
| Boot Space | ≈209L | ≈216L |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Kerb Weight | 1150-1205kg | – |
The Kia Carens is longer, wider and taller than the Maruti Ertiga, which results in more pleasing cabin space. It also has more ground clearance and a more practical cargo area.
Price Comparison
| Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXi | Kia Carens Premium |
| Rs 9.49 lakh (Petrol-MT) Rs 10.99 lakh (Petrol-AT) Rs 10.44 lakh (CNG-MT) | Rs 9.60 lakh (Petrol-MT) Rs 11.20 lakh (turbocharger petrol-MT) Rs 11.40 lakh (Diesel-MT) |
- As the above table indicates, the base-spec Premium variant of the Kia Carens comes with three engine options: 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol and 1.5-litre diesel, all mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. On the other hand, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga only gets a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, with both manual and automatic transmission options. It can also be had with an optional factory-fitted CNG kit.
- The price difference between the naturally aspirated petrol-manual variants of both MPVs is just Rs 11,000. So here, we will only compare their N.A. petrol variants.
Specifications
| Maruti Ertiga | Kia Carens | |
| Engine | 1.5-litre DualJet Petrol with mild-hybrid tech | 1.5-litre Petrol |
| No of Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Max Power | 103PS | 115PS |
| Max Torque | 113Nm | 144Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT/6-speed AT | 6-speed MT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
| Claimed Fuel Economy | 20.51kmpl (MT), 20.30kmpl 9AT) | 15.7kmpl |
Both available with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, the Kia Carens is more powerful & torquey but also less frugal. Thanks to its mild-hybrid technology, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga claims an impressive fuel efficiency of up to 20.5kmpl.
Key Features
| Common | Halogen headlampsSteel wheels with coversDual-tone interiors2nd row 60:40 split seats with slide & recline function 3rd row 50:50 split seats with recline function Rear centre armrest Adjustable Headrests for all rowsDedicated 2nd-row roof-mounted AC ventsAdjustable headrests for all seatsDual-front airbagsABS with EBD & Brake AssistRear Parking SensorsISOFIX anchorsESPHill Hold AssistSpeed-sensing auto door lock |
| Additional Features In Ertiga VXI | Projector headlampsRemote keyless entryPower adjustable & foldable ORVMsAudio system with Bluetooth, USB & AUX connectivity, four speakersPaddle shifters (Auto variant only)Steering-mounted audio & telephony controls |
| Additional Features In Carens Premium | Digital instrument clusterSemi-leatherette seatsFront centre armrests5 USB type-C ports across the cabinElectric tumble 2nd-row seatRoom lamps for all rowsDedicated AC vents in 3rd row as wellHeight-adjustable driver’s seatSide & Curtain airbags (total of six airbags)Vehicle Stability ManagementHill Descent ControlTyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)All four disc brakesImpact-sensing door unlock |
Verdict
Now, the question is, which variant is better? There are prominent advantages to choosing the Kia Carens, such as more cabin space, a more vigorous safety kit, and added convenience features, all adding to its practicality and safety quotient. However, you’ll have to spend on some aftermarket accessories to make it a perfect package.
