Best Family Cars: Comparing Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Kia Carens Variants
What a Family-focused car buyer looks for in a car
A family-focused car buyer values space, comfort, safety, and practicality above all else. They need enough seating for the entire family, often requiring three rows of seats. Boot capacity is important for family outings, trips, and groceries. Safety features like ABS, airbags, and stability control are non-negotiable as they prioritize the safety of their loved ones.
They also appreciate convenience features such as rear AC vents and power windows. Ride quality matters for comfortable long journeys. Lastly, a reliable and cost-effective car is desirable, making brands like Maruti Suzuki and Kia attractive choices. We take a closer look at Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Kia Carens variants, and figure out which of these will appeal to family-focused buyers.
Why Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Kia Carens are popular among Family-focused car buyers
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Kia Carens are among the best family cars in India and thus have emerged as popular choices among family-focused car buyers due to their unique blend of space, comfort, safety, and value for money. They offer ample seating space with their three-row seating arrangement, which is a must-have feature for large families. Furthermore, both vehicles have been designed keeping in mind the need for a sizable boot capacity, which comes handy for those long family outings and weekly grocery runs.
In terms of safety, both vehicles do not compromise. They come equipped with essential safety features such as ABS, airbags, and stability control, giving buyers peace of mind. Additionally, convenience features like power windows, rear AC vents, and rear parking sensors further enhance the ownership experience, which is an important consideration for family-focused buyers.
Ride comfort and quality are other areas where these vehicles excel. They ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, which is crucial during long journeys. The robust build quality, backed by the trust and reliability associated with brands like Maruti Suzuki and Kia, further bolsters their appeal.
Moreover, both Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Kia Carens offer a range of variants catering to different budget segments, making them accessible to a broad base of customers. With their combination of space, comfort, safety, and affordability, it’s easy to see why these vehicles are the top family cars in India and preferred by family-focused buyers.
Our variants shortlist for Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Kia Carens
The following are the shortlisted variants for Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Kia Carens:
| Product | Variant | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | ZXI CNG | ₹11,83,000 |
| Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | ZXI AT | ₹12,38,000 |
| Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | ZXI Plus AT | ₹13,08,000 |
| Kia Carens | Premium Diesel iMT | ₹12,65,000 |
| Kia Carens | Prestige iMT | ₹13,25,000 |
| Kia Carens | Prestige Diesel iMT | ₹13,85,000 |
Each variant has its unique offerings. The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI CNG is eco-friendly and cost-effective with respect to fuel, but it lacks a touchscreen and rear parking camera. On the other hand, the ZXI AT offers automatic transmission for more comfortable city driving and adds touchscreen functionality, while the ZXI Plus AT further enhances safety with additional airbags and introduces a superior audio system. For budget-conscious buyers, we also have our exclusive guide to the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga variants.
Kia Carens Premium Diesel iMT, despite being the base variant, offers a spacious cabin with good safety features. However, it lacks an audio system and Android Auto or Apple CarPlay connectivity. Stepping up to the Prestige iMT adds these features, along with a rear parking camera and touchscreen navigation. The Prestige Diesel iMT variant offers the same advantages but with a diesel engine that might appeal to those who value fuel economy and drive long distances. Design buffs looking for recommendations can read our comparison of the Kia Carens with Maruti Suzuki XL6.
Best Variant among Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Kia Carens for Family-focused car buyer
Given the requirements of a family-focused buyer, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus AT emerges as the most suitable option. This variant boasts ample space with its three-row seating and considerable boot capacity. The safety features are commendable with the inclusion of ABS, ESC, and four airbags, contributing to a safer ride. The ride quality is rated moderate, which indicates a balanced performance for city and highway drives, making it the right car variant for the family man.
Furthermore, the ZXI Plus AT variant offers convenience features such as power windows, rear AC vents, and rear parking sensors, making it a practical choice for families. Importantly, it includes a rear parking camera and touchscreen navigation, enhancing the driving and ownership experience. The Arkamys audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay provides entertainment for enjoyable family journeys.
The Top 3 choices
The top three choices for a family-focused car buyer would be Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus AT, Kia Carens Prestige iMT, and Kia Carens Prestige Diesel iMT. These variants excel in providing a mix of space, comfort, safety, and convenience features at a reasonable price.
Here’s a comparison table of these three choices
| Attributes | Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus AT | Kia Carens Prestige iMT | Kia Carens Prestige Diesel iMT |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot capacity (liters) | 209 | 216 | 216 |
| ESC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Power Windows – Front and Back | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear AC vents | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ride comfort | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Rear Parking Camera | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen Navigation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
All three choices are suitable for a family-focused car buyer, offering a good balance of space, comfort, and safety and ideal for small to large families. The Ertiga ZXI Plus AT scores high on convenience features, while the Carens Prestige variants offer superior safety features with six airbags. The choice between petrol and diesel in Carens Prestige variants provides flexibility for buyers to choose based on their driving needs and fuel preference.