13 Years & 1.2 Million Units: Maruti Ertiga Journey
Maruti Ertiga Journey: If there’s one car that has firmly established itself as the top choice for Indian families, it’s the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Since its launch in 2012, this multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) has crossed the remarkable milestone of over 1.2 million units sold in just 13 years — a testament to its enduring popularity. With over 10,000 units hitting Indian roads every month, the Ertiga continues to enjoy immense love and demand even in 2025.
So what makes this vehicle so special — and why has it become India’s most trusted family MPV? Let’s take a closer look.
The Beginning of the Maruti Ertiga Journey
Maruti Suzuki launched the Ertiga in 2012, at a time when the Indian market needed a car that could meet the everyday needs of the average middle-class family. People were looking for a vehicle that offered ample space, was budget-friendly, and required minimal maintenance. Ertiga met all these expectations with flying colours — and in doing so, it redefined the MPV segment in India.
From its early days, the Ertiga not only won over family buyers, but also became a popular choice among taxi drivers, office cab providers, and large groups of friends. By 2025, it has crossed 1.2 million units in sales — a strong indicator of its sustained popularity and firm grip on the market.
Why Ertiga Remains the First Choice for Families
1. Purpose-Built for Families
The Ertiga was specifically designed to meet the needs of large Indian families. This 7-seater MPV features three rows of seating, ensuring a comfortable ride for every journey — whether it’s the daily school run, a weekend picnic, or a long drive to the hometown.
- Spacious Interiors: The Ertiga comfortably seats seven passengers. Its second and third-row seats come with reclining and sliding options, allowing each passenger to adjust according to their comfort. This thoughtful design ensures that even long journeys feel relaxing, not tiring.
- Boot Space: With 209 litres of boot space, the Ertiga is perfect for everyday errands. Fold the seats, and the storage expands to 803 litres — making it ideal for longer trips or family vacations.
- Modern Design: The 2025 Ertiga comes with projector headlamps, LED DRLs, a chrome-finished front grille, and 15-inch dual-tone alloy wheels — giving it a stylish and premium appearance. These elements not only enhance its road presence but also make it one of the most attractive options in its segment.
2. Budget-Friendly
Starting at ₹8.97 lakh (ex-showroom) and going up to ₹13.26 lakh for the top variant, the Ertiga offers excellent value. In this price bracket, it delivers comfort, space, fuel efficiency, and style — making it one of the most practical and cost-effective 7-seaters in the market.
- CNG Option: The CNG variant delivers an impressive mileage of 26.11 km/kg, making it a hit among taxi operators and budget-conscious buyers. It’s a smart and reliable option for those looking to save on fuel costs.
- Low Maintenance: Backed by Maruti Suzuki’s extensive service network and easily available, affordable spare parts, the Ertiga is not only easy to maintain but also highly economical in the long run — a key reason why customers choose to stick with it for years.
3. Loaded with Modern Features
The 2025 Ertiga comes equipped with updated features that meet today’s tech-savvy expectations:
- Infotainment: 7-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
- Connected Tech: SmartPlay Studio with real-time tracking, remote start, and geo-fencing features.
- Safety: Up to 6 airbags (in top variants), ABS, EBD, ESP, hill hold assist, rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera. It has also received a 3-star rating from Global NCAP.
4. Reliable Performance
The Ertiga is powered by a 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine producing 103 bhp and 137 Nm torque. The CNG version delivers 88 bhp and 121 Nm torque. With the SHVS mild hybrid technology, it offers enhanced fuel efficiency. Available in both 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox options, it performs smoothly in city traffic and on long highway drives alike.
Ertiga’s Sales Performance Remains Unmatched
In 2025, the Ertiga set new benchmarks in sales. In May 2025 alone, it sold 16,140 units — a 16% increase compared to the previous year. Between January and May, monthly sales ranged between 14,000 and 17,000 units. Even in December 2024, the Ertiga recorded sales of 16,056 units, strengthening its dominance in the MPV category.
Maruti Suzuki sold a total of 4.5 lakh MPVs in FY2025 — and every second one was an Ertiga. This data clearly reflects the unwavering trust and preference of Indian customers.
Beating the Competition: Where Ertiga Stands
The Ertiga competes with models like the Toyota Innova Crysta, Kia Carens, Renault Triber, and its own premium sibling, the Maruti XL6. But sales figures reveal that the Ertiga leads the pack by a wide margin:
- Toyota Innova Crysta: A premium MPV, selling around 9,000 units per month. Its high price limits its appeal among middle-class buyers.
- Kia Carens: Despite its modern design and features, monthly sales hover around 4,500–5,500 units. Ertiga’s affordable pricing and CNG option give it an edge.
- Maruti XL6: The more premium version of Ertiga sells about 3,000–3,500 units a month.
- Renault Triber: A low-cost 7-seater MPV, but limited to 1,500–2,000 monthly units.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Future Directions
1. Rising Demand for Safety
Today’s buyers no longer settle for just looks and mileage — safety is now a top priority. While the Ertiga holds a 3-star rating from Global NCAP, rivals like the Kia Carens and Toyota Innova offer better safety scores.
It’s time Maruti Suzuki enhances the Ertiga’s safety profile — moving beyond affordability and strengthening its position as a safer family car.
2. The EV Revolution
With India embracing electric mobility, every major automaker is investing in EVs. Maruti Suzuki is currently working on its first electric SUV — the e-Vitara.
Industry experts believe that an electric or strong hybrid version of the Ertiga could be on the horizon. If launched, it could ensure the Ertiga not only retains its dominance in the MPV market but also leads the way in new-age mobility.
3. Shifting to Premium Segment
Maruti Suzuki is now targeting premium buyers through models like the XL6 and Invicto. For the Ertiga to stay relevant, it must evolve alongside — with not just minor tweaks but substantial upgrades in design, safety, and tech features.
This will help the Ertiga appeal not just to mid-segment families, but also to upmarket consumers looking for premium value.
Built on Trust: Maruti’s Market Strategy
To capitalise on the Ertiga’s success, Maruti Suzuki has employed a clear strategy:
- Premium Offerings: XL6 (6-seater) and Invicto (hybrid) target higher-end customers.
- Service Network: Over 4,000 service centres across India ensure reliability and peace of mind.
- CNG and Hybrid Tech: These options keep the Ertiga cost-effective and eco-friendly.
Conclusion: India’s No. 1 MPV
The journey of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga proves that when a product hits the right balance of affordability, practicality, and service support — it can go the distance. With over 1.2 million units sold in 13 years and a consistent monthly demand of around 16,000 units, the Ertiga has rightfully earned its place as India’s most trusted MPV.
If you’re looking for a spacious, budget-friendly, and hassle-free family vehicle — the Ertiga remains an excellent choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Maruti Ertiga a good family car in 2025?
Yes, the Maruti Ertiga is one of the best 7-seater MPVs for Indian families in 2025. It offers spacious interiors, flexible seating, great mileage (including a CNG option), and low maintenance costs — making it ideal for both city commutes and long family trips.
What is the mileage of the Maruti Ertiga petrol and CNG variants?
The petrol variant delivers a mileage of around 20.51 km/l, while the factory-fitted CNG version offers an excellent 26.11 km/kg — making it one of the most fuel-efficient MPVs in India today.
Is the Ertiga available with an automatic transmission?
Yes, the 2025 Ertiga is offered with both 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox options in the petrol variant. The automatic version also features paddle shifters and Maruti’s SHVS mild-hybrid tech for improved fuel efficiency.
What are the main safety features in the 2025 Ertiga?
The latest Ertiga comes equipped with up to 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program (ESP), hill hold assist, rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera. It holds a 3-star safety rating from Global NCAP.
How much boot space does the Maruti Ertiga offer?
The Ertiga offers 209 litres of boot space with all seats up. When the third-row seats are folded, the storage expands to up to 803 litres, making it perfect for luggage-heavy road trips or family holidays.
Which variants of the Ertiga come with a CNG option?
The CNG option is available in the VXi and ZXi trims of the 2025 Ertiga. These variants combine fuel efficiency with essential comfort features, making them highly popular among both personal and commercial buyers.
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