How The Two Affordable MPVs Compare?

With the arrival of the 2025 Renault Triber facelift, the budget MPV space is heating up once again. And naturally, the question arises that how does it stack up against the ever-popular Maruti Suzuki Ertiga? Both these MPVs cater to the family-first buyer, offer decent space and practicality, and promise great value. But they go about it in completely different ways. So, here’s a quick lowdown comparing the two head-to-head.

Design & Dimensions

The Ertiga is the bigger car here, longer, wider, and with a longer wheelbase. So, it naturally helps it to accommodate passengers better, especially in the third row. It also looks more premium thanks to its chrome accents and well-proportioned styling. But don’t write off the Triber just yet. Despite its sub-4 metre footprint, Renault’s MPV manages to squeeze out three rows without looking like a cramped shoebox. And the third row isn’t half too bad either.

Also Read: New Renault Triber Makes India Debut; Launched At Rs 6.29 Lakh

The 2025 update gives it sharper LED lighting, which is much more modern than the simple design of the outgoing version. It also gets a revised grille, taking cues from the international Renault family with a new logo upfront. At the back, the smoked finish to the taillamps also adds to the fresh appeal.

The Ertiga, on the other hand, hasn’t gotten any significant changes since the second-gen model arrived. It soldiers on strongly with its MPV stance, rounded off with a smooth and familiar design.

Cabin & Practicality

On the inside, the Ertiga offers a more upmarket cabin, with beige-finishes, wooden insert materials in the higher variants, and a bigger infotainment screen. The 7-seater layout is more usable for adults, and the boot space with the third row up is better than the Triber; however, the Triber punches way above its weight in modularity. The ultra-flexible third row is removable, the second row slides and reclines, and Renault offers clever storage spots throughout. If you’re a family of five who needs occasional 7-seater flexibility, the Triber’s interior is arguably more versatile.

Also Read: Renault Triber Facelift: Variants Explained

Features & Tech

Both MPVs are pretty neck and neck when it comes to the essentials—touchscreens, smartphone connectivity, rear AC vents, and steering-mounted controls. The Ertiga, being the pricier car, gets a few extra goodies like a better SmartPlay infotainment system, connected car tech in top trims, and more airbags. The 2025 Triber now gets a digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and auto climate control, which was missing in the outgoing version.

The Ertiga gets dual airbags as standard, with up to four on higher trims, along with ESP, hill hold, and ISOFIX mounts. The 2025 Triber facelift now matches that with standard ESP, hill start assist, TPMS, and four airbags on the top variant, making both reasonably safe for their segment.

Powertrain

Under the hood, the Ertiga gets a 1.5L mild hybrid petrol engine paired with either a 5speed manual or a 6speed automatic. It’s smooth, refined, and great for long-distance cruising. There’s also a factory fit CNG option, which is a huge plus for fleet buyers or mileage conscious families.

The Triber is still powered by a 1.0L naturally aspirated 3-cylinder engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual or AMT. It’s more suited to city commuting than highway sprints. While the Ertiga wins on outright performance and drivability, the Triber claws back points with its better fuel efficiency and ease of manoeuvring in tight spaces.

Some may complain about the lack of a powertrain change in the new Triber. It needed either a turbo or a higher displacement. But spending time with the Triber makes you realise that the real-life usability of the Triber does not need a bigger, more powerful powertrain. The three-pot packs in enough punch for everyday usability and won’t leave you wanting for more.

Price & Value

That’s a significant price gap, and it reflects the different buyers these two MPVs are targeting. The Triber is suited for first-time car buyers or families upgrading from hatchbacks. It offers the flexibility of a 7-seater without breaking the bank. Meanwhile, the Ertiga is more of a complete family car, with better power, space, and a more premium experience, while not burning a big hole in your pocket.

If your priorities are budget, urban practicality, and flexibility, the 2025 Renault Triber still makes a compelling case. It’s the cleverer of the two in terms of packaging and value. But if you’re looking for a proper 7-seater that can comfortably haul the family with luggage, and you don’t mind spending the extra bucks, the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is still the benchmark in this segment.