Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Vs Maruti Suzuki XL6: Comparing Variants Under Rs 14 Lakh for Long-distance Road Trip Lovers

What are the best cars for long drives, or highway driving in India? Today, we are taking a look at two MPVs – Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Maruti Suzuki XL6, and their variants for long-distance road trip lovers.

In this article, we will share

• What a long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
• Maruti Suzuki Ertiga vs Maruti Suzuki XL6 – an in-depth analysis of their features, fuel efficiency, space, and safety
• How to pick the right car for you

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga has been praised for its ride, space and comfort, and ease of driving. The XL6 is basically a premium version of the Ertiga MPV, and known for its ride and handling. So, which one should you choose? Read on.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

What a Long-Distance Road Trip Lover Looks for in a Car

What a long-distance road trip lover should look for in a car:

• Fuel Efficiency – The car should have high fuel efficiency so that long-distance trips are economical
• Space – The car should have good space for a comfortable and enjoyable trip
• Safety – The car’s safety ratings should be high, and adequate safety features
• Handling – The car’s handling must be superior, and it should have high-speed stability

A long-distance road trip lover prioritizes comfort, fuel efficiency, safety, and reliable handling. Spacious interiors and modern features such as adaptive cruise control, climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, and touchscreen navigation enhance the travel experience.

Fuel efficiency is crucial for reducing travel costs, while comprehensive safety features such as ABS, airbags, and ESC provide peace of mind. A stable and responsive ride with ample boot capacity is also essential for a memorable journey.

Why Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Maruti Suzuki XL6 are Popular

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Maruti Suzuki XL6 have become favorites among long-distance road trip lovers due to their blend of practicality, comfort, and performance.

With a variety of engine options including mild hybrids and spacious interiors with high-quality comfort features, they meet the demands of extended journeys. Their handling is well-balanced, providing stable high-speed cruising, and the suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride.

Maruti’s after-sales support and extensive service network ensure hassle-free maintenance and easy access to service centers during long trips. Moreover, they offer features such as automatic climate control, rear AC vents, and Bluetooth connectivity, enhancing convenience.

Fuel efficiency figures are impressive, making them economical for long travels, and the safety features such as ABS and airbags are robust. These aspects make these cars trustworthy companions for long-distance road trip lovers.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Maruti Suzuki XL6 Variants Shortlist in Rs 10-14 Lakh Range

For Maruti Suzuki XL6, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 10 August 2023
Zeta	₹11,56,000
Alpha	₹12,56,000
Alpha Plus	₹13,16,000

For Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 10 August 2023
ZXI	₹10,88,000
ZXI AT	₹12,38,000
ZXI Plus AT	₹13,08,000

Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta

Priced at ₹11,56,000, this variant offers essential features for long-distance travel such as mild hybrid engine for fuel efficiency, 4 airbags, 45-liter fuel tank capacity, and automatic climate control. However, the absence of certain convenience features like cruise control might affect its appeal.

Maruti Suzuki XL6 Alpha

At ₹12,56,000, the Alpha variant includes similar features to the Zeta but lacks distinguishing attributes to justify the price difference for long-distance travel needs. If you’re a style-conscious buyer, you can read our comparison of the XL6 with Kia Carens.

Maruti Suzuki XL6 Alpha Plus

This variant, priced at ₹13,16,000, also shares many features with the previous XL6 models but does not add significant value for long-distance travel enthusiasts.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI

With a price tag of ₹10,88,000, this variant provides essential features such as 2 airbags, stable handling, and 45-liter fuel tank. It’s an economical choice but lacks some advanced features. We also have our guide to the best Ertiga variants for family-focused buyers.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI AT

Priced at ₹12,38,000, this variant adds an automatic transmission with responsive handling and maintains essential features for long-distance travel.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus AT

At ₹13,08,000, it includes 4 airbags and an upgraded audio system, adding to comfort and safety, making it a more attractive choice for long trips.

Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Maruti Suzuki XL6 for Long-Distance Road Trip Lovers

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus AT emerges as the best option for long-distance road trip lovers. Priced at ₹13,08,000, this variant strikes an ideal balance between comfort, safety, performance, and price.

With 4 airbags, stable handling, and an Arkamys audio system, it ensures a safe and pleasurable driving experience. The torque converter transmission adds convenience for those covering vast distances, and the petrol engine offers acceptable fuel efficiency at 20.3 kmpl.

Its unique combination of safety features, comfort, and performance, all at a competitive price, makes it the top choice for long-distance travel enthusiasts.

The Top 3 Choices

1. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI Plus AT
2. Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta
3. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI AT

Attributes	Ertiga ZXI Plus AT	XL6 Zeta	Ertiga ZXI AT
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Airbags (number)	4	4	2
Bluetooth Connectivity	Yes	Yes	Yes
Fuel tank capacity (l)	45	45	45
Ground clearance (mm)	185	180	185
Highway Mileage (kmpl)	20.3	20.97	20.3
Transmission – Auto Type	Torque Converter	None	Torque Converter

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Ertiga ZXI Plus AT leads with additional safety and convenience features.
• The XL6 Zeta offers the benefit of a mild hybrid engine. 
• Ertiga ZXI AT stands out for its balance of essential attributes at an attractive price.

The three variants offer an excellent blend of features necessary for long-distance road trip lovers. As such, they’re all comfortable cars for road trips in India.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered