We all have been in situations where people you wanted to travel with outnumbered the seats your car has. That either means cramming people up in the same car or getting a second car, which defeats the purpose. If you do not want to share your personal space even in the close environment of a car, you will agree that most sedans and hatchbacks are only good for four full-sized adults on a long trip. Be it six friends who want to travel together or two siblings who want to holiday somewhere with their parents and grandparents, 6 seater cars in India have started to catch the attention of the average Indian buyer.
Buying a 6-seater car in India can be a Herculean task. Some cars have the option of fitting three adults in the front row and three in the second, and some offer a more comfortable option where two full-grown individuals sit in three separate rows each. With an array of different features, and a price-range that is as vast as the length and breadth of this country, choosing a 6-seater car to suit your needs can be exhausting. To find the perfect balance between the two – practicality and comfort – we take a look at some of the best 6 seater cars the Indian market has to offer.
Also Read – 5 Seater Cars In India
Table of Contents
List of 6 Seater Cars in India
Car | Transmission | Mileage | Ex-showroom price |
Tata Safari | 6-speed AT 6-speed MT | 14.08-16.14 kmpl | Rs. 15.35-23.56 lakh |
Kia Carnival | 8-speed AT | 13.9 kmpl | Rs. 30.99-35.49 lakh |
Maruti Suzuki XL6 | 6-speed AT 6-speed MT | 20.27-20.97kmpl | Rs. 11.29-14.39 lakh |
MG Gloster | 8-speed AT | 12.35 kmpl | Rs. 32-40.78 lakh |
Hyundai Alcazar | 6-speed AT 6-speed MT | 14.5-20.4 kmpl | Rs. 15.9-20.25 lakh |
MG Hector Plus | 7-speed DCT CVT automatic 6-speed MT | 16.6 kmpl | Rs. 17.73-21 lakh |
Kia Carens | 7-speed DCT 6-speed AT 6-speed MT | 15.7-21.3 kmpl | Rs. 9.6-16.6 lakh |
Tata Safari
Tata Motors, one of the few to start the SUV market in India, relaunched the iconic Safari for the Indian market. The new Safari, very smartly, caters to more than one section of the Indian market. Unlike the majority in the 6 seater car segment, Tata Safari boasts of being a very-capable SUV. The captain seats, with their individual adjustments and dedicated armrests, in the second row mean that you may never want to get in the front seat. The third row is spacious enough to house two adults without either complaining. The third row also gets dedicated AC vents with its own controls.
The new Safari’s diesel engine delivers 170PS and 350Nm of power and torque respectively, which is enough to take six people through most terrains India has to offer. Unlike other cars from the Tata portfolio, the Safari still remains untested in the Global NCAP safety test. Build quality, however, remains on par with other Tata cars, ensuring occupant safety while driving.
Tata Safari Feature Highlights:
- Engine: 2-litre diesel
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic | 6-speed manual
- Mileage: 16.14 kmpl AT | 14.08 kmpl MT
- Airbags: Standard dual front airbags | Up to 6 airbags
- Fuel type: Diesel
- Seating capacity: 6 and 7 people
- Body Type: SUV
- Ex-showroom price: Rs. 15.35-23.56 lakhs
Also Read – SUV Cars In India
Kia Carnival
If you think a 6 seater car does not necessarily need to look SUV-ish, then the Carnival might catch your eye. Launched for the first time in India at the Auto Expo 2020, the Kia Carnival offers its buyers various seating arrangements. The 2-seat arrangement in all the 3 rows gives you enough room to stretch in any direction you prefer. The interiors are aimed at providing an experience this segment is not known for. The second row-seats are made of premium leatherette and can be reclined for additional comfort. You can recline the seats fully while also raising the leg support, and look at the rain through the second sunroof panel above the second row seats. The tailgate can be opened even when your hands are full. Once inside, the dual-touchscreen entertainment system for the rear seat passengers will keep you entertained no matter what.
Kia Carnival is a car that takes the commute to a whole new level. This is a car that delivers luxury on four wheels unlike what most of us get to experience in this segment. If you want to sit in the lap of luxury while stuck in a traffic jam on a Monday morning, this should certainly be on your list. With the diesel engine delivering 200PS of power and 440Nm of torque, it has more than enough to take you, and five others, anywhere you would like to go without compromising on the comfort.
Kia Carnival Feature Highlights:
- Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Mileage: 13.9 kmpl
- Airbags: 6 airbags
- Fuel type: Diesel
- Seating capacity: 6 and 7 people
- Body Type: MPV
- Ex-showroom price: Rs. 30.99-35.49 lakhs
Also Read – Diesel Cars In India
Maruti Suzuki XL6
One of the most trusted brands in the Indian market, Maruti Suzuki’s entry to this segment is the XL6. The XL6 is one of the most affordable 6-seaters we have in the Indian market currently. This also makes it one of the best-sellers in the 6-seater segment. The 2+2+2 seating arrangement makes it a comfortable option for those journeys. The front row gets ventilated seats and the second row is complemented with captain seats. The third row can house two adults and can also be folded for those extra suitcases.
The 1.5-litre petrol engine delivers 103PS and 107Nm of power and torque which is not massive but is enough to carry six adults through most of the roads our country has to offer. Do not expect it to climb a mountain like the more promising 4×4 SUVs, but it will surely take you to the mountain without any problem. The Maruti Suzuki XL6 is also the most affordable option one can buy in this segment which makes it a serious contender in a price-sensitive market like ours.
Maruti Suzuki XL6 Feature Highlights:
- Engine: 1.5-litre petrol
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic | 5-speed manual
- Mileage: 20.27 kmpl AT | 20.97 kmpl MT
- Airbags: Standard dual front airbags | Up to 4 airbags
- Fuel type: Petrol
- Seating capacity: 6 people
- Body Type: MUV
- Ex-showroom price: Rs. 11.29-14.39 lakhs
Also Read – Best Petrol Cars In India
MG Gloster
Gloster is the more ‘capable’ sibling from Morris Garages in the 6-seater SUV segment. Unlike the cars mentioned before, Gloster is a luxurious SUV which can easily accommodate six people. The interiors are plush and hospitable. The 6-seater variant gets captain seats in second row for utmost comfort even on unfriendly terrains. The third row allows full-grown adults to sit comfortably with enough leg room. The front row gets power-adjustment seats with ventilated and heated seats to help you find that perfect posture.
The standard diesel engine gets a turbo and delivers 161PS and 373.5Nm, and the more potent version gets not one but two turbos which take the figures to 215.5PS and 478.5Nm. The twin-turbo version comes with 4WD which lets six adults go that extra mile which can be reached only with a 4WD. Just keep in mind that the 6-seater options are only available in the top variant which starts at Rs. 38.45 lakhs and ends at 40.78 lakhs.
MG Gloster Feature Highlights:
- Engine: 2-litre diesel
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Mileage: 12.35 kmpl
- Airbags: 6 airbags
- Fuel type: Diesel
- Seating capacity: 6 and 7 people
- Body Type: SUV
- Ex-showroom price: Rs. 32-40.78 lakhs
Hyundai Alcazar
Hyundai is one of the most trusted brands in the Indian automotive industry, so it was impossible for them to not throw their hat in the ring of 6 seater cars. Alcazar is Hyundai’s entry in this competitive segment that has some of the biggest names in the market. The interiors are luxurious and comfortable. The front two seats are comfortable and ventilated. The two captain seats in the second row provide utmost comfort. The third row seats provide enough leg and headroom for two adults to sit comfortably without squeezing in. The third row also gets dedicated AC vents with 3-stage speed control. The ability to tip, tumble, slide and recline the second and third row seats gives you enough options to pack almost anything in the rear of the Alcazar.
The Hyundai Alcazar gets two engine options – a 2-litre petrol engine churning 159PS and 191Nm, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine delivering 115PS and 250Nm of power and torque respectively. Both the engines get 2 gearbox options in the form of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The 6-seater variant is available in both manual and automatic in both the engine options. Both the engines are capable of carrying the load of six adults, and their luggage, and cruise for hours without breaking a sweat. It just depends on whether you prefer the refinement of a petrol engine or the extra pull of a diesel engine.
Hyundai Alcazar Feature Highlights:
- Engine: 2-litre petrol | 1.5-litre diesel
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic | 6-speed manual
- Mileage: 14.5 kmpl – petrol | 20.4kmpl – diesel
- Airbags: Standard dual front airbags | Up to 6 airbags
- Fuel type: Petrol | Diesel
- Seating capacity: 6 and 7 people
- Body Type: SUV
- Ex-showroom price: Rs. 15.9-20.25 lakhs
Also Read – Automatic vs Manual Transmission
MG Hector Plus
MG has been on a roll from the time it entered the Indian market in 2019. In order to encash the success enjoyed by the Hector, MG decided to go ahead with its Hector Plus for those who do not like to leave anyone behind. The Hector Plus gets captain seats in the second row which can be reclined or adjusted depending on your height and comfort. The addition of the third row to the original Hector without increasing its length makes you wonder if it is ‘enough’ for someone who is, let’s say, 5’10” or taller. Dedicated AC vents for the third-row passengers might make you forget the need for more leg space for a while, but you might want to stop and stretch your legs more often than you like. The tailgate can be opened without using your hands, and if you fold one or both the seats in the third row, you have enough boot space to be as generous with packing as you like.
The petrol engine delivers 143PS and 250Nm, and the diesel motor produces 170PS and 350Nm. Both the engines are smooth and powerful enough to meet your expectations. Interestingly, the petrol engine also comes in a hybrid avatar which makes your ride smooth and avoids lags at lower rpms even when fully packed. You can also choose between a 6-speed automatic DCT, a CVT, and a 6-speed manual transmission depending on what you want your Hector Plus to be.
MG Hector Plus Feature Highlights:
- Engine: 1.5-litre petrol | 2-litre diesel
- Transmission: 6-speed manual | 6-speed DCT (petrol only) | CVT automatic (petrol only)
- Mileage: 16.56 kmpl – petrol MT | 16.65 kmpl – diesel MT | 12 kmpl – petrol automatic
- Airbags: Standard dual front airbags | Up to 6 airbags
- Fuel type: Petrol | Diesel
- Seating capacity: 6 people
- Body Type: SUV
- Ex-showroom price: Rs. 17.73-21 lakhs
Also Read – DCT vs CVT
Kia Carens
It’s quite interesting when a car is launched in the Indian market and you start noticing it on the roads within a few months. This surely gives us an idea how the market is perceiving a particular car. In this case, the Kia Carens has been a success and it impresses with its unique design and the front grille. Like most of the cars in this segment, Carens also gets an option to either be a 7-seater or a 6-seater. Unlike the Carnival, the Carens does not come across as an exhibitionist. It might not spoil you the way its elder sibling does, but it does the job in a very interesting manner. The interiors of the Kia Carens look plush and upmarket. The second-row has captain seats (no surprises there) and the third row has a very-usable space where two adults can not only sit comfortably but also have a serious conversation that can last for hours. Ingress and egress for the third-row passengers is easy due to the easily-foldable second-row seats. The front two seats are ventilated which, along with an air purifier, keeps the environment comfortable and clean.
Kia Carens lets you choose between three engine options – a 1.4-litre petrol engine, a 1.5-litre petrol engine, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The three engines deliver 140PS/242Nm, 115PS/144Nm, and 115PS/250Nm respectively. There are also three gearboxes to choose from – a 7-speed DCT, a 6-speed automatic, and a 6-speed manual. This will take you some time to figure out which combination works for you and why. Well, irrespective of whatever combination you choose, the Kia Carens has both – brains and brawn. Apart from being your everyday car, it can be a perfect tool to go anywhere for six passengers in utmost comfort.
Kia Carens Feature Highlights:
- Engine: 1.4-litre turbo petrol | 1.5-litre petrol | 1.5-litre diesel
- Transmission: 7-speed DCT automatic (turbo petrol only) | 6-speed automatic (diesel only) | 6-speed manual
- Mileage: 16.5kmpl | 15.7kmpl | 21.3kmpl
- Airbags: 6 airbags
- Fuel type: Petrol | Diesel
- Seating capacity: 6 and 7 people
- Body Type: MUV
- Ex-showroom price: Rs. 9.6-16.6 lakhs
Also Read – MUV Cars In India
6 Seater Cars Summary
Along with offering more utility to an everyday car, 6 seater cars bring a more versatile experience that is suited for most of your travelling needs. These cars tick more than a few boxes in an average car buyer’s list. With some of the biggest manufacturers around the globe entering this segment, it has even begun to get crowded. While some are more cost-effective than others, some offer an experience at a higher price. There is little that can go wrong with any of the cars we covered here for you today.
FAQs about 6 Seater Cars
Q. Which are the best 6 seater cars?
A. This depends entirely on your budget and the expectations from your vehicle. If you do not have an unlimited budget and do not plan to go to places where the terrain gets too rough, XL6 might be your best bet. If you want to travel in luxury and comfort, then Kia Carnival is gaining momentum among the buyers. If you want to go to extreme places in comfort then the Gloster also has 4×4 capabilities.
Q. What are the upcoming 6 seater cars?
A. Some rumoured 6 seater cars that might be launched sometime in the future include Jeep Meridian, a 3-row SUV by Maruti Suzuki, a 3-row SUV by Toyota, and a new 3-row SUV by Skoda.
Q. Which are the best mileage 6 -seater cars in India?
A. Maruti Suzuki’s XL6 provides the class-best fuel efficiency of 20-21 kmpl.
Q. Which are 6-seater budget cars in India in 2022?
A. Mahindra KUV100, Maruti Suzuki XL6, Hyundai Alcazar and Kia Carens are some of the more budget-friendly cars in the Indian market as of now.