The Maruti XL6-rivalling Kia Carens offers a VFM and a practical package to the buyers in the 7-seat MPV segment
Kia recently launched the Carens MPV in India and has aggressively priced it in the Indian market. This MPV takes on the rivals like the Maruti Ertiga, Maruti XL6, Hyundai Alcazar, and the Mahindra Marazzo. The Kia Carens is also the most affordable diesel MPV in the segment and is offered with a long list of standard safety features. Having said this, how good is the Kia Carens when compared to the Maruti Ertiga? Here is a detailed Kia Carens Vs Maruti Ertiga spec comparison that you should check out to find all the answers. But before we begin, do not forget to join our official Auto42 Youtube Channel.
2022 Kia Carens Vs Maruti Ertiga Design And Dimensions
The Kia Carens boasts a modern and slightly quirky design language that differentiates it from its rivals in the segment. The Carens not only looks fresh, but in addition to this, also gets premium styling elements like LED lamps, premium chrome grille, dual-cut alloy wheels, LED tail lamps, and more. In all, the Kia Carens definitely score impressive ratings in terms of the exterior design. The Carens is also longer, wider, and taller when compared to the Maruti Ertiga.
Also Read: Kia Carens Safety Crash Test Ratings Out – Why Are We Disappointed?
The Maruti Ertiga on the other hand looks elegant and bold that giving it a strong road presence. The build quality is impressive while the panel gaps too are uniform. The front fascia is largely dominated by a large chrome grille in the centre while the big and bold projector headlamps on either end further complement the design. The rear too looks great and when compared to the Carens, it is the Ertiga that will attract a wider range of buyers with its design. A quick dimension comparison is given below in the table:
| Kia Carens | Maruti Ertiga | |
| Length | 4540 mm | 4395 mm |
| Width | 1800 mm | 1735 mm |
| Height | 1708 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm | 2740 mm |
| Ground Clearance |
195 mm | 180 mm |
| Tyre Size | 205/65 R-16 | 175/65 R-15 |
Engine, Gearbox, and Performance
The Kia Carens in India is available with three engine options- 1.5L SmartStream, 1.4L tGDi, and 1.5L CRDi. The 1.5L Smartstream naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine churns out 115 PS @ 6300 RPM and a peak torque output of 144 Nm @ 4500 rpm. This engine is available with 6-speed manual gearbox. The 1.4L tGDi on the other hand boasts a peak power and torque output of 140 Ps @ 6000 rpm and 242 Nm @ 1500 rpm respectively. This engine is however available with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT gearbox. Last, but not least, the 1.5L CRDi diesel delivers a maximum power output of 115 PS @ 4000 rpm and maximum torque of 250 Nm @ 1500 rpm. Two engine options are available with this engine – a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed automatic torque converter unit.
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The Maruti Ertiga however is only available with a single-engine option -a 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid petrol engine. This engine churns out a peak torque output of 102 PS @ 6000 rpm and 136.8 Nm @ 4400. This engine can be had either with a 5-speed manual gearbox or with a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The buyers can also opt for a CNG iteration of the MPV. A quick comparison is given below in the table:
| Kia Carens Petrol |
Kia Carens Turbo P | Kia Carens Diesel | Maruti Ertiga | |
| Engine | 1.5L Smartstream | 1.4L T-Gdi | 1.5L CRDi | 1.5L K15C Smart Hybrid |
| Max. Power | 115 Ps at 6300 RPM | 140 Ps at 6000 RPM | 115 Ps at 4000 RPM | 102 PS at 6000 RPM |
| Max. Torque | 144 Nm at 4500 RPM | 242 Nm at 1500 RPM | 250 Nm at 1500 RPM | 136.8 Nm at 4400 RPM |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-MT / 7DCT | 6MT / 6AT | 5-speed manual/6-Speed AT |
| Emission Norm | BS6 | BS6 | BS6 | BS6 |
Kia Carens Vs Maruti Ertiga Price
| Kia Carens | Maruti Ertiga | |
| Starting Price | Rs 9,59,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs 8,35,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi) |
Final Verdict
The Kia Carens is one of the most VFM offerings in the segment and come equipped with a long features list and a number of standard safety features that make it a worthy choice for anyone wanting to buy a comfortable and spacious MPV. The in-cabin experience too is impressive and multiple engine options further make it a more suitable choice for a wider range of buyers. The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga on the other hand continues to dominate the segment with its no-nonsense package and affordable price tag. The Ertiga not only offers a subtle design that will be appreciated by all your family members but in addition to this, is also backed by Maruti’s trusted after-sales service network. Both these MPVs compete neck and neck with each other but it is the Carens that has an edge over the Ertiga with its better features and a premium cabin. The Ertiga however offers better comfort and dynamics that make it a reliable workhorse.
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What do you think about this Kia Carens Vs Maruti Ertiga comparison? Do let us know in the comments box below. Also, do not forget to subscribe to our official AUTO42 Youtube Channel. Stay tuned to Auto42 for all the latest industry updates, unbiased reviews, automotive discussions, and more.
