Maruti Ertiga

• The Maruti Ertiga has a simple and sophisticated design, which doesn’t look outdated despite only getting a mild refresh back in 2022.

• The headlights don’t get any LED elements, but it is a halogen projector unit.

• The front frog lamps are available from the ZXi variant onwards.

• The winged chrome inserts and C-shaped outline around the fog lights add some design to the otherwise simple front design of the Ertiga.

• The long wheelbase and floating roofline give it that typical-MPV styling in profile.

• I like the design of the 15-inch alloy wheels, but I also wish Maruti offered a bigger alloy size for the Ertiga.

• The lower variants also get 15-inch wheels but only with a simple wheel cover.

• The rear is where the Ertiga’s design gets a bit stylish with its L-shaped LED taillights and a roof-mounted spoiler.

• The 2025 Maruti Ertiga is available in seven monotone shades: Pearl Metallic Auburn Red, Dignity Brown, Metallic Magma Grey, Pearl Metallic Oxford Blue, Pearl Arctic White, Splendid Silver, and Bluish Black.

Design & Quality

• Just like the exterior, the interior of the Maruti Ertiga has a simple and sober design.

• While the layout might be simple, the dual tone theme with the teakwood-like finish on the dashboard and doors add some style to the design.

• Most of the cabin is finished in plastic, but it doesn’t feel cheap thanks to different shades and textures being used in various places.

• I like the leather wrap on the steering wheel, and the soft-touch material on the central and door armrest, which adds a premium touch to an otherwise plain-jane cabin.

Driving Position

• With height-adjustable driver seats being offered from the mid-spec ZXi variant, finding an ideal driving position is easy, despite no telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel.

• The seats feel comfortable on both short and long journeys, courtesy of ample cushioning and healthy side support.

• There’s no issues in terms of visibility as well, and new drivers will get comfortable very easily behind the wheel. 

Passenger Comfort

• Maruti Ertiga’s second row has enough space for three passengers, but the middle passenger doesn’t get a headrest, which results in discomfort over long journeys.

• Headroom, knee room, and foot room are ample, and even the under-thigh support is good with enough room to stretch your legs.

• I really appreciate the slide and recline function for the second row, which gives you the option to lounge comfortably, provided that the third row is empty.

• With a central armrest and roof mounted AC vents with dedicated fan speed control, the Ertiga’s second row is hard to fault, especially from a chauffeur-driven perspective.

• Accessing the third row requires some effort because these seats don’t tumble and fold completely.

• Space in the third row is adequate for adults, but for short journeys. However, on long distance journeys, it is best suited to kids.  

• There’s no option to slide the middle seats from the third row, but you can recline them to help improve knee room.

Storage Options

• The Ertiga offers all the usual storage spaces you’d expect from a family car. 1-litre bottle holder in all four doors, and space under the central armrest and glovebox.\

• The central console has two cup cupholders with a tray ahead to store your wallet or keys. There’s a compartment next to the steering wheel for your spare change and receipts.

• A small storage has been tucked underneath the front central armrest as well.

• Second row passengers get seat back pockets, and a small cubby hole in the central console. 

• While there are no cupholders in the central armrest for the second row, passengers in the third row get dedicated cupholders.

Features

• The 2025 Maruti Ertiga covers all the basics in terms of features with equipment like auto ORVMs, auto headlights, push button start/stop, auto AC, keyless entry, cruise control, and connected car technology.

• The 7-inch touchscreen system might feel small and dated by modern standards, especially in terms of its look and graphics, but it functions as intended.

• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are easy to connect and use.

• The 6-speaker sound system offers acceptable audio quality.

• The coloured MID display for the driver also feels dated, but relays a bunch of clear-cut information that's easy to read.

• While it isn’t an outright miss, a sunroof and maybe some Type-C charging ports would’ve made the feature package of the Ertiga even more complete.

• Maruti offers the 2025 Ertiga with two airbags, hill hold assist, ISOFIX mounts, rear parking sensors, and a seat belt reminder as standard.

• Higher variants also feature four airbags and rear parking camera. 

• The Ertiga had received a 3-star rating in the pre-updated (read less strict) test procedures of global NCAP back in 2019.

• Even with the third row up, the Maruti Ertiga’s boot has enough space to store a couple of cabin and laptop bags. 

• Drop the third row, and you get a flatbed, which is big enough for all your airport runs or weekend family getaways.

• The second row also has a 60:40 split, which provides the option of hauling really big/long equipment or luggage with ease. 

• Maruti also offers a false floor, which allows you to store large suitcases upright or fit small bags underneath.

• Even in the CNG variant, the Ertiga’s boot can easily fit two duffle bags with all the rows up.

• The 2025 Maruti Ertiga is available with a single 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated, petrol engine, which can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission.

• You can also pair this engine with a CNG kit, but only with a manual transmission.

1.5-litre petrol

• The Ertiga’s engine is super refined right from when you start the engine up. Both the noise and vibrations are kept in check even under hard acceleration.

• I found it really easy to drive the Ertiga in the city as the engine picks up speed from lower RPMs without any hesitation and does so in a smooth manner.

• Performance isn’t strong or exciting, but adequate. It accelerates in a linear manner, and reaching and maintaining highway speeds doesn’t feel stressful.

• You will have to plan your overtakes at higher speeds, however, especially with a full load as the transmission takes a little time to downshift.

• The manual is easy to use, with a light clutch weight and slick gear throws.

• Ertiga’s automatic transmission is tuned for smoothness and offers jerk-free shifts for the most part.

• While I appreciate Maruti offering paddle shifters with the automatic for more control, the system is tuned for efficiency and switches back to automatic mode rather quickly.

• I found that it’s best to shift the gear lever to manual mode (M) for hill station driving or if you want to make quick overtakes, as it holds on to the gears longer.

• You can expect a fuel efficiency of 11kmpl in the city, and 14kmpl on the highway. However, these figures will drop with a full load inside the car.

1.5-litre petrol + CNG

• Despite the on-paper drop in power, you will hardly feel any difference between the CNG and petrol modes in the city.

• Acceleration is smooth and linear here as well with ample low-end torque to help in slow moving city traffic.

• I like the light weight of the clutch and the slick gear lever action, which makes it easy to drive, especially in stop and go traffic.

• While triple digit cruising is effortless, you will have to plan out your overtakes at those speeds, and downshift to complete that overtake.

• Compared to the petrol version, Ertiga’s CNG powertrain is far more efficient with a claimed figure of 26.11 km/kg.

• The Maruti Ertiga is a comfortable 7-seater MPV, and it won’t leave you with any complaints over its ride quality.

• Bump absorption over potholes and speedbreakers in the city is good and the suspension works silently – irrespective of the load in the vehicle.

• Movement inside the cabin is controlled over rough roads as well, but I found it’s best to take really sharp bumps, especially with a full load, at a slower pace.

• High speed highway stability is good, and it remains composed over a sudden undulation or change in surface at triple digit speeds as well.

• I would suggest people with motion sickness to avoid travelling long distances in the third row, as the ride can get a little bouncy, especially if the surface isn’t smooth.

• The steering is light and easy to use in the city and feels confident on higher speeds.

• Maruti offers the 2025 Ertiga in four variants: LXi, VXi, ZXi, and ZXi+.

Maruti Ertiga LXi

• Gets projector halogen headlights, LED tail lights, and wheel covers as standard.

• No infotainment system, but gets functional equipment like manual AC, powered windows, tilt steering adjust, and a coloured MID display for the driver.

• Standard safety features include dual airbags, hill-hold assist, electronic stability program, and rear parking sensors.

Maruti Ertiga VXi

• Better exterior styling with chrome inserts on the grille, body coloured outside mirror and door handles, and turn indicator on the ORVM.

• Offers more day-to-day functional equipment like manual inside mirror, keyless entry, electric outside mirrors, steering mounted controls, and paddle shifters.

• No touchscreen infotainment still, but gets a basic sound system with 4-speakers with USB and AUX connectivity.

Maruti Ertiga ZXi

• Looks exactly like the top-spec variant with 15-inch alloys, additional chrome inserts on the door handles and tailgate, fog lamps and rear wiper and washer.

• More premium interior look with metallic teak-wood finish panels and dual-tone seat fabrics.

• Improved comfort with seat height adjustment (driver) and a sliding front armrest.

• More complete feature package with auto AC, push button start/stop, rear defogger and 12V sockets in all three rows.

• Gets a 7-inch infotainment system with wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay paired to a 6-speaker sound system.

Maruti Ertiga ZXi+

• No visual changes in the exterior and interior when compared to the one-below ZXi variant.

• Feature additions include cruise control, auto outside mirrors, auto headlights with welcome and goodbye function, and Arkamys-tuned sound system.

• Infotainment now gets wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

• Improved safety kit with four airbags and a rear view parking camera.

CarDekho recommends:

• The one-above-base variant is a good option for people on a tight budget. It offers a better functional kit over the base variant, along with the option of an automatic and CNG kit.

• The most value-for-money variant of the Maruti Ertiga is the ZXi variant, as it features a good balance of functional, feel-good, and safety features.

As far as family MPVs go, the Maruti Ertiga is really hard to fault. It might not have the glamour that a few of its more expensive rivals offer, or a third row that’s comfortable for adults over long journeys. But it undeniably delivers on parameters of a family MPV like space, practicality and arguably the most important - comfort. And it does all of that at an affordable price.

Other cars to consider instead of the Maruti Ertiga

Toyota Rumion

Reasons to consider

• Offers six airbags

• Better standard warranty package

Reasons to ignore

• More expensive

Kia Carens

Reasons to consider

• Feels more premium inside-out

• Better feature package

• Better performance 

• Diesel option

Reasons to ignore

• Significantly more expensive

• No CNG option

Renault Triber

Reasons to consider

• More affordable

• 4-star global NCAP rating

Reasons to ignore

• Smaller footprint = less space inside 

• Drive experience isn’t as good, both in terms of refinement and performance

• Less premium cabin experience