Maruti Suzuki XL6 vs Kia Carens vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Comparing Their Variants Under Rs 12 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 Maruti Suzuki XL6, Kia Carens, and the 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
• Maruti Suzuki XL6 vs Kia Carens vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga – a detailed analysis of their features, space, and safety
• How to pick the right car for you

Are these perfect cars for a small family, or do they also cater to large families? 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-focused car buyer prioritizes safety, space, and comfort. They look for vehicles with multiple airbags, ABS, and ESC to ensure the safety of their loved ones. A spacious cabin with ample legroom, headroom, and a sizable boot is essential for family trips or daily commutes.

Additionally, features like rear AC vents, an intuitive infotainment system, and comfortable seating contribute to a pleasant driving experience. The ease of driving with added driver assistance features and good ride quality are also important considerations. 

Lastly, a family car needs to be economical both in price and fuel efficiency for long-term satisfaction.

Why Maruti Suzuki XL6, Kia Carens, and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga are Popular

Maruti Suzuki XL6, Kia Carens, and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga are popular choices among family-oriented buyers owing to their commendable balance of safety, space, and convenience. With variants offering ABS, multiple airbags, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC), they instill confidence for family safety on the road. 

Their spacious interiors with flexible seating arrangements accommodate larger families comfortably. The presence of features like rear AC vents, touchscreen infotainment systems, and rear parking sensors adds to the convenience, making everyday commuting and long drives enjoyable. 

Moreover, their competitive pricing aligned with efficient fuel economy makes them financially appealing to family-focused buyers. 

The reliability and strong service networks of Maruti Suzuki and the modern design and features of Kia Carens further add to their allure, providing a blend of traditional trust and contemporary appeal.

Maruti Suzuki XL6, Kia Carens, and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga variants shortlist in Rs 10-12 Lakh Range

For Maruti Suzuki XL6, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 3 October 2023
Zeta	₹11,56,000

For Kia Carens, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 3 October 2023
Prestige	₹11,65,000

For Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 3 October 2023
ZXI	₹10,88,000

Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta

The XL6 Zeta stands out with its four airbags, ABS, and ESC ensuring safety. The cabin is roomy with satisfactory legroom, headroom, and a commendable boot capacity. The inclusion of rear AC vents, power windows, and a well-designed ergonomic interior enhances comfort. 

Additionally, the 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and rear parking camera further adds to the convenience and ease of driving, making it a viable choice for family-oriented buyers. If you’re a style-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the XL6 with Kia Carens.

Kia Carens Prestige

This variant carries six airbags, ABS, and ESC making it a strong contender in terms of safety. It boasts a spacious cabin, moderate boot capacity, and stable high-speed performance. The touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and rear parking camera, along with rear AC vents, provides a comfortable and convenient driving experience. 

The well-designed ergonomic interior is a plus. If you enjoy long-distance road trips, you can read our comparison of the Carens with Maruti Ertiga.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI

While the Ertiga ZXI falls short with only two airbags, it still provides ABS and ESC for safety. The spacious interior, large boot capacity, and comfortable seating arrangement make it suitable for families. 

Though it lacks some high-end features, it includes essentials like rear AC vents, power windows, and a touchscreen infotainment system, making it a budget-friendly family car option. If you’re a budget-conscious buyer, you can read our guide to the best Ertiga variants for you.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki XL6, Kia Carens, and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga for Family-focused car buyers

The Kia Carens Prestige emerges as the most balanced option for a family-focused buyer. With six airbags, ABS, ESC, and a commendable GNCAP rating, it provides a robust safety framework. Its spaciousness is exhibited through ample legroom, headroom, and a moderate boot capacity, catering well to family needs. 

The inclusion of rear AC vents, touchscreen navigation, and rear parking sensors adds to the comfort and convenience, making journeys enjoyable. Moreover, the ergonomic design ensures a comfortable driving experience. 

While slightly pricier, the Carens Prestige provides a blend of essential and luxury features, ensuring a safer and more comfortable family ride. The good ride quality further accentuates its suitability for families, offering a smooth driving experience in various conditions.

The 3 Variants Ranked

1. Kia Carens Prestige
2. Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta
3. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI

Attribute	Kia Carens Prestige	Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta	Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Airbags (number)	6	4	2
ESC	Yes	Yes	Yes
Boot capacity (liters)	216	209	209
Rear AC vents	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power Windows – Front & Back	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
Touchscreen Navigation	Yes	Yes	Yes

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• Kia Carens Prestige, with its superior safety features and ergonomic design, stands as the top choice, though at a higher price. 
• Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta follows closely with a lower price point, adequate safety features, and good space. 
• Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI, while the most economical, provides essential features necessary for a family-focused buyer. 

The three choices offer a blend of safety, space, and comfort. These variants cater to varying budgets while not compromising on the essential attributes desired by a family-focused car buyer, making them attractive options for different family sizes and financial capacities.

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