Maruti Suzuki XL6 vs Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: Comparing Variants Under Rs 14 Lakh for the First-time Car Buyer

Buying a car for the first time, but confused about which are the best cars for first-time buyers in India, and which option to choose? Let’s look at two Maruti Suzuki MPVs, the XL6 and the Ertiga, and find out which variant will be the best for you.

In this first-time car buyers’ guide, we will share

• What a first-time buyer should look for in a car
• Maruti Suzuki XL6 vs Maruti Ertiga – an in-depth guide to their variants, features, cost, and driveability
• How to pick the right car for you

Maruti is known for making affordable cars, which is especially attractive to first-time car buyers in India. Both XL6 and Ertiga have reasonably priced variants for that matter. 

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

What a First-time car buyer looks for in a car

This is what a first-time buyer should look for in a car:

• Safety – What safety features does the car have? What is its safety rating?
• Affordability – The car should be well within budget and affordable.
• Fuel efficiency – The car should have good fuel efficiency, thereby reducing its running cost.
• Ease of driving – The car should be easy to drive, with features that help in driving and offer convenience for new drivers.

For a first-time car buyer, the focus is primarily on safety, affordability, fuel efficiency, and user-friendly features. 

When looking for top cars for first-time buyers, they often seek a vehicle that offers a seamless driving experience, especially in city conditions, without being overwhelmed with too many complex gadgets. 

Reliable after-sales service, low maintenance costs, and good resale value are other significant considerations.

Why Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga are Popular

Both Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Ertiga are trusted names in the Indian automobile market. Maruti Suzuki’s reputation for providing value for money, coupled with an extensive service network, makes them a preferred choice for first-time buyers. 

The Ertiga, with its spacious 7-seater capacity, has become synonymous with family comfort, while the XL6, with its premium appeal, offers a blend of sophistication and functionality. The brand ensures reliable after-sales service, and both these models offer impressive fuel efficiency, which is a boon in the age of rising fuel prices. 

Furthermore, their user-friendly features, designed keeping in mind the Indian road conditions, provide an uncomplicated driving experience. With safety features like ABS and airbags coming as standard, it’s no wonder these models are favorites among first-timers.

Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Variants Shortlist in Rs 9-14 Lakh Range

For Maruti Suzuki XL6, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 24 August 2023
Zeta	₹ 1,156,000
Zeta AT	₹ 1,306,000
Alpha Plus	₹ 1,316,000

For Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, we have: 

Variant	Price (INR) as on 24 August 2023
VXI	₹ 978,000
ZXI	₹ 1,088,000
VXI AT	₹ 1,128,000

Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta

This variant offers an ideal balance of essential features without stretching the budget. Safety features such as ABS, rear parking sensors, and lane-keeping assist are significant attractions, making it a good choice for a novice. If you enjoy long-distance driving, you can read our comparison of the XL6 with Kia Carens.

Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta AT

For those seeking an automatic transmission for ease in city driving, this variant becomes an obvious choice. It provides all the advantages of the Zeta variant while adding the convenience of an automatic gearbox.

Maruti Suzuki XL6 Alpha Plus

Almost identical to the Zeta in terms of features but comes at a slightly higher price. The added cost might not deliver significant additional value for first-time buyers.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXI

An affordable option for those looking for a 7-seater. ABS and power steering come as standard, though it lacks some of the more advanced features of its pricier siblings. If you’re a family-focused buyer, you can read our guide to the best Ertiga variants for you.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI

A step up from the VXI, it adds push-button start, rear parking sensors, and a touchscreen system. A sensible choice for those wanting a bit more tech without going overboard on the budget.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga VXI AT

Similar to the VXI but offers automatic transmission, easing the driving experience for novices. You can also read our comparison of the Ertiga with Kia Carens for tech-savvy gadget lovers.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga for First-time car buyers

Upon closely evaluating the essential attributes that a first-time car buyer usually prioritizes, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ZXI emerges as the optimal choice. 

Not only is it moderately priced, but it also boasts significant safety features such as ABS, a commendable ground clearance of 185mm for Indian roads, and appreciable fuel efficiency. The presence of knee/curtain airbags offers an added layer of safety. 

Furthermore, it has the convenience of a push-button start and steering mounted controls, which makes the driving experience more comfortable. 

In comparison to the XL6 variants, the Ertiga ZXI offers a blend of necessary features at a more affordable price point, making it the right car choice on our list for first-time buyers.

The Top 3 choices

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

Attributes	Ertiga ZXI	XL6 Zeta	XL6 Zeta AT
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ground clearance (mm)	185	180	180
Highway Mileage (kmpl)	20.51	20.97	20.27
Knee/curtain airbags	Yes	No	No
Overall Mileage (kmpl)	20.51	20.97	20.27
Power Steering	Yes	Yes	Yes
Push Button Start	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes
Steering Mounted Controls	Yes	Yes	Yes

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Ertiga ZXI clinches the top spot, given its exceptional balance of safety, convenience, and value. It provides an edge with the presence of knee/curtain airbags and higher ground clearance, crucial for first-time drivers. 
• The XL6 Zeta stands second due to its substantial features list at a reasonable price point.
• The XL6 Zeta AT follows closely. The automatic transmission in the Zeta AT becomes its USP, which can significantly aid novice drivers, especially in congested city conditions. 

Together, these three models encapsulate the desired blend of essentials for those entering the realm of car ownership.

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