Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

The cabin feels open and easy to use. The beige theme and wide dashboard layout provide an airy environment, which is especially important in a three-row configuration. Material quality is more towards durability than high tactility. Hard plastics are predominant, but fit and finish are consistent.
Cyrus Dhabhar observes:
“The first thing that strikes you is just how upmarket the new Ertiga looks on the inside. Even though the faux wood is plastic, it looks quite nice and elevates the overall cabin ambience.”

Cabin Layout and Quality

In our time with the Ertiga, we found the layout of the 

dashboard to be wide and horizontal, clearly designed to emphasise space over visual drama. The seven-inch SmartPlay Pro touchscreen is in the middle and within comfortable reach of the driver and front passenger. The interface was simple to use, and the physical controls around it were logically placed.
We also noticed that the airflow management has been well thought out. Horizontal AC vents run across the dashboard, and there are dedicated vents for the second and third rows to ensure that all passengers are cooled. It's an important consideration in a three-row vehicle.
In terms of material quality, surfaces feel durable as opposed to premium. The plastics are made for durability, not beauty. However, in our inspection, we found that there was no inconsistency in fit and finish. There were no obvious panel gaps or rough edges. So overall, the layout is functional and intuitive, which is in line with the Ertiga's family-MPV positioning.

Seating Comfort
Front Row

Getting in and out of the front seats is simple, with the moderate step-in height and wide door opening. In our testing, we found the seats to be moderately cushioned, with a long-distance comfort focus and less aggressive bolstering. Lateral support is limited, but for everyday commuting and highway cruising, it feels sufficient.
Adjustable headrests and manual lumbar support add to usability, while higher trims have a centre armrest for better comfort on longer drives. Ventilated seats are not available, which is indicative of the Ertiga's value-oriented positioning. Over long distances on the highway, we found the seating posture to be upright and without fatigue.

Second Row

During our evaluation, we noticed that the legroom is generous for the segment. The sliding function enables the occupants to prioritise either second row comfort or third row access, depending on passenger load. Recline adjustment also enhances comfort on longer journeys.
Headroom is generous and the fairly low floor hump minimises compromise for the middle passenger. We also noticed that the back doors open very wide, making it easy for elderly passengers and children to get in. Under-thigh support is moderate and slightly better than rivals, such as the Renault Triber. Rear AC vents and charging ports make for increased practicality, especially for families who travel with multiple passengers.

Third Row

Access to the third row is made possible by sliding the seats of the second row forward. We found the pathway usable, albeit a little less than what you get in the Maruti Suzuki XL6. Space in the last row is best suited for children or shorter adults for longer drives. In our assessment, average-sized adults can comfortably handle shorter distances, but under-the-thigh support is modest. The seat base is not deeply contoured and the comfort here is practical rather than plush.

Cyrus Dhabhar notes:
“The biggest improvement is the third row. Unlike the previous generation, this one offers genuinely usable space, even for someone like me, who is by no means small.”

Features That Improve Daily Use

Maruti has been focused on features that improve the day-to-day usability rather than headline-grabbing additions.

• Seven-inch touchscreen with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Analogue cluster with MID
• Automatic climate control
• Available for the second and third rows
• USB and 12V outlets across rows
• Audio and cruise controls
• Keyless start/stop (higher trims)
• Suzuki Connect
• Available in higher trims
• Offered on automatic variants

During daily driving, we found these features adequate for family usage. There are no segment-first highlights here, but what is offered works reliably and without complication.

The Ertiga is positioned as a practical, value-driven seven-seater that is aimed at private buyers and fleet operators alike. Currently priced at Rs. 8.69 lakh to Rs. 13.03 lakh (ex-showroom), the Ertiga is still more affordable than its premium sibling, the Toyota Rumion. This pricing strategy makes it more appealing to buyers who are more interested in space and efficiency than luxury appointments.
According to Cyrus Dhabhar:
“The Ertiga undercuts the larger Mahindra Marazzo by roughly Rs. 1.5 lakh on average, making it a very compelling value proposition in the MPV space.”

Ertiga Ex-Showroom Prices (India – 2026)

Note: Ex-showroom prices vary by city and may change.

Efficiency remains one of the Ertiga's main assets. It is powered by the 1.5-litre Smart Hybrid K15C petrol engine, which includes idle start-stop and mild-hybrid assist technology. A factory-fitted CNG option is also available for buyers who are more concerned with lower running costs.

Observed Fuel Efficiency During Testing

In real-world conditions, we found that the mild-hybrid system does make a contribution to improved efficiency in stop-start city traffic, especially with smoother throttle inputs. On highways, the manual transmission version provided better overall mileage numbers in our evaluation, particularly at constant cruising speeds. The CNG variant, meanwhile, has noticeably lower running costs, albeit with the buyers having to compromise on the flexibility of the luggage due to the placement of the cylinders.

Mileage Figures

Safety in the Ertiga has improved over the years, but it is not class-leading. The car was rated in 2024, and it received a one-star adult safety rating and a two-star child occupant safety rating from GNCAP compared to the three-star rating it received in 2019. These ratings highlight the fact that this car is not designed with occupant protection being the primary factor.

Passive Safety and Crash Protection

All variants now come with six airbags, including front, side and curtain airbags. In our observation, this standardisation makes the occupant protection much better than the previous versions. However, the Ertiga still has a conventional body structure and in our analysis, it does not show the same perceived rigidity as some newer generation competitors that are built on more recent platforms.
Cyrus Dhabhar observes:
“Maruti Suzuki has put in considerable effort to make its cars safer. The use of high tensile steel along with standard airbags and ABS across variants ensures the Ertiga meets upcoming crash regulations.”

Active Safety Features in Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

In the active safety suite segment, we see that the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga covers the basics well. The MPV is available with Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard, which helps to maintain control in the event of sudden manoeuvres or on slippery surfaces. The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) helps to brake more controlled and stable. 
Hill hold assist is also available that helps the vehicle to stay steady on the hill, especially in the automatic variants. Other features we get are ISOFIX child seat mounts, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a rear parking camera with sensors for easy manoeuvring. However, advanced systems such as ADAS or a 360-degree camera are not offered.

Technology in the Ertiga is straightforward and usability-focused.

Infotainment and Interface

During our time with the vehicle, we found the seven-inch SmartPlay Pro touchscreen to be responsive and easy to navigate. The clarity of display is decent for its segment, although the interface doesn't try to be too premium or heavy. The audio system provides acceptable sound quality for routine listening but does not stand out.
As Cyrus Dhabhar mentions:
“The infotainment system is one of the better ones offered in this segment today. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it works seamlessly.”

Cabin Convenience

Features such as automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless entry with push start, rear AC vents and electrically foldable ORVMs help with day-to-day usability. Suzuki Connect provides basic connected car functionality such as vehicle tracking and alerts. However, in our observation, the Ertiga does miss out on features that are becoming more common in other rivals within this price range. These include ventilated seats, a sunroof, a fully digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, ADAS, and a 360-degree camera. The technology package, therefore, reflects the positioning, which is practical and family-oriented, rather than feature-driven.

The Ertiga has always prioritised passenger accommodation first and cargo flexibility second. In our evaluation, its strength lies not in outright boot capacity with all seats up, but in its adaptability.

Boot Capacity in Different Configurations

• All rows up (7-seater): 209 litres
• Third row folded: Approximately 550 litres
• Second + third row folded: Around 800+ litres (based on earlier generation data)

With all seven seats occupied, we found the 209 litre boot adequate for small suitcases or soft bags. For airport runs with a full family, space is sometimes felt to be limited, and there is more planning involved.
Once the third row is folded, however, the Ertiga becomes much more versatile. In our assessment, the space of about 550 litres is very comfortable for large suitcases and extra luggage. Folding both back rows provides a mostly flat floor and turns the Ertiga into a workable cargo carrier for longer trips or bulkier household items.

CNG Boot Impact

In the factory-fitted CNG variants, official capacity is still 209 litres in seven-seat mode. However, we noticed that the presence of the CNG cylinder slightly restricts the flexibility of the floor as compared to the petrol version. While this does not affect the usability on a daily basis, large luggage management is less convenient.

Spare Wheel Placement

The Ertiga has a rear under-floor-mounted spare wheel under the boot floor, which is typical for MPVs in this segment. This arrangement helps to maintain cabin space without cluttering the luggage space.

Seat Flexibility & Storage

• Third row: 50:50 split foldable
• Second row: 60:40 split with recline function

In our testing, this flexibility enabled us to balance passenger and cargo requirements well. Longer objects can be fitted without the need to totally sacrifice seating capacity.

Built on Suzuki's lightweight HEARTECT platform, the Ertiga is more about ease of driving than driving dynamics. In our testing, it became apparent that the suspension and steering setup is tuned for comfort and predictability. This is exactly what you would expect from a family-oriented MPV.
Cyrus Dhabhar notes,
“The Ertiga is not meant for corner carving. It is built to move people comfortably from point A to point B, and it does that rather well.”

City Driving

The Ertiga is most comfortable in city settings. During our evaluation, we noticed that the tall cabin and large glass area create strong outward visibility, making it easier to judge traffic gaps and tight corners. The steering is light at low speeds, so less work will be needed when parking and making U-turns. With a turning radius of about 5.2 metres, we found it to be manageable for a vehicle this size. It does not feel cumbersome in congested streets.
The suspension works slightly differently depending on load. When it is empty, the vehicle can feel firm over sharp bumps. However, once loaded with passengers, it settles down noticeably and absorbs undulations more confidently. Rear parking sensors further make tight manoeuvres easier. This is obviously a family MPV for daily school runs, office commutes and regular errands, and in our experience, it acts the part.

Highway Driving

At highway speeds between 80 and 100 kmph, we found the Ertiga to feel composed and relaxed. The gears help with comfortable cruising, and the body remains stable during steady-lane driving.
Push beyond triple-digit speeds, and the MPV character becomes more apparent. It remains predictable, but not sporty. We observed moderate body roll during sudden lane changes, which is typical for a vehicle with a taller stance and higher centre of gravity. Braking performance is reassuring, with ABS and EBD being offered as standard. Cabin insulation is adequate for city speeds, though engine noise becomes noticeable under hard acceleration. 

Cyrus Dhabhar adds,

“Ride quality is noticeably better than before. While there is some body roll due to the higher centre of gravity, it never feels unsafe.”

The Ertiga across multiple trims, with the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga base model only in a petrol-manual configuration. While higher trims come in both petrol and CNG options, along with manual and automatic gearboxes. As we moved up the range, features scaled progressively rather than dramatically:

The Essentials That You Don’t Get

• No sunroof, even in the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga top model
• No six-speed manual gearbox
• No front parking sensors in lower trims
• The infotainment system is smaller than some rivals
• No diesel engine option

Best for Everyday Urban Use: VXI AT

In our view, the VXI automatic delivers the most balanced package to buyers looking for everyday city driving. It combines key comfort features with the convenience of a torque converter automatic. This makes it quite well-suited for city-dominated usage.

Best for Lower Running Costs: VXI or ZXI CNG

If your monthly running is high, then the factory-fitted CNG variants will make more financial sense. While the ability to load the luggage reduces slightly, the savings over time are considerable.
Kingshuk Dutta explains,
“For big families in the city, the Ertiga CNG makes a lot more sense. Yes, you may occasionally wait in CNG queues, but the long-term savings make up for it.”

While the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga builds its appeal around reliability, fuel efficiency and balanced pricing, its rivals adopt distinct positioning strategies within the MPV segment. Its key alternatives include the Kia Carens, Toyota Rumion, and Renault Triber.
The Kia Carens is for buyers who are looking for a more premium, feature-rich cabin experience, whereas the Toyota Rumion appeals to those who prioritise Toyota’s brand value combined with a similar mechanical package. Meanwhile, we note that the Renault Triber attracts budget-conscious families with its modular seating and a much lower starting price.