Kia Carens Vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Comparing Variants Under Rs 15 Lakh for Safety-conscious Buyers

For a safety-conscious buyer, it is important to consider the safest cars, or top safety-rated cars in India, when purchasing a vehicle. Today, we look at the MPVs Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, in terms of their safety aspects.

In this article, we will share

• What a safety-conscious buyer looks for in a car
• Kia Carens vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga – an in-depth look at their safety features, ratings, and driver assistance features
• How to pick the right car for you

So, how do these MPVs fare in terms of driver/passenger/child safety? What about their structural integrity or performance in crash tests? Read on.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

What a Safety Conscious Buyer Looks for in a Car

Here’s what a safety-conscious buyer should look for in a car:

• Safety – What safety features does the car have? What is its safety rating?
• Driver assistance – Does the car have features like parking camera, rear parking sensors, follow-me-home headlights, etc.
• Space – Does the car have enough interior space

Safety-conscious buyers prioritize features that ensure maximum protection and reduce risks during commutes. Critical aspects include the number of airbags, the presence of Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control, and Global NCAP ratings. 

Additionally, driver assistance attributes such as crash warnings, high-speed stability, rear parking sensors, and headlights that cater to different weather and time conditions are paramount in the best cars with safety features. 

Lastly, visibility, which factors in the design of the car and the provision of features like day/night IRVM, further affirms the vehicle’s safety credentials.

Why Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga are Popular

Both Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga have made significant strides in the Indian market, especially among safety-conscious buyers. 

Kia Carens offers a modern design combined with essential safety features, even in its base models. It’s not just about the quantity of safety features but also about their quality and implementation. For instance, Carens’ six airbags in multiple variants provide comprehensive safety coverage inside the cabin.

On the other hand, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has been a longstanding favorite for families, mainly due to its affordability and Maruti’s reputation for reliability. While it may not boast as many airbags as the Carens, its ABS, ESC, and added safety attributes such as fog lights and follow-me-home headlights provide a safety net that many buyers appreciate. 

The recent variants also reflect Maruti’s endeavor to elevate safety standards in response to the evolving expectations of the Indian consumer.

Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Variants Shortlist in Rs 10-15 Lakh Range

For Kia Carens, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 24 August 2023
Premium iMT	₹12,00,000
Prestige iMT	₹13,25,000
Prestige Plus iMT	₹14,75,000

For Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 24 August 2023
ZXI	₹10,88,000
ZXI AT	₹12,38,000
ZXI Plus AT	₹13,08,000

Kia Carens Premium iMT

An entry-level variant with six airbags, ABS, and ESC. Despite its lack of follow-me-home headlights, the presence of essential safety features at this price point makes it an attractive choice.

Kia Carens Prestige iMT

Building on the Premium, this variant offers GNCAP ratings and rear parking cameras, enhancing safety further. It justifies its increased price with these additions. We also have our guide to the best Carens variants for family-focused car buyers.

Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT

The addition of cornering headlamps makes nighttime driving safer, catering perfectly to the safety-conscious buyer. We also have our comparison of the Carens with Hyundai Alcazar for tech-savvy gadget lovers.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI

A balanced mix of affordability and safety, with two airbags, ABS, and ESC. The follow-me-home headlights add a touch of safety for nighttime drivers.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI AT

Similar to ZXI, but with the convenience of an automatic transmission without compromising on safety. If you enjoy long drives, you can read how the Ertiga compares with Maruti XL6.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus AT

Offering four airbags and a rear parking camera, this variant combines safety with luxury at an affordable price point.

Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga for Safety-conscious Buyers

For a safety-conscious buyer, the Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT emerges as the most fitting choice. While both brands offer commendable safety attributes, this specific variant of Carens provides a comprehensive safety package. 

With six airbags, ABS, ESC, Traction Control, and the added benefit of cornering headlamps, it promises superior protection during both day and night. The presence of a GNCAP rating further cements its status as a top contender, reflecting the car’s capability to withstand collisions.

The Top 3 Choices

1. Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT
2. Kia Carens Prestige iMT
3. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus AT

Attribute	Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT	Kia Carens Prestige iMT	Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus AT
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Airbags (number)	6	6	4
Crash warning	Yes	Yes	Yes
Day/night IRVM	Yes	Yes	Yes
ESC	Yes	Yes	Yes
Fog lights	Yes	Yes	Yes
GNCAP Rating	Yes	Yes	Yes
High-Speed Stability	Stable	Stable	Stable
Knee/curtain airbags	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
Traction Control	Yes	Yes	Yes

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT offers an unmatched safety package, making it a top choice.
• The Prestige iMT follows closely, providing nearly identical features at a lower price. 
• Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus AT, while having fewer airbags than the Carens, combines safety with the reliability Maruti is known for, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers prioritizing safety.

The above variants epitomize safety in their respective price brackets. 

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered