When it comes to long trips with a large family or group of friends, you look for a car which can comfortably accommodate all of them and deliver a pleasant ride. For this purpose, MUVs have long been overwhelming favourites, thanks to their incredible versatility, practicality, and spaciousness. Today, whether you need a reliable family MUV to bustle across the city roads or an adventure companion for those scenic road trips, you have a lot of options available in the market. In this article, we dive into the world of Multi-Utility Vehicles (MUV) in India for the year 2024, to see which one best suits your garage.
What is the Full Form of MUV in Cars?
MUV stands for Multi-Utility Vehicle and describes any vehicle that is capable of more than one function. MUVs are also known as Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) for the same reason. MUVs offer a more practical and versatile experience, being capable of accommodating three rows of seating to carry seven people or more. The same three rows can also be folded in different configurations, opening up space for cargo.
List of Best MUV Cars in India
Car | G-NCAP Safety Rating | Fuel Type | ARAI Mileage | Price (ex-showroom) |
Renault Triber | 4 Stars | Petrol | 18.29 -19 kmpl | Rs. 5.91 - 8.51 lakhs |
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | 3 Stars | Petrol, CNG | 20.3 - 20.5 kmpl (Petrol) 26.11 (CNG) | Rs. 8.41 - 12.79 lakhs |
Kia Carens | 3 Stars | Petrol, Diesel | 15.7-16.5 kmpl (Petrol) 18.4 - 21.3 kmpl (Diesel) | Rs. 9.59 - 17.69 lakhs |
Toyota Rumion | 5 stars | Petrol, CNG | 20.11 - 20.51 kmpl (Petrol) 26.11 km/kg (CNG) | Rs. 10.44 - 13.73 lakhs |
Maruti Suzuki XL6 | 3 Stars | Petrol | 20.97 kmpl | Rs. 11.29 - 14.55 lakhs |
Toyota Innova Hycross | 5 Stars | Petrol | 16.13 - 23.24 kmpl | Rs. 19.77 - 30.98 lakhs |
Maruti Invicto | 5 Stars | Petrol | 23.24 kmpl | Rs. 25.21-28.92 lakhs |
Renault Triber
Being the only sub-four-metre MUV in India, the Renault Triber is one of its kind. Renault has masterfully used the space of this rather compact MUV, making it offer decent accommodation for seven passengers. Understandably, the last two seats aren’t ideal for adults, but they are special as they could be completely removed independently of each other, turning the Triber into a five-seater and expanding its boot space to 329-litres. With this flexibility, the Triber offers 182 mm ground clearance that doesn’t let potholes and bumps become an issue. Plus, the Triber’s impressive mileage makes it a wallet-friendly choice for everyday driving and long journeys. This mix of practicality, comfort, and reliability makes the Renault Triber a one of top picks in the MUV segment.
Renault Triber : Specifications and Features
- Engine: 1.0 L 3 cylinder petrol engine
- Transmission: 5 Speed MT/ 5 Speed AMT
- Mileage: 19 kmpl MT/ 18.29 kmpl AT
- Fuel type: Petrol
- Airbags: up to 4
- Seating Capacity: 7-seater
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
The best-selling MUV, Maruti Ertiga ticks most boxes of an ideal MUV for Indian conditions. It can comfortably accommodate seven adults and delivers a pleasing ride to them. What helps it do so is the aptly cushioned seats, the refined drive, and many modern-day features which uplift the overall experience. Along with a pleasant ride, the Ertiga offers an invaluable dependability, because even a small malfunctioning feature can be a killjoy on a convivial trip with family or friends. Making this package even more appealing is the pocket-friendly mileage, which gives you a great relief as you consider the running cost of your MUV.
Also read: Diesel Automatic Cars in India
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga : Specifications and Features
- Engine: 1.5 L petrol 4 cylinder/1.5 L 4 cylinder CNG
- Transmission: 5 Speed MT/ 6 Speed AMT
- Mileage: 20.3 kmpl AT/ 20.51 kmpl MT/ 26.11 kmpl MT CNG
- Fuel Type: Petrol and CNG
- Airbags: Up to 4
- Seating Capacity: 7-seater
Kia Carens
Launched in 2022, the Carens is built to offer people an MUV which is a more premium alternative to the Ertiga / XL6, but is more affordable than the Innova. Its spaciousness, longer feature list and premium interior enabled it to be an instant hit. In addition to that, it is equipped with refined engines and is the only MUV to offer a diesel engine. Its passenger safety is another strong suite with 6 airbags and multiple other safety features as standard.
Kia Carens : Specifications and Features
- Engine: 1.4 L petrol / 1.5 L turbo petrol/ 1.5 L turbo diesel
- Transmission: 7 Speed DCT/ 6 Speed MT/ 6 Speed AT
- Mileage: 16.5 kmpl DCT/ 16.2 kmpl MT/ 18.4 kmpl AT
- Fuel Type: Petrol and Diesel
- Airbags: 6
- Seating Capacity: 7-seater
Toyota Rumion
Based on the Maruti Suzuku Ertiga, the Toyota Rumion mixes Toyota’s touch with a familiar favourite, offering the same tried-and-trusted package with Toyota flavour. At the same time, it differentiates itself with a few cosmetic tweaks and Toyota’s reputed brand image. Much like the Ertiga, the Toyota Rumion drives light on its feet, is spacious enough to seat seven comfortably, and offers a pocket-friendly ownership with an unmatchable dependability.
Toyota Rumion : Specifications and Features
- Engine: 1.5 L petrol
- Transmission: 5 speed MT/ 6 speed AT
- Mileage: 20.51 kmpl MT/ 20.11 kmpl AT/26.11 km/kg CNG
- Fuel type: Petrol and CNG
- Airbags:Up to 4
- Seating Capacity: 7-seater
Also read: Best Family Cars in India
Maruti Suzuki XL6
The XL6 is basically a 6-seater car based on the Ertiga, with a more premium package and a more sophisticated design. It is exclusively sold in Nexa dealerships. It is fitted with captain seats in the middle row which provide superior comfort and cater to individuals who like a chauffeur-driven ride. Complementing it in doing so is a refined petrol engine which delivers a smooth drive.
Maruti Suzuki XL6 : Specifications and Features
- Engine: 1.5 L Petrol Dual jet
- Transmission: 5 speed MT/ 6 speed AT
- Mileage: 20.97 kmpl MT/ 20.27 kmpl AT
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Airbags: 4
- Seating Capacity: 6-seater
Also read: Best 7 Seater Cars in India 2024
Toyota Innova Hycross
The Innova Hycross is the latest generation of the iconic Innova, even though the previous generation, Innova Crysta, is still available. As the most premium mass-market MUV you can buy today, the Hycross stands out as one of the most economical cars to run in India, thanks to its hybrid engine’s mileage. But this car isn’t just bought for its efficiency. As the most premium mass-market offering in the MUV segment, it is bought for generous space it offers across all rows (even the last row) and the unmatchable ride comfort—something that has made the Innova brand so beloved.
It keeps all passengers entertained and is a true delight to sit in, with its host of features, including a panoramic sunroof, a 9-speaker JBL sound system, and high-level safety with the Level-2 ADAS safety suite. Available in both 7- and 8-seater configurations, it’s the ideal MUV for large families.
Toyota Innova Hycross : Specifications and Features
- Engine: 2.0 L petrol engine and 2.0 L strong hybrid petrol engine
- Transmission: CVT & e-CVT
- Mileage: 16.13 kmpl/ 23.24 kmpl
- Fuel Type: Petrol and Electric
- Airbags: 6
- Seating Capacity: 7 or 8-seater
Maruti Suzuki Invicto
The Invicto is essentially an Innova Hycross wrapped in Maruti’s skin. It’s a very bold move for Maruti especially since this is their first car priced close to Rs. 30 lakh. Compared to the Toyota Innova Hycross, the Invicto does lack some of the premium features found in the Hycross, such as ADAS safety features and the ottoman function in the middle row, because Maruti wanted to keep the price in check. Plus, the Invicto only gets the strong-hybrid engine and offers fewer variants than the Hycross.
That being said, the interior is still very nice and plush. The large captain seats are comfortable, offering backrest recline along with an adjustable armrest. It also gets most of the features that are available in the Innova Hycross. Available in 7- and 8-seater configurations, the Invicto remains a very appealing choice in the MUV segment for those looking to carry a large family in comfort.
Maruti Suzuki Invicto : Specifications and Features
- 2.0L 4-cylinder strong hybrid engine
- Automatic e-CVT transmission
- 23.24 kmpl
- Petrol
- Airbags: 6
- Seating Capacity: 7 and 8-seater
Also read: Best Mileage Cars in India
Summary
MUVs are incredibly versatile vehicles, offering a blend of space, comfort, and practicality that makes them ideal for a variety of needs. They can be used for quick, useful errands in the city to long, scenic drives down the highway. In the Indian market, there’s a range of MUVs available to suit different budgets and preferences. For those on a tight budget, the Triber is a solid choice that gets the job done efficiently. With a bit more to spend, you can opt for the Maruti Ertiga or Toyota Rumion, both of which offer excellent value for money. If you’re looking for something more premium, the Kia Carens and XL6 are great options that provide added comfort and features. However, if you want the most luxurious and feature-rich MUVs, the Innova Hycross and Maruti Invicto stand out as the top choices.
FAQs
Q: Which is the best selling MUV in India?
A: Maruti Ertiga is the best-selling MUV in India.
Q: Which are the best MUV cars in India?
A: The best value-for-money 7-seater MUV in India would be the Maruti Ertiga. If you’re looking for the highest resale value in the MUV segment, the Innova Hycross is the top choice. For those prioritising luxury, the Innova Hycross also stands out as the most luxurious option. Ultimately, it depends on your personal priorities.
Q: Which MUV has the best mileage?
A: The Maruti Invicto and Toyota Innova Hycross offer a best-in-segment mileage of 23.24 kmpl.
Q: Which MUVs cost under Rs. 15 lakh?
A: There are a range of options of MUVs under Rs. 15 lakh. You can get your hands on the top spec trims of the Renault Triber, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Toyota Rumion, and Maruti Suzuki XL6. You can also get a mid-level variant of the Kia Carens under Rs. 15 lakh.
Q: Which diesel powered MUVs are available in India?
A: With many carmakers phasing out diesel powertrain options, there are only a few cars left with diesel engines. Amongst MUVs, you can opt for the diesel Kia Carens and Innova Crysta.
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