Best MPVs for Every Budget

MPVs have become a go-to choice for Indian families needing space, versatility, and value across different price points. These vehicles offer seating for seven or more, blending practicality with modern features for daily commutes, school runs, and weekend getaways. 

Difference Between MPV and SUV

MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) are designed primarily for passenger comfort and versatility, often featuring sliding doors, flexible seating arrangements, and ample interior space for families or groups, prioritising practicality over rugged, muscular looks and off-road capability. 

SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles), on the other hand, emphasise ruggedness and performance, with higher ground clearance, all-wheel or four drive options, and a body-on-frame construction suited for towing and light off-roading. Though many manufacturers have started opting for monocoque chassis in their new SUVs. Additionally, crossovers have been offering a blend of SUV styling with car-like handling.

While 7-seater vehicles like the Mahindra Scorpio, Tata Safari, and Hyundai Alcazar offer ample space, they will not be included here as they are classified as SUVs.

Below, we break down some of the best MPVs under ₹10 lakh, ₹15 lakh, and ₹20 lakh ex-showroom, focusing on powertrain performance, third-row comfort and utility, and key safety highlights. 

Under ₹10 Lakh

Renault Triber (All Variants, ₹5.76 - ₹8.59 Lakh)

The Renault Triber, priced from ₹5.76 lakh to ₹8.59 lakh ex-showroom, is the most affordable entry into the MPV segment, with a compact yet flexible design for small families. Its powertrain includes a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 70 bhp at 6250 rpm and 96 Nm of torque from 3500 rpm, paired with a five-speed manual or five-speed AMT for easy city driving.

The third row features removable, easy-fix seats that offer basic comfort for kids on short trips, with excellent practicality. The third row can be folded and even detached completely to provide 625 litres of boot space, and up to 1100 litres can be freed up with the middle row folded as well.

Safety basics include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors for simple protection.

Maruti Ertiga LXi (₹8.80 Lakh)

The Maruti Ertiga LXi, priced at ₹8.80 lakh ex-showroom, delivers reliable family commutes with proven Maruti reliability at an affordable price. It is powered by a 1.5-litre K15C petrol engine generating 102 bhp at 6000 rpm and 137 Nm between 4400 rpm, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox for smooth shifts and 20.51 kmpl mileage. 

Third-row seating consists of a bench for two with adequate cushioning for children or short adults on a moderate journey. A recent update to the Ertiga added AC vents and two Type-C charging ports in the third row. The third row seats fold flat to expand the 209-litre boot space to 803 litres for weekend trips or major shopping hauls. 

Standard safety is impressive with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, Hill Hold Assist, rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX seat mounts for all-round protection.

Under ₹15 Lakh

Toyota Rumion S Petrol Manual (₹10.44 Lakh)

The Toyota Rumion S Petrol Manual, at ₹10.44 lakh ex-showroom, brings Toyota's durability to the compact MPV segment as a rebadged Ertiga VXi alternative. It shares the K15C petrol engine with the Ertiga, also mated to the same five-speed manual for smooth urban performance. 

Its third row provides a supportive bench suitable for kids with good thigh support, offering practical utility via 50:50 split-folding that boosts the 209-litre boot to 803 litres when stowed away. 

Safety features remain identical to the Ertiga with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, and rear parking sensors.

Kia Carens Premium (O) 1.5 Petrol 7 STR (₹10.99 Lakh)

The Kia Carens Premium (O) 1.5 Petrol 7 STR, starting at ₹10.99 lakh ex-showroom, introduces premium touches to the premium MPV space with its stylish cabin. Powered by a 1.5-litre Smartstream G1.5 petrol engine delivering 113 bhp at 6300 rpm and 144 Nm between 4500 rpm, it is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission for a smooth driving experience.

The third-row seats offer decent legroom and recline for comfortable short trips with children, with a 50:50 split folding enhancing the 216-litre boot space to 645 litres for family errands. 

Safety stands out with six airbags, ESC, hill-start assist, and tyre pressure monitoring as standard.

Kia Carens Clavis HTE 1.5 Petrol MT (₹11.07 Lakh)

The Kia Carens Clavis HTE 1.5 Petrol MT, priced at ₹11.07 lakh ex-showroom, enhances the standard Carens formula with sharper styling and versatile seating for modern families. It uses the same 1.5-litre petrol engine as the standard Carens, producing 113 bhp and 144 Nm with a six-speed manual. 

The third row ensures good access and cushioning for kids on daily drives, folding neatly to expand the boot from 200 litres to over 600 litres for practical storage needs. 

Safety is comprehensive with six airbags, ESP, VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), hill assist, and a rear parking camera.

Maruti XL6 Zeta MT Petrol (₹11.52 Lakh)

The Maruti XL6 Zeta MT Petrol, at ₹11.52 lakh ex-showroom, elevates the Ertiga platform to a premium six-seater with captain seats in the second row for added luxury. Its 1.5-litre K15C petrol unit, putting out 102 bhp and 137 Nm, paired to a five-speed manual, is shared with the Ertiga. 

Third-row seating for two provides firm but usable space for shorter passengers, with a one-touch fold unlocking 550 litres of boot capacity from the standard 184 litres for luggage with five onboard. 

Key safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, and hill-hold control, along with fog lamps, rear defogger, rear wiper and washer, and rear parking sensors.

Under ₹20 Lakh

Toyota Innova Crysta GX 7STR (₹18.65 Lakh)

The Toyota Innova Crysta GX 7STR, priced at ₹18.65 lakh ex-showroom, upholds the Innova legacy with its bulletproof reliability for larger families. Its 2.4-litre GD diesel engine, producing 148 bhp at 3400 rpm and 360 Nm from 1200 to 2800 rpm, is mated to a five-speed manual, offering punchy performance with efficiency - ideal for long-distance touring. 

Being a purpose-built, full-size ladder-frame MPV, the Crysta’s third row offers a wide bench with good under-thigh support even for adults on longer trips, folding 60:40 to increase the 300-litre boot to 550 litres for luggage flexibility. 

Safety encompasses three airbags (Driver, front passenger, and driver’s knee), ABS with EBD, ESP, and hill-start assist.

Toyota Innova Hycross GX 7 STR (₹18.86 Lakh)

The Toyota Innova Hycross, starting at ₹18.86 lakh ex-showroom, shifts to a monocoque chassis with petrol and strong hybrid powertrains in the premium MPV class for eco-conscious buyers. The entry-level GX 7 seater variant is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 173 BHP at 6600 rpm and 209 Nm at 4500 rpm, exclusively paired with a CVT for an effortless driving experience. 

Third-row benches deliver plush comfort with recline options for family journeys, split-folding to expand the 300-litre boot to around 500 litres for practical use. 

It gets six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, and hill start assist as standard, and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, offering reassuring safety.

Honourable Mentions 

For those with deeper pockets seeking ultimate luxury and space, the Kia Carnival, starting from ₹59.42 lakh ex-showroom, offers a feature-packed MPV with sliding doors and premium infotainment. 

The Toyota Vellfire, starting at ₹1.20 crore, provides hybrid efficiency and opulent captain seats, while its premium counterpart, the Lexus LM, from ₹2.15 crore, delivers unmatched refinement with the same hybrid powertrain and rear executive lounge.

The MG M9 electric MPV at ₹69.90 lakh boasts a 548 km range and advanced ADAS. Lastly, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, priced from ₹71.10 lakh, combines van versatility with high-end Mercedes luxury.