Honda Mobilio vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga vs Toyota Innova: Spec Comparison

It’s an exciting time for the Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) segment of our country, as newer models gear up for its debut in the market. The newcomers have the advantage of bringing freshness to the segment, but on the flipside, also have an uphill task to outdo established MPV’s like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Innova, which have been reaping the first mover’s advantage.

The latest model to make an entry is the chic Honda Mobilio, which will be launched later this month. We’ve driven the new Honda MPV already, and here’s how we think the Mobilio will fare when put head-on with the above mentioned stalwarts. 

SPACE AND COMFORT

Toyota Innova: The Toyota Innova is in an altogether different league in terms of cabin space and passenger comfort. It has the largest proportions with 4585mm of overall length, 1765mm width and an external height of 1760mm. It also has the segment best wheelbase of 2750mm, though its ground clearance is the least at 176mm. Its large proportions offer excellent knee room for all passengers, but the size can be cumbersome for city use.

Unlike the Maruti Suzuki Eritga and Honda Mobilio, which are based on a monocoque platform, the Toyota Innova is underpinned by a ladder-on-frame chassis. The other big difference is that the Innova is the only vehicle in this comparison to be rear-wheel drive, giving it very different driving characteristics.

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Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is the puniest here, with overall length of 4265mm, width of 1695mm and height of 1685mm. Its wheelbase has been stretched to 2740mm and has a decent ground clearance of 185mm. As expected, the Maruti’s cabin isn’t as roomy. Especially, the third row seating is quite cramped. However, because of its compact size, it feels light and easy to use in congested roads.

Honda Mobilio: Honda has mastered the art of space utilization and intelligent seating, which in India was visible right from the first generation Honda Jazz. The company has taken this learning a few notches up with the new Honda Mobilio. It has flexible seats and plenty of cubbyholes. On paper, the dimension stands at 4386mm, 1683mm and 1603mm of length, width and height respectively. In spite of the height being about 80mm less than the Maruti Ertiga, the Honda offers gorgeous cabin space and more than sufficient headroom.

Making full use of its 2652mm wheelbase, it ensures that all three rows of seating have adequate knee room and are comfortable even on long drives. Unlike the Maruti Ertiga, the Honda has impressive luggage space. It also has the best ground clearance of 189mm, which is an important aspect considering our general road condition.

POWERTRAIN

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Although the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has the smallest diesel engine, it is more efficient than the Toyota Innova and feels reasonably spirited. The Ertiga employs an accomplished 1.3-litre DDiS diesel engine, sourced from Fiat. The four cylinder common rail direct injection oil-burner serves 90PS peak power at 4000rpm and an impressive 200Nm torque at 1750rpm. It comes with a claimed fuel efficiency figure of 20.77kmpl, which is one of the major reasons for its popularity.

Toyota Innova: The Toyota Innova has the largest capacity motor under its bonnet. Powering the seven-seater is a potent 2.5-litre common-rail diesel engine which churns out 102PS power at 3600rpm and a strong 200Nm of torque between 1200-3600rpm. The power delivery makes driving the Innova effortless even with seven adults on board, with the entire luggage. The chink in the armor is the Toyota’s fuel efficiency which is just about 12kmpl.

Honda Mobilio: Even in the engine department, the Honda Mobilio falls in between the other two. The MPV uses a 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel motor capable of 100PS peak power at 3600rpm and 200Nm maximum torque at 1750rpm. In comparison, the diesel motor is noisy among the three, but feels peppier than the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and is also the most efficient; with a stunning 24.2kmpl ARAI certified fuel efficiency.

PRICE

Till now, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Innova have been fending the two ends of the MPV spectrum in India. 

Maruti Ertiga: The Maruti is at the bottom of the spectrum, priced aggressively between Rs 5.95 and Rs 8.32 lakh with its USP being low cost of ownership, efficient diesel engine and obviously the most affordable price point. Buyers with limited budget may have booked the Maruti Ertiga blindly, thanks to its small price tag and Maruti’s vast aftersales and service points.

Toyota Innova: On the extreme end, is the Toyota Innova, which has become the benchmark for space, comfort and reliability. The master of the segment is the most expensive, priced from Rs 12.93 lakh to Rs 15.66 lakh, which has no effect on its eternal popularity.

Honda Mobilio: Over the years, Honda has developed the knack of pricing its models smartly that’s visible on the Honda Amaze and City. The Japanese car maker is cleverly positioning its debut MPV between the two older models, hoping to lure buyers from both. The stylish Honda Mobilio diesel range is expected to be priced from Rs 6.8 lakh onwards.

This seems like just the beginning for this segment. With other international manufactures like the Datsun GO+ and Renault Lodgy set to heat up the competition further, the Indian MPV buyer will soon be spoilt for choice.