Top MUVs in India: Toyota Innova Crysta, Maruti Ertiga to Mercedes Benz V Class

In the Indian market, the hatchback segment is still the best selling segment with the largest sales share. On the other hand, the SUV space is the hottest section that attracts the attention from both car buyers and carmakers. Even though MUV space is not as hot as the above segments, every now and then, we still witness some new models to enter this part of the market. That’s to say the MUVs stay relevant regardless and generate good profits that car manufacturers can’t simply ignore.

On the contrary to the conventional belief that MUVs are costly and more expensive than other car body types, the market is offering a wide variety of MUV options in different price brackets. Customers can opt for budget MUVs like Renault Triber, Datsun GO Plus. On the other hand, the market also provides other more expensive options. There are even two options in the luxury segment, including the Toyota Vellfire and Mercedes Benz V Class. In the below, we will get into the details of each and every MUV cars in India.

1. Budget MUV

Datsun GO Plus

Price: Rs 4.19 – 6.89 lakh

Launched in 2018, the Datsun GO Plus was launched as the extended version of the small hatchback GO. It is currently the most affordable MUV in the Indian market at the starting price of Rs 4.19 lakh.

Datsun GO Plus is available with four variants, namely, D, A, A(O), T and T(O). It is currently available with one petrol engine option. The BSVI-compliant 1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine is mated to either a manual gearbox or a CVT automatic option. With each gearbox option, the engine delivers a different state of tunes. For the manual gearbox, the GO Plus generates 68 PS of maximum power. On the other hand, the automatic-petrol powertrain can put out 77 PS. Regardless of the transmission options, the maximum torque of this engine is fixed at 104 Nm. Under the BSVI avatar, the Datsun GO Plus returns a fuel mileage of 19.02 kmpl and 18.57 kmpl, respectively.

Positioned as a budget MUV, however, the Datsun GO Plus is still equipped with some noteworthy goodies like 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, 14-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry. In terms of safety, it is available with standard features like ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, rear parking sensor, along with speed-sensing auto door lock, and side crash pedestrian protection regulation.

Renault Triber

Price: Rs 5.20 – 7.50 lakh

Renault Triber is among the newest MUV cars in India. Launched in 2019, the Triber was introduced as the seven seater of the Datsun GO Plus. Both of these budget MUVs are priced aggressively. The Triber comes in four variants including RXE, RXL, RXT and RXZ.

About the powertrain, this budget MUV is offered with only one engine which is a 1.0-litre petrol engine. This engine is capable of making 72 PS and 96 Nm. There are two gearbox options, a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. It is expected that Renault will launch a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine at a later stage.

As for the features, the Renault Triber is fitted with features including 8-inch MediaNav touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay and AC vents for both second and third row. The standard safety kit includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensor.

2. Mid-range MUV

Maruti Ertiga

Price: Rs 7.59 - 10.13 Lakh 

With the budget of under 10 lakh, the Maruti Ertiga is a good option for your consideration. It is one of the best MUV cars in India right now. The existing Maruti Ertiga is in its second generation. This sevens seater MPV is an all-rounder with an attractive look, reasonable pricing, and a long list of features. It should be noted that the Ertiga can also offer a quite generous interior space, especially for the second and third row.

Maruti Ertiga comes with one single-engine option which is the 1.5-litre petrol engine. This unit is powerful enough to put out 105 PS and 138 Nm. It is available with two gearbox options, a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic transmission. There is also a CNG version on offer.

Some highlight features of the Ertiga include projector headlights, LED taillights, 15-inch wheels, 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, auto climate control with rear AC vents, push-button start-stop, and ventilated front cup holder. On the safety front, the Maruti Ertiga comes with ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts, reverse parking camera, ESP and hill hold function. The last two features are limited to the automatic variants only.

Maruti XL6

Price: Rs 9.84 - 11.61 Lakh

Maruti XL6 is offered as a more premium alternative to the Maruti Ertiga. Compared to the Ertiga, the XL6 comes with more premium styling. Unlike the Ertiga which is available through the Arena outlets, the XL6 is retailed via Nexa showroom network.

The XL6 gets a petrol engine only, the same one employed on the Ertiga. What’s more, it comes with identical gearbox options which include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic transmission. The major difference is that the XL6’s engine gets the mild-hybrid tech while the Ertiga's unit doesn't.

In terms of features, the Maruti XL6 carries forward basically everything that is available on the Ertiga. The most noticeable difference is that the Maruti XL6 features a 6-seater layout with two captain seats for the second row instead of the seven-seater configuration like in the Ertiga.

Mahindra Marazzo

Price: Rs 11.64 - 13.79 Lakh

Mahindra is well-known for its range of competent SUV cars. However, among these SUVs, there is one MUV option which is the Marazzo. Mahindra Marazzo is also the first MUV ever produced by Mahindra.

Mahindra Marazzo is currently available in three trims, M2, M4+ and M6+. Each trim comes with both 7-seater and 8-seater configurations. It is offered with a BSVI-compliant 1.5-litre diesel engine which makes 122 PS and 300 Nm. The BSVI version continues to get a 6-speed manual gearbox. It is noted that the powertrain of the Marazzo could feel a bit underpowered, especially when it is fully loaded or running at high speed.

In terms of features, the MUV from Mahindra offers 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation function, Android Auto and Apple Carplay, auto climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, as well as some other safety fits like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seats 

3. Premium MUVs

Toyota Innova Crysta

Price: Rs 16.26 - 24.33 Lakh

Toyota Innova Crysta has always been the best-selling MUV car in its class. While bearing a quite premium price, the MUV manages to keep its segment-leading position throughout its course of its existance. The success of the Toyota Innova Crysta can be attributed to its high quality and outstanding reliability. Moreover, the car is known for its high reselling value.

Last, year, Toyota launched the facelift version of the Innova Crysta. The best-selling MUV is currently available in two seating configurations, seven- and eight-seater. On the facelift version, there are only three trims, GX, VX and ZX, instead of five trims like the pre-facelift version. It is available with both petrol and diesel engine. The 2.7-litre petrol engine is good for 166PS and 245Nm while the 2.4-litre diesel engine is capable of making 150PS and 360Nm. Both of them share the same set of gearbox options including a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter unit.

As far as the feature list is concerned, the Innova Crysta gets an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay support, powered driver seat, ambient light, auto-LED headlights and cruise control. About the safety features, the Toyota Innova Crysta is equipped with seven airbags, vehicle stability control, front and rear parking sensor.

Kia Carnival

Price: Rs 24.95 - 33.95 Lakh

Kia Carnival was launched as the second product from the South Korean carmaker for the Indian market. This car is positioned as a premium MUV. Sitting above the Toyota Innova Crysta and below the Toyota Vellfire and Mercedes Benz V Class, the MUV has no direct rival in our market.

The MUV offers an incredible versatility by offering three seating configurations, seven-seater, eight-seater and 9 seater layouts. On top of that, the MUV is well-equipped with all the premium features and advanced technologies. Some highlight features of the range-topping model include three-zone climate control, dual-panel sunroof, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.1-inch touchscreen display for the second row, as well as the latest UVO connectivity system. As far as the safety feature list goes, Kia’s MUV is fitted with electronic stability control, cornering brake control, and hill assist.

4. Luxury MUVs

Toyota Vellfire

Price: Rs 83.50 lakh

Toyota Vellfire is one of the two most expensive MUV cars in India. With the Vellfire, you will get all you would ever expect from a MUV and even more. Even though the looks of this MUV is not to everyone’s liking it can offer ample space, extreme luxury and comfort.

Toyota Vellfire is offered in one single variant, which is Executive Lounge. This variant is on sale at Rs 83.50 lakh (ex-showroom). Under the hood, the Vellfire derives power from a BSVI-compliant 2.5-litre petrol hybrid engine that belts out 180 PS and 235 Nm. This engine is paired to a CVT gearbox. A 4WD system is also available on the Vellfire.

With regards to the features, the Vellfire is provided with fancy technologies like a dual sunroof, three-zone climate control, power-sliding side door, ambient light automatic climate control, a 13-inch display for rear passenger entertainment, 17-speaker JBL audio system, to name a few.

Mercedes Benz V Class

Price: Rs 71.10 - 1.10 Crore

Before the arrival of the Vellfire, the Mercedes Benz V Class was once the only luxury MUV in India. Compared to its arch-rival, the Vellfire, the V Class offers the customers with more options.  The plush MUV is available in three variants, Expression, Exclusive, and Elite. These variants are priced at 71.10 lakh, 87.70 lakh and 1.10 crore, respectively.

The two lower variants of Mercedes Benz V Class are powered by a 2.1-litre BSVI diesel engine that makes 163 PS and 380 Nm. The Elite variant, on the other hand, makes use of a 2.0-litre diesel engine. This engine has a similar output as the 2.1-litre diesel. However, while the 2.1-litre unit comes with a 7-speed automatic gearbox, 2.0-litre unit is paired to a 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox.

The MUV is equipped with some unique and luxury features like swivelling front seats, ambient lighting, Mercedes Audio 20 infotainment system with navigation, a 15-speaker Burmester sound system, panoramic sunroof, two-zone climate control, and more. About the safety list, the V Class is equipped with six airbags, 360-degree cameras with blind-spot detection, lane assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, headlight assist, collision prevention assist, attention assist, and crosswind assist.