Spacious and Affordable 6-Seater Cars
In India’s price-conscious car market, practicality and value for money often precede brand snobbery or flashy features. Among growing families and group travelers, six-seater vehicles have carved a unique niche — offering generous space, captain seat comfort in the second row, and solid performance at an affordable price. Whether it’s an MPV for urban convenience or an SUV for highway trips, the market now offers several compelling choices that blend comfort with budget appeal.
Let’s take a look at the top five affordable six-seaters currently available in India. These vehicles offer captain seats in the second row and provide a great mix of performance, pricing, and practicality.
1. Maruti Suzuki XL6 – The Budget Family Comfort
Maruti Suzuki’s XL6 offers a unique blend of practicality and style, tailored for larger families. It might not enjoy the blockbuster status of its Ertiga sibling, but the XL6 stands out with its six-seat configuration that includes captain seats in the middle row. Under the hood is a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol engine that delivers 101.6 bhp and 136.8 Nm of torque. It is available with both a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Fuel-conscious buyers will also appreciate the CNG variant. Prices begin at ₹11.71 lakh, and the CNG version is priced at ₹12.66 lakh (ex-showroom).
2. Kia Carens – Versatility Meets Value
The Kia Carens has quietly become one of the best-selling MPVs in the Indian market. What makes it appealing is the wide range of engine choices, including a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol (113 bhp), a 1.5L turbo petrol (158 bhp), and a 1.5L diesel (114 bhp). The six-seater layout with captain seats is available in petrol variants only, starting at ₹11.99 lakh. With a stylish design, premium interiors, and a starting price as low as ₹10.60 lakh for base variants, the Carens packs a punch without draining your wallet.
3. Mahindra Scorpio Classic – Rugged and Roomy
For buyers seeking a rugged, old-school SUV with space and reliability, the Mahindra Scorpio Classic remains a trustworthy choice. It features a powerful 2.2L diesel engine producing 130 bhp and 300 Nm of torque paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The six-seater configuration with second-row captain seats is optional on the top-end S11 variant, priced at ₹17.50 lakh (ex-showroom). While the third row has side-facing jump seats, the overall package offers strong street presence and durability.
4. MG Hector Plus – Tech-Laden Comfort
MG’s Hector Plus expands the popular Hector SUV with a more spacious, six-seater option that includes plush captain seats in the second row. Buyers can choose between a 1.5L turbo-petrol (141 bhp) or a 2.0L diesel (168 bhp), both offering impressive torque figures. The petrol variant is offered with both a manual and a CVT, while the diesel gets a manual only. Prices for the Hector Plus start at ₹17.50 lakh and go up to ₹23.41 lakh. This SUV is a tech-lover’s dream, packed with features and an expansive infotainment system.
5. Mahindra XUV700 – Premium Experience at a Price
At the premium end of this list sits the Mahindra XUV700, a feature-loaded SUV that doesn’t shy away from power. It offers a six-seater configuration in the AX7 and AX7 Luxury trims only. Engine choices include a 2.0L turbo petrol (197 bhp) and a 2.2L diesel (182 bhp), with options for both 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Priced from ₹19.69 lakh to ₹25.09 lakh, the XUV700 is more expensive but justifies it with power, ADAS features, and comfort.
At a Glance: 6-Seater Comparison Table
| Model | Engine Options | Transmission | Power Output | Captain Seats | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti XL6 | 1.5L Petrol / CNG | 5MT / 6AT | 101.6 bhp / 136.8 Nm | Yes | ₹11.71 – ₹14.71 lakh |
| Kia Carens | 1.5L NA Petrol / Turbo Petrol / Diesel | Manual / Automatic | Up to 158 bhp | Yes (Petrol variants) | ₹11.99 – ₹19.50 lakh |
| Mahindra Scorpio Classic | 2.2L Diesel | 6MT | 130 bhp / 300 Nm | Optional (S11 only) | ₹17.50 lakh |
| MG Hector Plus | 1.5L Petrol / 2.0L Diesel | Manual / CVT (Petrol) | 141 bhp (Petrol) / 168 bhp (Diesel) | Yes | ₹17.50 – ₹23.41 lakh |
| Mahindra XUV700 | 2.0L Petrol / 2.2L Diesel | 6MT / 6AT | 197 bhp (Petrol) / 182 bhp (Diesel) | Yes (AX7 variants) | ₹19.69 – ₹25.09 lakh |
Conclusion
Choosing a six-seater vehicle in India no longer means stretching your budget excessively. With options like the Maruti XL6 and Kia Carens, families can enjoy the comfort of captain seats without spending a fortune. For those with a bit more flexibility in their budget, the MG Hector Plus and Mahindra XUV700 offer a more premium experience. Whether your priority is rugged utility or tech-laden comfort, this list has something for every buyer.
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