The Indian car market has seen a shift in recent years and the MPV class has taken the backseat. This can be attributed to the fact that many manufacturers are focusing on gaining more market share from the growing SUV segment. However, few of them are still betting strongly on their MPV offerings. In this article, we have listed the best seven-seater cars that one can purchase in India right now with a budget of Rs. 12 lakh or less.

Renault Triber

The Renault Triber is currently the most affordable seven-seater model one can buy in the country. When launched, the MPV was well received by consumers looking to get a seven-seater in the budget of a hatchback or a compact sedan. The three-row French MPV is currently available at a starting price of Rs. 6.33 lakh (ex-showroom) across five variants. It comes equipped with a 1.0-litre NA petrol motor mated to a five-speed manual and an AMT gearbox.

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga was an instant hit during the ‘more space at less cost’ era. It came with a tagline of LUV – Life Utility Vehicle, at an aggressive introductory price of Rs. 5.89 lakh (ex-showroom). Since then, the model has undergone couple of facelifts and has evolved into becoming one of the best-selling Maruti products in India. Later, the automaker also introduced a six-seater version of the Ertiga in the form of the XL6 under its premium Nexa outlets. The Maruti Ertiga is currently offered with petrol and CNG powertrain options at a starting price of Rs. 8.64 lakh (ex-showroom).

Kia Carens

Kia India launched the Carens MPV in the country in 2022 after its debut in December 2021. The Carens is the Korean automaker’s taken on Maruti’s Ertiga and XL6 with a more modern design and premium features. The brand calls it an RV (Recreational Vehicle) and it can be had in seven variants, namely, Premium, Prestige, Prestige Plus, Luxury, Luxury (O), Luxury Plus, and the recently launched X-Line trim. The Carens is currently on sale with petrol and diesel engine options at a starting ex-showroom price of Rs. 10.45 lakh.

Mahindra Bolero and Bolero Neo

Now, the Mahindra Bolero and Bolero Neo are not MPVs but offer seven-seat configurations in the same budget. They both are diesel-only models with the Bolero being more raw in its nature and Bolero Neo, which replaces the TUV300, offering a more urban design and character. The Bolero and Bolero Neo are listed at a starting price of Rs. 9.79 lakh and Rs. 9.64 lakh, respectively (all prices, ex-showroom).