Most people think of the Toyota Innova when it comes to India’s favorite 7-seaters. But the actual sales leader for 2025 might surprise you. It’s the Maruti Ertiga, and it wasn’t even close.
Maruti sold 192,025 units of the Ertiga last year, comfortably beating the combined sales of Mahindra’s Scorpio Classic and Scorpio N, which together managed 176,988 units. That’s a significant gap in a competitive segment.
Why the Ertiga Keeps Winning
The answer comes down to a mix of price, practicality, and Maruti’s nationwide service network.
First, the price. The Ertiga starts at Rs 10.30 lakh and tops out at Rs 15.33 lakh (on-road Mumbai). That undercuts most competitors in the 7-seater space while still offering decent equipment levels. You get a 7-inch touchscreen, cruise control, navigation, and tire pressure monitoring. Not cutting-edge, but enough for most families.
Second, running costs. Maruti’s S-CNG option is huge here. Fuel prices in India make CNG a genuine draw for buyers watching their monthly budgets. The Ertiga’s already frugal petrol engine becomes even cheaper to run on CNG, and Maruti’s dual-cylinder setup eats less boot space than older single-cylinder systems.
Third, fleet sales. The Ertiga isn’t just a family car. Taxi operators and app-based ride services buy these in bulk. That volume adds up fast and helps explain those big numbers.
Maruti’s service network also matters more than people admit. You can get an Ertiga serviced almost anywhere in India, often at lower cost than rivals. That peace of mind matters when you’re buying a vehicle meant to haul six or seven people regularly.
The Cabin Reality
The Ertiga’s interior is functional, not fancy. The third row is usable for adults on short trips, tolerable for kids on longer ones. The second row is where you’ll want to be if you’re not driving. Space is decent, though not as generous as the Innova’s. Build quality feels solid enough, even if the plastics won’t wow anyone coming from a premium hatchback.
Maruti hasn’t tried to make this a luxury product. It’s honest transport. That’s actually part of the appeal for buyers who just need a vehicle that works without fuss.
What This Means for Competitors
The Ertiga’s sales lead shows that most Indian 7-seater buyers prioritize value over image. The Innova still sells well among those who can stretch their budget, but the Ertiga catches everyone else. Mahindra’s Scorpio twins do strong business too, appealing to SUV buyers who want boxy styling and a tougher image.
But Maruti’s formula of affordability plus reliability is tough to beat. The brand’s resale value stays strong, which matters when you’re making a big purchase.
2025 7-Seater Sales Comparison
| Model | Units Sold (2025) | Starting Price (On-road Mumbai) |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Ertiga | 192,025 | Rs 10.30 lakh |
| Mahindra Scorpio Classic + N | 176,988 | Rs 13.59 lakh |
| Toyota Innova | Data not provided | Rs 19.77 lakh |
Is It Worth Your Money?
If you need three rows, have a tight budget, and want something that won’t drain your wallet at the pump or service center, the Ertiga makes sense. It’s not exciting. But it delivers what it promises without drama.
The main alternative worth considering is the XL6, which is essentially a 6-seater version of the Ertiga with captain chairs in the second row and slightly better features. It costs more but feels a bit less utilitarian.
For buyers chasing more road presence or off-road ability, the Scorpio N offers a very different character. And if budget allows, the Innova remains the benchmark for comfort and space. But for sheer sales volume, the Ertiga’s 2025 numbers tell you what most buyers actually choose when they walk into showrooms.
Monojit Paul is the founder and editor of techautohub.com. He covers India’s automotive industry, focusing on new launches, cars, bikes, and market trends.
