India’s mass market now offers a wide range of seven‑seater cars that combine practicality with affordability. From compact MPVs to rugged SUVs, several models provide generous seating and decent feature sets without stretching budgets. Below is a comparison of the top ten most budget‑oriented seven‑seaters in India, ranked by ex‑showroom price:
| Car Model | Price Range (₹ Lakh, ex‑showroom) |
|---|---|
| Renault Triber | ₹6.30 – ₹9.17 |
| Citroën Aircross | ₹8.62 – ₹14.60 |
| Maruti Ertiga | ₹9.12 – ₹15.36 |
| Toyota Rumion | ₹10.66 – ₹13.96 |
| Kia Carens | ₹11.41 |
| Kia Carens Clavis | ₹11.50 – ₹21.50 |
| Mahindra Bolero | ₹9.81 – ₹10.93 |
| Mahindra Bolero Neo | ₹9.97 – ₹12.18 |
| Mahindra Scorpio Classic | ₹13.77 – ₹17.42 |
| Mahindra Scorpio N | ₹13.99 – ₹25.62 |
Renault Triber
The Renault Triber is the most affordable seven‑seater in India, starting at just ₹ 6.30 Lakh and topping out at around ₹ 9.17 Lakh ex‑showroom for higher variants. It offers flexible seating layouts that can be configured between five and seven seats, with sliding and folding second‑row seats for extra boot space. While the build quality and materials are modest, the cabin feels practical and user‑friendly. Powered by a 1.0‑litre petrol engine mated to manual or AMT gearboxes, the Triber delivers reasonable fuel economy and low running costs, making it ideal for first‑time buyers and small families who prefer space over luxury. Safety gear is basic and includes dual airbags, ABS and rear parking sensors.
Citroën Aircross
Priced from ₹ 8.62 Lakh to ₹ 14.60 Lakh ex‑showroom, the Citroën Aircross brings SUV styling and seven‑seat practicality in a compact footprint. Its third row folds flat to expand boot space when not running seven passengers. Power comes from a 1.2‑litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a manual or torque‑converter automatic transmission. Its ride quality is comfortable thanks to Citroën’s soft suspension tuning, although third‑row space is tight. The Aircross stands out for its design and practicality rather than outright power or space.
Maruti Ertiga & Toyota Rumion: Mass Appeal Twins
The Maruti Ertiga (₹ 9.12 Lakh to ₹ 15.36 Lakh), and its Toyota‑badged twin the Rumion (₹ 10.66 Lakh to ₹ 13.96 Lakh), occupy the mainstream value MPV segment. Both offer three rows of seating comfortably for family use. They are powered by a 1.5‑litre petrol engine with mild‑hybrid tech which delivers high mileage. The Ertiga includes CNG variants and automatic options, while the Rumion adds CNG on select models too. Interiors are focussed towards passenger comfort and practicality, though they lack premium feel. Both cars have proven resale value and wide service coverage, making them reliable choices for budget‑conscious buyers seeking everyday utility.
Kia Carens & Carens Clavis
Kia’s Carens, offered only in the Premium(O) trim at ₹ 11.50 lakh, and Carens Clavis (petrol and diesel) spans from ₹ 11.50 Lakh to ₹ 21.50 Lakh ex‑showroom. They offer more premium touches such as panoramic sunroof, adjustable second‑row captain seats, advanced ADAS level‑2 safety features in higher trims, and strong infotainment options. Both support seven‑seat layouts. The Clavis EV retains all ICE features, being launched separately at somewhat of a higher cost. While it costs more than rivals, it offers a good balance of quality, space and modern features. Fuel economy remains reasonable considering the features and engine options.
Mahindra Bolero & Bolero Neo
The Bolero and Bolero Neo sit in the ₹ 9.81 Lakh to ₹ 12.18 Lakh ex‑showroom bracket. Both offer eight‑seat layouts suited for commercial use and rural roads. The older Bolero continues with simple body-on‑frame architecture and a diesel engine that is reliable and easy to maintain. The Neo, with slightly upgraded interiors and modernised design, adds comfort without sacrificing ruggedness. Interiors are basic but functional. These models are not about refinement, but about space, durability, and dependability in rough terrain or for fleet use.
Mahindra Scorpio & Scorpio N
Mahindra’s Scorpio Classic (₹ 13.77 Lakh to ₹ 17.42 Lakh) and the newer Scorpio N (₹ 13.99 Lakh to ₹ 25.62 Lakh) round out the list. Both offer true SUV credentials with rough‑road ability, seating for seven, although 4×4 is available only with the latter. The Scorpio N adds modern safety tech, better ride dynamics, and more spacious third row compared to the Classic. Diesel engines remain the preferred choice, offering strong low‑end torque and decent fuel efficiency. While pricing rises steeply at upper variants, even base trims offer good value for buyers needing rugged performance and seven seats.
