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 Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Kia Carens, 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
- Maruti Suzuki XL6 vs Kia Carens – 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.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
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 car buyer looks for a spacious, comfortable and safe car with features for convenience. Good legroom, headroom and boot space for luggage is key. They want rear AC vents, parking sensors and camera for ease of use. Reliable after sales service and low maintenance cost is also important.
Why Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Kia Carens are popular
The Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Kia Carens are popular among families due to their spacious cabins, powerful yet efficient engines and host of family-oriented features.
Both models offer ample legroom even in third row and have excellent headroom. The XL6 has a boot space of 209 litres while the Carens offers more at 216 litres. Sufficient for a family’s luggage needs.
They provide comfort features like rear AC vents, parking sensors and camera. On safety, Carens offers up to 6 airbags, ESC, traction control while XL6 gets 4 airbags, ABS with EBD. Both scored 4 stars in GNCAP crash tests.
The Carens packs in latest tech like a 10.25 inch touchscreen, BOSE speakers, ventilated front seats which families find very convenient. Both models have Maruti and Kia’s reliable sales service network. The combination of space, features, safety make them good family cars.
Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Kia Carens variants shortlist in Rs 13-15 lakh range
For Maruti Suzuki XL6, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 10 November 2023 |
| Zeta AT | ₹13.06 Lakhs |
| Alpha AT | ₹14.06 Lakhs |
For Kia Carens, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 10 November 2023 |
| Prestige iMT | ₹13.35 Lakhs |
| Prestige Plus iMT | ₹14.85 Lakhs |
Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta AT
Offers essential safety like dual airbags, ABS with EBD. Comfort features like auto AC, push button start. Value for money variant. If you’re buying your first car, you can read our comparison of the XL6 with Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
Maruti Suzuki XL6 Alpha AT
Adds more safety like 4 airbags. Extra features like leatherette upholstery, 7-inch touchscreen, steering mounted controls. Provides good value.
Kia Carens Prestige iMT
Loaded with safety tech like 6 airbags, ESC, traction control. Packed with features including 10.25 inch touchscreen, air purifier. If you’re a long-distance road trip lover, you can read our comparison of the Carens with Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT
Extra comfort features like ventilated front seats, electric sunroof, smart air purifier. More premium variant. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Carens with Hyundai Alcazar.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Kia Carens for Family buyers
The Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT emerges as the best variant among the two models for a family car buyer.
The Carens offers more safety features compared to the XL6. It gets 6 airbags, ESC, traction control whereas XL6 makes do with just 4 airbags lacking traction control. Safety is most important for families.
The Carens has more premium interiors, spacious 3rd row seating, bigger boot capacity of 216 litres compared to XL6’s 209 litres. Families prefer more space.
Extra comfort features like ventilated seats, electric sunroof, multiple charging ports, ambient lighting make long trips enjoyable. The 10.25 inch HD touchscreen offers a better infotainment experience over XL6’s 7-inch unit.
Carens top model is powered by a 140 hp turbo petrol engine mated to a smooth DCT gearbox. XL6 gets a 105 hp mild hybrid petrol engine with an average torque converter. Carens has the performance edge.
Overall, the Kia Carens Prestige Plus offers the best package of safety, space, comfort, performance and features that family buyers desire. Reliable after sales service also makes it an ideal family car.
Top 3 Choices
- Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT
- Kia Carens Prestige iMT
- Maruti XL6 Alpha AT
| Attributes | Kia Carens Prestige iMT | Maruti XL6 Alpha AT | Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT |
| Price | 13.35 Lakhs | 14.06 Lakhs | 14.85 Lakhs |
| Boot Space | 216 liters | 209 liters | 216 liters |
| Airbags | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| Ventilated Seats | No | No | Yes |
| Sunroof | No | No | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Kia Carens Prestige Plus iMT: It offers a complete package of safety, space, features and performance that families need. Ventilated seats, electric sunroof make drives enjoyable.
- Kia Carens Prestige iMT: This mid variant balances useful features like 6 airbags, 10.25 inch touchscreen infotainment with aggressive pricing. Good value choice.
- Maruti XL6 Alpha AT: Packs in premium features like leatherette upholstery, steering mounted controls at competitive price point. Automatic transmission and Maruti’s service network work in its favor.
In summary, the Carens Prestige Plus blends safety, space, comfort, performance the best for families. The Carens Prestige and XL6 Alpha offer modern features along with their manufacturer’s reliable after sales service and are smart alternatives too for the family buyer.
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
