The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga continues to be one of India’s favourite 7-seater MPVs — thanks to its practicality, affordable price, and fuel-efficient hybrid engine. But in 2026, buyers have many great alternatives that offer more space, features, comfort, and even premium or eco-friendly technology.
Here are the top 6 MPV alternatives you should consider:
1. Toyota Innova Crysta & Hycross
Best for: Families, long drives, resale value
The Toyota Innova is the gold standard of MPVs in India — known for comfort, reliability and long-term durability. The Crysta offers strong diesel performance and excellent space, while the newer Hycross hybrid brings improved fuel efficiency and a smoother ride.
Why it’s a top choice:
-
Spacious cabin with excellent comfort
-
Very strong resale value
-
Hybrid option (Hycross) with better fuel economy
💡 Perfect if you travel long distances often or need premium comfort.
2. Kia Carens
Best for: Feature-packed family MPV
The Kia Carens is a direct rival to the Ertiga but comes with more premium features, versatile seating (6- or 7-seater), and better safety tech. It also now offers a CNG option, making it economical for daily use.
Top highlights:
-
Large touchscreen & connected car features
-
Available in petrol, diesel, and now CNG variant
-
Strong safety kit with more airbags
💡 Perfect if you want extra technology and feature value over the Ertiga.
3. Maruti Suzuki XL6
Best for: Premium 6-seater experience
A more upmarket sibling to the Ertiga, the XL6 focuses on comfort and exclusivity with captain seats in the middle row, unique styling, and better interior feel.
Key perks:
-
Premium look and feel
-
Excellent ride comfort for long journeys
-
Same reliable Maruti 1.5L hybrid engine
💡 Perfect if you want a more premium, comfortable ride than the standard Ertiga.
4. Renault Triber
Best for: Budget-friendly MPV
If you want a true 7-seater under a budget, the Renault Triber is an excellent pick. It’s one of the most affordable multi-purpose vehicles in India and comes with smart flexibility and decent space.
What makes it great:
-
Very budget-friendly price
-
Flexible seating and storage configurations
-
City-friendly size with surprising interior space
💡 Perfect if cost and practicality are your priority.
5. Toyota Rumion
Best for: Practical daily MPV
The Toyota Rumion is essentially a Toyota-branded Ertiga with Toyota’s service network and reliability benefits. It makes a practical choice against the Ertiga while offering similar hybrid efficiency.
Benefits:
-
Toyota’s strong brand reliability & service
-
Similar engine and driving dynamics as Ertiga
-
Slight styling and feature differences
💡 Perfect if you like Toyota’s ownership experience but want Ertiga-like practicality.
6. Kia Carens Clavis EV
Best for: Eco-friendly MPV choice (Electric)
2025 saw the introduction of the Kia Carens Clavis EV — a locally-made electric MPV that brings eco-friendly power to the segment. With features like a front trunk (frunk) and EV benefits, it’s ideal for urban drivers wanting a zero-tailpipe-emission MPV.
Why consider this EV:
-
Electric powertrain (cleaner & cheaper running cost)
-
Spacious cabin and modern features
-
Frunk & EV-centric convenience
💡 Perfect if you want to go electric without leaving the MPV style behind.
Quick Comparison Table
| MPV Model | Seating | Best Feature | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Innova Crysta / Hycross | 7 | Comfort & reliability | Long-distance families |
| Kia Carens | 6 / 7 | Feature-rich | Feature seekers |
| Maruti XL6 | 6 | Premium comfort | Comfort-focused buyers |
| Renault Triber | 7 | Budget-friendly | Value buyers |
| Toyota Rumion | 7 | Toyota reliability | Practical daily use |
| Kia Carens Clavis EV | 5 | Electric MPV | Eco & city buyers |
Verdict
If your priority is value & features, the Kia Carens tops the list. For pure comfort and long drives, the Toyota Innova Hycross / Crysta remains unbeaten. Budget-conscious buyers will love the Renault Triber, while those seeking premium feel should consider the Maruti XL6. The Carens EV gives a glimpse of the future with electric mobility.









