Kia Carens vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (2026)
Kia Carens (₹10.50 Lakh – ₹19.50 Lakh) and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (₹8.85 Lakh – ₹12.99 Lakh) go head-to-head in the muv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (July 2026).
- The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is more affordable — it starts ₹1.65 Lakh lower than the Kia Carens.
- The Kia Carens is the more powerful car, with 158 bhp against 103 bhp.
- The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is more efficient on paper — up to 26.11 kmpl vs 21.3 kmpl.
- Only the Kia Carens has a published NCAP crash-test rating (3 stars).
- The Kia Carens has the bigger boot: 216 litres vs 209 litres.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Carens | Maruti Suzuki Ertiga |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹10.50 Lakh – ₹19.50 Lakh | ₹8.85 Lakh – ₹12.99 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L NA petrol / 1.5L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.5L K15C NA Petrol with mild hybrid / CNG |
| Max power | 158 bhp | 103 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, CNG |
| Transmissions | Manual, iMT, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, Torque Converter AT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 14.9-21.3 km/l (ARAI, varies by engine and gearbox) | 20.3–20.51 kmpl (petrol), 26.11 km/kg (CNG) |
| Seating | 7 | 7 |
| Safety rating | 3 stars | Not tested |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 4 |
| Boot space | 216 L | 209 L |
Kia Carens in short
The Kia Carens blends MPV practicality with SUV-flavoured styling, offering genuine three-row usability at a price that undercuts the Innova class. Six standard airbags, a punchy turbo-petrol and a frugal diesel help it take on the Maruti Ertiga, XL6, Toyota Rumion and Hyundai Alcazar. Clever touches like one-touch tumble second-row seats and rear AC vents for all rows make it a favourite among young families.
Full Carensprices & variants →Maruti Suzuki Ertiga in short
The Ertiga is India's best-selling MPV, a genuine 7-seater at a family-friendly price that dominates both private and fleet markets. Facelifted in 2022 with the K15C engine and a 6-speed automatic, it rivals the Kia Carens and Renault Triber while feeding buyers upward to its premium sibling, the XL6. The CNG variant is hugely popular with taxi operators.
Full Ertigaprices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Carens or Ertiga?
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is more affordable — it starts ₹1.65 Lakh lower than the Kia Carens. (Ex-showroom prices, July 2026.)
Carens vs Ertiga — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: Kia Carens — 3 stars; Maruti Suzuki Ertiga — not yet tested.
Should I buy the Carens or the Ertiga?
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is more affordable — it starts ₹1.65 Lakh lower than the Kia Carens. The Kia Carens is the more powerful car, with 158 bhp against 103 bhp. The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is more efficient on paper — up to 26.11 kmpl vs 21.3 kmpl. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.