Intro

When it comes to budget-friendly MPVs in India, few rivalries spark as much debate as the Renault Triber vs Maruti Ertiga. Both target families looking for affordable 7-seater cars in India but they serve different needs. Triber is all about budget-friendly versatility, Ertiga is about refinement and power. Let’s see which base variant makes more sense for buyers.

Price & Value for Money

When it comes to best MPVs under 10 lakh, price is the deciding factor. Renault Triber base model (Authentic) starts at around ₹6.30 lakh making it one of the most affordable family cars in the market. Maruti Ertiga LXi begins at about ₹9.12 lakh. While costlier it offers a bigger footprint and a stronger engine, justifying the premium for long term usability.

Design & Practicality

Renault Triber is cleverly packaged in a sub-4-meter frame. With removable third-row seats and 100+ seating layouts it transforms easily between a people-mover and cargo-hauler. City families will love its compact size and 625L boot space (with third row removed).

Maruti Ertiga feels more substantial. With a longer wheelbase, better legroom and 209L boot with all seats up it caters to larger families who need consistent 7-seat practicality. Its MPV stance makes it a more traditional, comfort-focused people carrier.

Engine, Performance & Safety

Here’s where the Renault Triber vs Maruti Ertiga story shifts gears, especially regarding safety.

• Renault Triber (Authentic): Its 1.0L, 3-cylinder petrol engine produces 71 hp and 96 Nm of torque. This is sufficient for city runs but can feel underpowered on highways. Its safety profile is complex: while it received a strong 4-star rating from an older Global NCAP test, under the new, stricter 2024 protocols, the Triber scored a 2-star rating, highlighting a need for improvement.
• Maruti Ertiga (LXi): The larger 1.5L, 4-cylinder petrol engine delivers a more confident 102 hp and 137 Nm of torque, ensuring smoother highway cruising even with a full load. In terms of safety, the Ertiga received a 1-star Global NCAP rating under the new testing rules. However, it’s a crucial point that Maruti has now made six airbags a standard feature across all variants, which was not the case with the model tested.

Verdict

If you prioritize a low entry price, clever modular seating, and city practicality, the Renault Triber base model is an excellent choice. But if you need a more powerful engine for highway trips, superior comfort, and a premium feel, the Maruti Ertiga LXi is worth the extra investment.

The decision is now more nuanced on the safety front. While the Triber’s older 4-star rating is impressive, the recent update to the Ertiga with six airbags as standard makes it a much more compelling package for safety-conscious buyers, despite its recent lower crash test score from a two-airbag model.

FAQs

Which is the best 7-seater car under ₹10 lakh?
The Renault Triber offers the lowest entry price, while the Maruti Ertiga provides a bigger engine and more space.

Is Renault Triber good for highways?
Its 1.0L engine is optimized for city driving, and while it can manage highways, the Ertiga’s more powerful 1.5L engine provides a more relaxed and confident driving experience for long-distance travel.