Kia Carens vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Comparing Their Variants Priced Rs 12-14 Lakh for Family-focused Car Buyers

As a family man, you consider only the best, or top family cars in India when deciding on which one to buy. Today, let’s look at the Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, and find out what makes them family-friendly car models in India.

In this article, we will share

• What family-focused buyers look for in a car
• Kia Carens vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga – a detailed analysis of their features, space, and safety
• How to pick the right car for you

So, are these perfect cars for a small family, or can they accommodate large families, too? And which of these is the right car for a family man? Read on.

What a Family-focused car buyer looks for in a car

Here’s what a family-focused buyer should look for in car:

• Safety – A car must have essential safety features, and a good safety rating
• Space and comfort – The car must have ample space to accommodate all family members, and must include convenience features like rear AC vents
• Ride and handling – The car’s ride and handling need to be good

A family-focused car buyer prioritizes safety, space, and comfort. Essential features include multiple airbags, high safety ratings, and advanced driver-assistance systems for security. Spacious interiors with ample legroom, headroom, and boot capacity are crucial for family trips. 

Comfort is another key factor, with features like climate control, plush seating, and a smooth ride being important. 

Additionally, family cars should offer practicality with features like rear AC vents, parking sensors, and an intuitive infotainment system for long journeys. Fuel efficiency and maintenance costs also play a significant role in decision-making.

Why Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga are Popular

Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga have become popular choices among family-focused car buyers due to their blend of space, safety, and value for money. Both models offer spacious interiors, ensuring comfortable seating for families, including ample boot space for luggage. Safety is a strong suit for these models, with features like multiple airbags, ABS, and parking assistance, catering to the safety-conscious buyer.

The Carens stands out with its stylish design, modern interiors, and the availability of advanced features like lane-keeping assist and a high GNCAP safety rating. Its variants also provide various engine and transmission choices, catering to different driving preferences. 

The Ertiga, known for its reliability and low maintenance costs, offers practical features like high fuel efficiency and a user-friendly infotainment system, making it a budget-friendly option for families.

Their popularity also stems from the brands’ reputations. Kia is known for its innovative features and strong build quality, while Maruti Suzuki is synonymous with reliability and excellent after-sales service in many markets. 

Overall, their combination of comfort, safety, practicality, and brand trust makes them excellent choices for families.

Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Variants Shortlist in Rs 12-14 Lakh Range

For Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 10 January 2024
ZXI AT	₹12,38,000
ZXI Plus AT	₹13,08,000

For Kia Carens, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 10 January 2024
Premium iMT	₹12,00,000
Premium Diesel iMT	₹12,65,000
Prestige iMT	₹13,35,000

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI AT

This variant offers essential features like rear AC vents, rear parking sensors, and a high-speed stable drive. Its price is competitive, making it a value-for-money choice for families. The inclusion of safety features like ABS and airbags, combined with good interior space, makes it a practical option. If you’re a long-distance road trip lover, you can check out our comparison of the Ertiga with Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus AT

Building on the ZXI AT, this variant adds features like a 360-degree camera and fog lights for enhanced safety. Its slightly higher price is justified by additional comfort and safety features, making it suitable for families prioritizing these aspects.

Kia Carens Premium iMT

The Carens Premium iMT stands out with its turbocharging, providing a more responsive drive. Its ground clearance and boot capacity are beneficial for family trips. The variant lacks some advanced features but offers a balanced mix of performance and comfort. If you’re style-conscious, you can check out our comparison of the Carens with Maruti Suzuki XL6.

Kia Carens Premium Diesel iMT

This variant offers the efficiency of a diesel engine, which is beneficial for long drives. It shares features with the Premium iMT but adds the efficiency and torque advantages of a diesel engine, making it a strong contender for families who travel frequently.

Kia Carens Prestige iMT

This variant provides a more luxurious experience with synthetic leather upholstery and a better audio system. It combines the benefits of the Premium iMT with added comfort and luxury features, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a premium feel. If you’re a gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Carens with Hyundai Alcazar.

Our Pick for the Best Variant among Kia Carens and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga for Family-focused Car Buyers

After analyzing the variants, the best option for a family-focused car buyer is the Kia Carens Prestige iMT. This decision is based on its comprehensive set of features that cater to safety, comfort, and practicality, which are essential for families.

Safety-wise, it offers six airbags, ABS, and a stable high-speed drive, which are crucial for family trips. The additional comfort provided by synthetic leather upholstery and an improved audio system enhances the overall driving experience, making long journeys more enjoyable. Its turbocharged engine offers a smooth and responsive driving experience, suitable for various driving conditions.

The Carens Prestige iMT also excels in providing ample space, with significant legroom, headroom, and boot capacity, ensuring comfortable family travel. Additionally, its ground clearance is advantageous for varying road conditions. The inclusion of features like rear AC vents, parking sensors, and a user-friendly infotainment system adds to its practicality.

While it’s slightly more expensive than the other variants, the value it provides in terms of additional features and overall driving experience justifies the cost. Its blend of luxury, safety, and practicality makes it the ideal choice for families looking for a car that meets all their needs.

The Top 3 Choices

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

Feature	Kia Carens Prestige iMT	Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus AT	Kia Carens Premium Diesel iMT
Power Windows – Front and Back	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear AC Vents	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
GNCAP Rating	3	3	3
Airbags	6	4	6
Ground Clearance (mm)	195	185	195
Boot Capacity (liters)	216	209	216
Touchscreen Navigation	Yes	Yes	No
Rear Parking Camera	Yes	Yes	No
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
Engine – Fuel Type	Petrol	Petrol	Diesel
Turbocharging	Yes	No	Yes

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• Kia Carens Prestige iMT: Selected for its comprehensive safety features, luxury elements, and spacious interiors. Its turbocharged petrol engine and overall build quality offer a premium and comfortable driving experience, ideal for family use.
• Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus AT: Chosen for its blend of safety, practicality, and brand reliability. It offers essential features like a 360-degree camera and enhanced safety measures at a competitive price, making it a great value-for-money option for families.
• Kia Carens Premium Diesel iMT: This variant is ideal for families who prioritize fuel efficiency and long drives. The diesel engine’s efficiency and the variant’s overall features make it a practical and economical choice for regular family outings.

The three variants offer a balanced mix of safety, comfort, and practicality, making them attractive choices for family-focused car buyers.

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