Buying a family car in India is no longer just about four wheels and an engine. Today’s Indian families expect space, mileage, safety, comfort, features, affordability, and long-term reliability in one package. When the requirement increases to 7 seats, the decision becomes even more critical.
Many buyers initially look at compact SUVs like the Tata Nexon, but soon realize that a true 7-seater MPV offers far more practicality for a growing family. This is where the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga emerges as one of the best 7 seater family car choices in India, especially for buyers who want excellent mileage (up to 35 kmpl equivalent in CNG usage), strong real-world performance, and low ownership cost.
In this detailed article, we will explore why the Maruti Ertiga stands out, how it compares in real usage, and why it continues to dominate Indian family garages year after year.
Why Indian Families Prefer 7 Seater Cars Over Compact SUVs
True Family Requirements
Indian families often travel together—parents, children, grandparents, and sometimes relatives. A 5-seater SUV like Nexon struggles when the family grows, whereas a 7-seater MPV like Ertiga offers flexibility.
Comfort Over Style
While compact SUVs focus on aggressive styling, MPVs prioritize:
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Wider cabin
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Better legroom
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Flexible seating
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Practical boot space
This makes long journeys more comfortable and stress-free.
Introducing Maruti Suzuki ErtigaÂ
The Maruti Ertiga is not just another car; it is a household name in India. It has been designed specifically for Indian road conditions, Indian traffic, and Indian family needs.
Why Ertiga Is So Popular
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Proven reliability
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Excellent fuel efficiency
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Comfortable ride quality
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Low maintenance cost
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Strong resale value
These factors make the Ertiga a safer and smarter long-term investment than many compact SUVs.
Maruti Ertiga MileageÂ
Mileage is one of the most important decision-making factors for Indian buyers.
Maruti Ertiga Mileage (Petrol)
The petrol version of Ertiga delivers around 20–21 kmpl, which is impressive for a full-size 7-seater vehicle.
Maruti Ertiga CNG Mileage
The highlight is the maruti ertiga CNG mileage, which goes up to 26 km/kg under standard conditions.
When converted into petrol-equivalent running cost, many owners experience close to 35 km per litre equivalent savings, making it one of the most economical 7-seater cars in India.
This is where Ertiga clearly beats most compact SUVs, including Nexon, in daily running cost.
Maruti Ertiga Petrol vs CNG
Choosing between petrol and CNG depends on your usage pattern.
Petrol Variant – Best For
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Mixed city & highway driving
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Slightly better acceleration
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Smoother performance
CNG Variant – Best For
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Daily city commute
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High monthly running
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Lowest fuel cost per km
Although CNG variants have slightly lower power, the difference is negligible for family usage. The maruti ertiga petrol vs CNG debate ultimately comes down to savings vs performance balance.
Engine PerformanceÂ
On paper, the Nexon may show higher peak horsepower figures, but real-world family usage tells a different story.
Why Ertiga Feels More Powerful in Practical Scenarios
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Larger 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine
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Linear power delivery
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Better load-carrying ability
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No turbo lag
When fully loaded with passengers and luggage, the Ertiga performs more confidently than compact SUVs that are tuned more for solo or 2-person driving.
This makes Ertiga a more dependable choice for family road trips and long drives.
Maruti Ertiga Boot SpaceÂ
One of the most underrated strengths of Ertiga is its boot space flexibility.
Maruti Ertiga Boot Space Highlights
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Adequate luggage space even with all 7 seats in use
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Large cargo area when third row is folded
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Perfect for airport runs, vacations, and shopping
Unlike many SUVs where boot space disappears once seats are occupied, Ertiga offers usable space in all configurations.
Maruti Ertiga FeaturesÂ
The maruti ertiga features list is well-balanced and family-oriented.
Key Interior & Tech Features
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Touchscreen infotainment system
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Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
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Steering-mounted controls
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Rear AC vents for second & third row
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Push-button start (higher variants)
Comfort Features
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Well-cushioned seats
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Smooth suspension setup
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Quiet cabin experience
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Easy third-row access
Maruti has focused on comfort over gimmicks, which works perfectly for families.
Maruti Ertiga Safety FeaturesÂ
Safety is non-negotiable when buying a family car.
Maruti Ertiga Safety Features Include
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Multiple airbags
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ABS with EBD
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Electronic Stability Program
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Hill hold assist (selected variants)
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ISOFIX child seat mounts
The Ertiga provides all essential safety features expected in a modern family vehicle.
Maruti Ertiga VariantsÂ
The maruti ertiga variants lineup is well-structured.
Variant Options Include
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Petrol manual
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Petrol automatic
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CNG manual
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Feature-rich top trims
This allows buyers to choose a version that fits their budget and usage needs without compromising core comfort.
Maruti Ertiga Price & On-Road Cost in India
Maruti Ertiga Price (Ex-Showroom)
The maruti ertiga price starts from the affordable range and goes up depending on variant and fuel type.
Maruti Ertiga On Road Price
The maruti ertiga on road price varies by city due to taxes and insurance but remains far more affordable than many 7-seater SUVs.
For a full-size family car, Ertiga delivers excellent value for money.
Maruti Ertiga ReviewÂ
A genuine maruti ertiga review from owners highlights:
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Extremely low maintenance
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Reliable engine
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Comfortable long-distance travel
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Good resale value
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Hassle-free ownership experience
These are areas where Maruti consistently outperforms many competitors.
Why Ertiga Is a Smarter Choice Than Nexon for Families
| Aspect | Ertiga | Nexon |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 7 | 5 |
| Mileage (CNG equivalent) | Up to 35 kmpl savings | Lower |
| Cabin Space | Excellent | Limited |
| Boot Flexibility | High | Average |
| Family Comfort | Superior | Moderate |
For nuclear families, Nexon may work. For joint or growing families, Ertiga is clearly the better option.
Final VerdictÂ
Yes, without any doubt.
If you are looking for:
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A true 7-seater
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Excellent fuel efficiency
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Practical boot space
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Reliable engine performance
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Strong family comfort
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Affordable price & maintenance
Then the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is one of the best 7 seater family car choices in India today.
It may not chase aggressive SUV styling, but it delivers what really matters to Indian families — comfort, economy, and trust.
