Ask an Indian family of five or six what they want from a car and the answer converges remarkably quickly: space for everyone, an accessible price, low running costs, and the peace of mind that comes from a reliable, widely serviced vehicle. The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has been answering that brief since 2012, and it continues to do so with a consistency and commercial dominance that is frankly exceptional. In February 2026, the Ertiga recorded 17,807 units in a single month — a 19.8 percent year-on-year jump — placing it at the very top of the Cars24 sales leaderboard. For a seven-seat MPV that has been in its current generation since 2018 with only moderate updates, this is a remarkable commercial performance that reflects deep market trust built over more than a decade of consistent ownership experience.
Ertiga Variants and Price Range
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is available in nine variants across four broad trims — LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi Plus — spread across petrol manual, petrol automatic, and factory-fitted CNG options. Following a GST revision that reduced its starting price significantly, ex-showroom prices now begin at Rs. 8.80 lakh for the base LXi petrol manual and go up to Rs. 12.94 lakh for the top ZXi Plus automatic. CNG variants start from Rs. 10.73 lakh. On-road prices range from approximately Rs. 9.87 lakh to Rs. 14.97 lakh in Delhi depending on variant. The pricing positions the Ertiga as the undisputed value-for-money seven-seater in India — significantly more affordable than the Kia Carens while offering genuine family practicality and the reassurance of Maruti Suzuki’s 4,000-plus service network.
Engine Options and Performance
The Ertiga is powered by a single engine — a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated K15C petrol engine producing 103 bhp and 137 Nm of torque — paired with either a 5-speed manual gearbox, a 6-speed torque-converter automatic, or as a CNG bi-fuel configuration with manual only. The K15C engine also incorporates Suzuki’s Smart Hybrid Vehicle System (SHVS) mild hybrid technology, which uses an integrated starter generator and a lithium-ion battery to harvest energy under braking and assist during acceleration — improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions without adding the complexity of a full hybrid system.
The petrol engine’s character is smooth, adequately torquey for a fully loaded seven-seat family car, and sufficiently refined for comfortable highway cruising. The 6-speed automatic delivers particularly smooth gear changes that make driving in city traffic noticeably more relaxed than the manual. The CNG variant trades a modest reduction in performance — approximately 89 bhp in CNG mode — for substantially lower running costs that make it the preferred choice for commercial taxi operators and high-mileage private family users.
Features
The Ertiga’s feature set has been refreshed progressively. A 7-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is available on ZXi and ZXi Plus variants. Automatic climate control with second-row and third-row AC vents is a key family comfort feature that serves all seven passengers effectively. The ZXi Plus automatic additionally offers paddle shifters, Suzuki Connect telematics, 15-inch alloy wheels, a rear camera, and keyless entry with push-button start. Safety equipment across the range includes six airbags as standard on higher variants, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
The Ertiga’s seven-seat layout uses 60:40 split second-row seats and 50:50 split third-row seats — both of which fold flat to maximise boot space when full seating is not required. Boot space of 209 litres with all seats up is modest but functional, expanding significantly with the third row folded. The vehicle measures 4,395 mm in length with a 2,740 mm wheelbase — dimensions that deliver genuinely comfortable second-row space and adequately usable third-row access for adults on shorter journeys.
Mileage
The Ertiga’s fuel efficiency is one of its defining commercial strengths. The petrol manual delivers an ARAI-certified 20.51 kmpl — exceptional for a seven-seat MPV — while the 6-speed automatic returns 20.3 kmpl, barely below the manual. The CNG variant achieves 26.11 km/kg, making it one of the most economical CNG family MPVs available anywhere. Real-world petrol figures in mixed urban-highway driving consistently land around 15 to 18 kmpl. Annual service costs of approximately Rs. 7,200 — among the lowest in its segment — complete the Ertiga’s compelling total cost of ownership argument for value-conscious family buyers.
FAQs
Q: What is the starting price of the Maruti Ertiga in 2026?
A: The Ertiga starts at Rs. 8.80 lakh ex-showroom for the base LXi petrol manual, going up to Rs. 12.94 lakh for the top ZXi Plus automatic.
Q: How many seats does the Ertiga offer?
A: Seven seats in a three-row configuration — two in the front, three in the second row, and two in the third row — with foldable second and third rows for expanded boot space.
Q: Is the Ertiga available in diesel?
A: No — the Ertiga is available only in petrol and factory-fitted CNG variants. Diesel was discontinued from its lineup.
Q: What is the Ertiga’s mileage on CNG?
A: The CNG variant delivers 26.11 km/kg as per ARAI certification, making it one of the most fuel-efficient CNG seven-seaters available in India.
Q: Does the Ertiga have a mild hybrid system?
A: Yes — the 1.5-litre K15C petrol engine incorporates Suzuki’s SHVS mild hybrid technology, which recovers energy under braking and assists acceleration, improving efficiency and reducing emissions.
