Kia Carens vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (2026)
Kia Carens (₹11.12 Lakh – ₹12.98 Lakh) and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (₹8.90 Lakh – ₹13.04 Lakh) go head-to-head in the muv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (October 2026).
- The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is more affordable — it starts ₹2.22 Lakh lower than the Kia Carens.
- The Kia Carens is the more powerful car, with 114 bhp against 103 bhp.
- 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
Shortlisting a third car? See the full three-way comparison →
Kia Carens in short
The Kia Carens is now the no-frills entry to Kia's three-row family: a single Premium (O) trim with manual gearboxes and a choice of 1.5 petrol, petrol-CNG or 1.5 diesel, priced from Rs 11.12 lakh. The fuller line-up with the turbo-petrol, automatics and top trims now sells as the Carens Clavis. Six standard airbags and genuine three-row usability keep it a value alternative to the Maruti Ertiga, XL6 and Toyota Rumion.
Full Carens prices & 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 Ertiga prices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Carens or Ertiga?
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is more affordable — it starts ₹2.22 Lakh lower than the Kia Carens. (Ex-showroom prices, October 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 ₹2.22 Lakh lower than the Kia Carens. The Kia Carens is the more powerful car, with 114 bhp against 103 bhp. Only the Kia Carens has a published NCAP crash-test rating (3 stars). Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.