The demand for utility vehicles is proliferating, and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, XL6 and Kia Carens are the three most prominent players in the affordable MPV segment. While we have already compared the Ertiga and Carens, and today we will put the base-spec variant of the Korean offering against the Maruti Suzuki XL6, which is essentially a more premium alternative to the Ertiga.
Here’s a specifications, price, features and dimensions based comparison between the Kia Carens Premium and Maruti XL6 Zeta variants.
Price
| Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta | Kia Carens Premium |
| Rs 11.29 lakh (MT)Rs 12.79 lakh (AT) | Rs 9.60 lakh (Petrol-MT)Rs 11.20 lakh (turbocharger petrol-MT)Rs 11.40 lakh (Diesel-MT) |
As indicated by the above table, the prices of the base-spec Zeta variant of the Maruti Suzuki XL6 are almost at par with the turbo-petrol and diesel variants of the Kia Carens, while the naturally aspirated variant will cost you Rs 1.69 lakh cheaper.
Specifications
| Maruti XL6 Zeta | Kia Carens Premium | |||
| Engine | 1.5-litre DualJet Petrol with mild-hybrid tech | 1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol | 1.4-litre Turbo-Detrol | 1.5-litre Diesel |
| Max Power | 103PS | 115PS | 140PS | 115PS |
| Max Torque | 113Nm | 144Nm | 242Nm | 250Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT/6-speed AT | 6-speed MT | 6-speed MT | 6-speed MT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Claimed Fuel Economy | 20.97kmpl (MT), 20.27kmpl (AT) | 15.7kmpl | 16.2kmpl | 21.3kmpl |
Both available with three engine options, the Kia Carens is more powerful & torquey than the Maruti XL6. However, thanks to the mild-hybrid technology, the fuel efficiency of Maruti XL6’s sole NA petrol engine is at par with the diesel engine of the Kia Carens.
Dimensions and Seat Comfort
| Maruti Suzuki XL6 | Kia Carens | |
| Length | 4445mm | 4540mm |
| Width | 1775mm | 1800mm |
| Height | 1755mm | 1708mm |
| Wheelbase | 2740mm | 2780mm |
| Ground Clearance | ≈180mm | ≈195mm |
| Boot Space | ≈209L | ≈216L |
| Seating Capacity | 6 | 7 |
| Kerb Weight | 1200-1225kg | – |
- The range-topping Kia Carens comes in both 6- and 7-seater layouts. However, its base-spec Premium trim only gets a bench seat option for the middle row. Almost any frame can be supported comfortably by the seats as they slide/recline. And with Kia’s one-touch electric tumble function for the second-row seats, accessing the last row is much easier and more convenient.
- Compared to the Kia Carens, the Maruti XL6 comes solely in the 6-seater configuration, featuring two captain seats in the middle row, which are comfortable and wide enough for occupants with a larger build. However, the seats don’t tumble down completely like the Carens.
- The third row of both the MPVs offers plenty of space even for taller passengers. However, the headroom might be an issue for some in the XL6.
Key Features
| Common | Height-adjustable driver’s seat2nd-row slide & recline function 3rd row 50:50 split seats with recline function Front centre armrestsRear armrest Adjustable Headrests in 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 XL6 Zeta | Automatic Quad Chamber LED reflector headlamps with DRLsFront & rear skid plates with side claddingsDiamond-cut alloy wheelsSmoke grey LED tail lamps with light guideBackdoor spoilerShark Fin antennaAll-black interiorSoft touch door trim armrest Premium soft-touch roof lining Automatic ACSmart keyless entry with push button startPower adjustable & foldable ORVMs7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple Carplay & Android AutoConnected car tech with remote control functionalitySix speakersPaddle shifters (Auto variant only)Steering-mounted audio & telephony controlsRear defoggerRear wiper & washer |
| Additional Features In Carens Premium | Dual-tone interiorDigital instrument clusterSemi-leatherette seats5 USB type-C ports across the cabinElectric tumble 2nd-row seat2nd row 60:40 split seatsRoom lamps for all rowsDedicated AC vents in 3rd row as wellSide & Curtain airbags (total of six airbags)Vehicle Stability ManagementHill Descent ControlTyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)All four disc brakesImpact-sensing door unlock |
Verdict
Considering the prices of the base variants of both the MPVs, the Kia Carens seems to be a good choice for fleet operators due to its stronger safety kit and availability of a diesel engine. For family use, however, the XL6 will be a better choice.
