Auto Premier League: Top MPVs In India - What’s Your Pick?

Multi-utility vehicles or multi-purpose vehicles are the most functional segment of cars available in India. Focused on practicality and value for money, MPVs not only serve as great family cars but also look good while doing it. The sheer size of these vehicles might make them feel underpriced, especially compared to other segments. With the ever-expanding range of models, it can be quite a daunting task to pick the right MPV. We have made a list of the top-performing MPVs to ease the burden, from which YOU get to pick the winner. Well, you can be a part of making that choice by participating in our Auto Premier League, where YOU get to pick the best MPV.Voting for the second round starts on June 10 and here are the contestants:

Renault Triber

Pros

• Modular seating

• Massive boot space

• Practicality

• Proportionate design 

• AMT option

Cons

• Underpowered 1.0-litre engine

• No diesel engine option

• Missing features like fog lamps, auto climate control and steering-mounted controls

Maruti Ertiga 

Though not the oldest in this list, the Maruti Ertiga has aged quite well with the passage of time. Maintaining strong sales since a decade, the Ertiga is an important part of Maruti’s presence in the MPV segment. The second-gen MPV comes with a petrol-only option now.  

Pros

• Great ride quality on bad roads.

• Compact dimensions make it easy to drive in the city.

• Practical because of 60:40 and 50:50 seat split for the second and third row, respectively.

• Petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology offers high fuel efficiency.

Cons

• No AC vents for the third row

• Falls short on the premium quotient

• Misses on features like side, curtain airbags, cruise control, auto up/down windows, steering reach adjustment.

• No diesel option.

• Old school 4-speed automatic.

Maruti Suzuki XL6

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Maruti made a leap with the XL6. Where the economical Ertiga lacked, the XL6 made up for. Part of the NEXA lineup, the XL6 gets a premium upgrade based on the Ertiga. The addition of second row captain seats, cruise control, and a host of other features, however, comes at a significant price hike over the Ertiga.

Pros

• Looks more menacing than the Ertiga with its redesigned exterior

• All-black leather seats improve cabin ambience.

• Second-row captain seats provide improved comfort.

Cons

• Despite a higher price point, misses out on auto day/night IRVM, rear window blinds and cup holders

• No side and curtain airbags.

• Blank window switches and USB sockets affect premiumness.

• No diesel option. 

• Old school 4-speed automatic. 

Mahindra Marazzo

The Marazzo, over a year old now, offers the best of comfort and space. The diesel-only offering allows the 1.5-litre engine to do the talking when it comes to long drives, but on steep hill climbs with a full load, it just doesn’t seem enough. The MPV however will see the addition of a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and a premium upgrade in the form of an optional automatic transmission. 

Pros

• Refined diesel engine and light steering makes it a stress-free drive.

• Well thought out practical interior.

• Great ride comfort in a variety of conditions and road surfaces.

• Great passenger space in all three rows.

Cons

• Bigger engine will be missed when climbing hilly roads with a full load.

• Slight vibrations felt through the floorboards at cruising speeds when fully loaded.

• Third row, right-side passenger seat lacks shoulder room on account of the AC duct.

• Some storage areas, like in the second row, could have been better thought out.

• No petrol or automatic option.

Toyota Innova Crysta 

Despite being the oldest member on this list, the Toyota Innova Crysta has in no way been left behind. Outshining most of its rivals even today, the Innova Crysta comes loaded with features, but changes over time have come at a significant price hike.

Pros

• Space and comfort aside, the Toyota Innova Crysta’s cabin feels a lot more premium than it used to be.

• Strong resale value.

• Over time, the Innova badge has garnered cult status courtesy Toyota’s trusted reliability and solid after-sales service. Some fleet owners have upgraded their Innovas to the latest model whenever it has launched!

Cons

• Despite boasting powerful engines, lack of refinement leaves ample room to improve NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels in the Crysta.

• Steep pricing. 

• Most of the premium features are reserved for the high-end variants of the Toyota Innova Crysta.

• Given the sheer size of the Innova Crysta, steering is on the heavier side in the city and the gear stick isn’t the smoothest at this price point.

Kia Carnival

The success of the Seltos was thought by many to have set a benchmark for any future Kia offerings. The Carnival, however, has refused to stay in that shadow and refuses to let the carmaker’s brand in India be associated only with the Seltos. Loaded, and it cannot be stressed enough, LOADED, with features, the Carnival stays true to its name. It comes with a massive panoramic sunroof, electric sliding doors, LED illumination inside, and the list goes on. One car for all, it comes in 7-seater, 8-seater, AND 9-seater configurations. Easily the most expensive competitor on this list, but there is no way the Carnival can be considered overpriced.

Pros

• Most comfortable seats for the second and third row.

• Loaded with luxury features like rear touchscreens, dual sunroof and VIP seats.

• Innovative boot space solutions.

• Lots of space inside the cabin.

Cons

• Too big for regular parking lots. Longer than the Ford Endeavour.

• Ground clearance could limit use to city and well-paved roads.

• 9-Seater configuration is too tight for 9 adults.