The Ertiga is powered by a 1.5-litre K15C engine, a four-cylinder unit that strikes a sensible balance between performance and efficiency. In its petrol only configuration, it produces 102 hp of power and 139 Nm of torque. Here, the transmission options include a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic. This variant also stands out with the Smart Hybrid system, which includes the followinng components – Idle Start Stop, Break Energy Regeneration and Torque Assist, designed to supplement the internal combustion engine and manage overall electrical energy consumption.

The car also comes in a CNG variant, which utilizes a dual-fuel calibration. In CNG mode, the powertrain generates 87 hp of power and 121.5 Nm of torque. When switched to petrol mode, the output is rated at 99 hp and 137.1 Nm. This CNG-compatible engine is paired exclusively with the 5-speed manual transmission.

ARAI-certified figures show the petrol manual variants achieving 20.51 kmpl, while models configured with the 6-speed torque converter automatic are rated at 20.30 kmpl. Here, the idle start-stop function helps in regulating fuel consumption during urban driving and stationary traffic conditions.

Meanwhile, the cost-efficient CNG manual variant is rated at 26.11 km/kg, where the dual-fuel powertrain is calibrated to alternate between petrol and compressed natural gas, utilizing a dedicated 60-litre (water equivalent) CNG tank alongside the standard 45-litre petrol reservoir.

The Ertiga's dashboard is accented with a metallic teak-wooden finish and a beige interior color scheme. The cabin utilizes standardized plastic components and switchgear consistent with the manufacturer's broader lineup. In terms of features, higher variants integrate a 17.78 cm SmartPlay Pro touchscreen system, which provides connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside steering-mounted audio and cruise controls.

Cabin temperature is regulated by an automatic climate control system that incorporates a built-in PM2.5 air purifier filter. Airflow distribution to the rear passengers is managed through dedicated second-row console vents and a roof-mounted third-row AC unit featuring a 3-stage speed control. Additional interior equipment includes USB Type-C fast-charging ports to support passenger device connectivity.

Moving to seating and layout, the MPV utilizes a Smart Flexi Seating system with multiple fold configurations to manage passenger and cargo requirements. The front seats are broad and cushioned, while the high seating position provides good all-round visibility. The second-row slides and reclines, and third-row access is made easier via a one-touch release.

Finally, boot space stands at 209 litres with all three rows up, expanding to 550 litres with the third row folded, offering excellent cargo flexibility compared to other popular MPVs. Though the light interior colour scheme may require more upkeep over time.

The Ertiga's proportions are clean and purposeful, at 4,395 mm long, 1,735 mm wide, and 1,690 mm tall on a 2,740 mm wheelbase, it has the stretched, upright stance typical of a three-row MPV without looking ungainly.

The front is defined by a dynamic chrome winged grille flanked by projector headlamps. Turn signal lamps are integrated into the ORVMs (outside rear-view mirrors). Door handles are body-coloured on lower variants and chrome-finished on higher ones. Depending on variant, the car rides on full wheel caps or machined two-tone alloy wheels, both on 185/65 R15 tyres.

At the rear, 3D origami-style LED tail lamps add a touch of visual interest to what is otherwise a straightforward tailgate design, finished with a chrome back-door garnish and a rear wiper and washer. A rear roof spoiler and a floating-type rear roof design break up the slab-sided profile.

The Ertiga is built on Maruti's HEARTECT platform and comes with six airbags as standard across the entire range, with two front, two side, and two curtain airbags. Active safety systems include ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), ABS with EBD, Hill Hold Assist, and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System). ISOFIX child seat anchors are fitted on the second row, and a rear parking camera is available on higher variants.

On crash testing, the India-spec Ertiga scored 3-stars for both adult and child occupant protection in a 2019 Global NCAP test, where it was equipped with two front airbags.

More recently, Global NCAP tested a made-in-India, Africa-spec Ertiga, also fitted with only two airbags, under stricter updated protocols, and it scored 1-star for adult occupant protection. Importantly, these results apply to the Africa-spec version and do not directly reflect the India-spec car's performance.

The current India-spec model has not been tested under Bharat NCAP as of this writing. The six-airbag standard fitment is a meaningful step, but the absence of an updated India-specific crash test rating remains a notable gap for safety-conscious buyers exploring the safest cars.

The Ertiga faces competition from its closest rivals such as the Kia Carens, Toyota Rumion and Renault Triber.

Carens is the most feature-rich rival, offering turbo-petrol and diesel engine options that Ertiga doesn't have. The Carens also makes more power from its 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine. The Ertiga counters with a CNG option and significantly better fuel efficiency figures across the board.

Rumion shares its platform and powertrain with the Ertiga, making it a near-identical mechanical proposition. Rumion’s wheelbase and boot space are identical to the Ertiga's at 2,740 mm and 209 litres respectively. The Ertiga differentiates itself with Smart Hybrid technology and Suzuki Connect connected car features.

Triber undercuts the Ertiga with a smaller, less powerful 1.0L engine. Ertiga’s naturally aspirated petrol variants are considerably more fuel-efficient than the Triber and offer more cabin space, though the Triber's modular seating flexibility remains a point in its favour for buyers who frequently reconfigure the cabin.