Cars come in different shapes and sizes. But nothing beats 8 seater cars that can accommodate your whole family or group of friends for those special extended road trips. Seating 8 full-size adults is not an easy task since that almost equals two normal cars. To pull off an actual 8-seater, you need acres of space, a comfortable cabin, and powerful engines to lug all that mass. SUVs might be our first option, but all SUVs sold in India are actually 7-seaters, although you can cram in an 8th passenger (not recommended and safe). It is no surprise that India has a dearth of 8 seater cars.
MPVs are your best bet if you are out in the market for actual no-nonsense full-size 8 seater cars. Because to fit full-size 8 adults, a spacious third row is mandatory and that is something MPVs excel in. Look hard and one will notice the scarcity of 8 seater people-movers in India. But we do have a couple of options in India. Interestingly, while all of them are MPVs, they are also different from each other, and priced differently. This list of the best 8 seater cars in India includes three MPVs with prices ranging from Rs 13 lakh all the way up to Rs 35 lakh.
Also Read – 7 Seater Cars In India
Best 8 Seater Cars Price in India
Model | Price(ex-showroom) |
Mahindra Marazzo | Rs 13.41 - 15.70 Lakh |
Toyota Innova Crysta | Rs 18.09 - 23.83 Lakh |
Kia Carnival | Rs 30.99 - 35.49 Lakh |
List of Best 8 Seater Cars in India
Mahindra Marazzo
Truth be told, the Marazzo is one of the most underrated cars from Mahindra’s lineup. Launched as an alternative to the premium Toyota Innova Crysta, the Marazzo does everything, at a much more affordable price point. How affordable? It is actually cheaper than the Innova by more than Rs 5 lakhs as prices for the Marazzo range between Rs 13.41 and Rs 15.70 Lakh.
What works in favour of this 8 seater car is a spacious cabin with good ride quality, a 4-star safety rating and an affordable price tag. But, what doesn’t impress is the lack of an automatic gearbox and the mediocre engine option. And that will be a 1.5-litre diesel engine (122PS/300Nm), mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The Marazzo is a proper 8 seater and is also available in a 7-seater guise with captain seats for the second row.
Mahindra Marazzo Specifications
- Engine: 1.5-litre diesel
- Transmission: 6-speed manual
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Airbags: 2
- Body Type: MPV
Also Read – Diesel Cars In India
Mahindra Marazzo Key Features
- Surround cool technology
- 4-wheel disc brakes
Toyota Innova Crysta
The Toyota Innova Crysta does not need any introduction. It is the most popular MPV in India and arguably the best as well. The Innova is the preferred car of big families and cabbies all across India. It now comes at a price thanks to its premium attire which is also complemented by a 2.4-litre diesel engine and a 2.7-litre petrol engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Toyota’s bullet-proof reliability and exceptional after-sales support are the other reasons why you should take a look at the Innova.
Toyota launched the Innova back in 2005 as a replacement for its ageing warhorse, the Qualis. The MPV has even been the go-to choice for someone looking for a no-nonsense MPV. It is India’s dearest MPV having sold over 10 lakh units since its introduction. The Innova got various updates over the years but it was the Innova Crysta which uplifted Innova’s status to that of a premium MPV with a rich cabin. To sum it up, if you want the quintessential 8 seater people-mover, look no further than the Innova Crysta.
Toyota Innova Crysta Specifications
- Engine: 2.4-litre diesel
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Airbags: 7
- Body Type: MPV
Also Read – Automatic vs Manual Transmission
Toyota Innova Crysta Key Features
- Drive modes
- 8.0-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 7 airbags
Kia Carnival
Kia Carnival is the stepping stone to the world of luxury MPVs in India which include the likes of the Toyota Vellfire and the Mercedes-Benz V-Class. Both of these MPVs have a price tag north of Rs 80 lakhs and that is where the Carnival shines. The Kia MPV costs nothing compared to that and slots above the Innova Crysta in terms of positioning in the market. It is available in various seating configurations and is priced between Rs 30.99 lakh and Rs 35.49 Lakh (ex-showroom). It offers impeccable ride quality along with the most space in an MPV that comes with a sticker price of under Rs 50 lakhs.
A punchy diesel engine, acres of space and a plush cabin are the highlights of this Kia. Furthermore, if pampering 8 occupants in complete luxury ranks high on your list, the Kia Carnival fits the bill perfectly. Under the hood is a 2.2-litre diesel powerplant (197hp /440Nm) coupled with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Some interesting features include a triple zone aircon system, rear seat entertainment with touchscreen displays, one-touch power sliding doors, dual sunroof, a powered tailgate and many more.
Kia Carnival Specifications
- Engine: 2.2-litre diesel
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Fuel Type: Diesel
- Airbags: 6
- Body Type: MPV
Also Read – 6 Airbags Cars
Kia Carnival Key Features
- Dual touchscreen rear seat entertainment
- Triple zone climate control aircon
- Harman Kardon 8-speaker sound system
- Dual sunroof
Best 8 Seater Cars Summary
All three MPVs featured in this list have something going for them. You cannot go wrong with the Marazzo even if it’s the most-affordable MPV on this list. The Innova Crysta is so good at what it promises that Toyota has sold over 10 lakh cars in India and it is also due for an update in the near future. The Kia is the premium alternative and more like a cut-price Toyota Vellfire when you think about it. It’s packed with features, offers impressive room and is easily one of the most comfortable cars in India. These are the only three cars in India that promise to accommodate 8 passengers. An MPV is an underrated body style in India and is actually the best way to explore our vast and well-built highway network along with your near and dear ones.
FAQs on Best 8 Seater Cars
Q. Which is the best 8-seater car in India?
Looking at all three options, if we had to pick, it has got to be the Innova Crysta which brings a lot to the table as a full-size MPV. Being a Toyota itself is enough reason to recommend the Innova. Along with that, the sheer number of Innovas on the road is a testament to how good it is.
Q. Which is the most popular 8-seater car in India?
The Toyota Innova Crysta is the most popular MPVs in India having sold more than 10 lakh units since its inception.
Q. Which is the least expensive 8-seater car in India?
The Mahindra Marazzo is the least expensive 8-seater car in India as its prices start from Rs 13 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Q. Which are the most expensive 8-seater cars in India?
The Kia Carnival is the most-expensive 8-seater car in India since all other expensive MPVs and SUVs in India are 7-seaters.