2025 Kia Carens Clavis vs Maruti XL6: Which Premium MPV Should You Buy?
Published On May 26, 2025 08:01 AM By Dipan
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The Clavis and Maruti XL6 are both premium MPVs, but the Clavis gives you more features and engine options, while the XL6 stands out for its value for money quotient
The Kia Carens Clavis went on sale recently with prices starting from Rs 11.50 lakh (introductory ex-showroom, pan-India). It directly rivals the Maruti XL6, which is also positioned as a premium MPV in the segment. So, which is the better MPV for you? Let us find out by comparing them starting with their prices.
Prices
| Model |
Price |
| Kia Carens Clavis (introductory) |
Rs 11.50 lakh to Rs 21.50 lakh |
| Maruti XL6 |
Rs 11.84 lakh to Rs 14.84 lakh |
Prices are ex-showroom, pan-India
The base-spec Maruti XL6 is priced slightly higher than the entry-level Kia Carens Clavis. However, the top-end XL6 is over Rs 6.5 lakh more affordable than the fully-loaded Carens Clavis. That said, the Kia offers more powertrain options and several features that are not available in the Maruti XL6.
Dimensions
| Dimensions |
Kia Carens Clavis |
Maruti XL6 |
Difference |
| Length |
4550 mm |
4445 mm |
+ 105 mm |
| Width |
1800 mm |
1775 mm |
+ 25 mm |
| Height |
1708 mm |
1755 mm |
(- 47 mm) |
| Wheelbase |
2780 mm |
2740 mm |
+ 40 mm |
The Kia Carens Clavis is noticeably longer than the Maruti XL6, but both MPVs come close in terms of width, height, and wheelbase.
Powertrain Options
| Model |
Kia Carens Clavis |
Maruti XL6 |
|||
| Engine |
1.5-litre diesel |
1.5-litre turbo-petrol |
1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol |
1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol |
1.5-litre petrol+CNG |
| Power |
116 PS |
160 PS |
115 PS |
103 PS |
88 PS |
| Torque |
250 Nm |
253 Nm |
144 Nm |
139 Nm |
121.5 Nm |
| Transmission* |
6-speed MT, 6-speed AT |
6-speed MT, 6-speed iMT, 7-speed DCT |
6-speed MT |
5-speed MT, 6-speed AT |
5-speed MT |
*iMT = Clutchless manual transmission, DCT = Dual-clutch automatic transmission, AT = Torque converter automatic transmission
The Kia Carens Clavis offers two powerful engine options: a turbo-petrol engine that delivers strong performance and a diesel engine that balances performance with good fuel efficiency. The Maruti XL6 does not offer either of these engine choices.
Both the Carens Clavis and the XL6 do come with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. The one in the Carens Clavis produces slightly more power and torque. However, it is available only with a manual transmission. The XL6’s engine, on the other hand, also comes with an automatic option.
If fuel efficiency is a top priority, the XL6 has an advantage with its CNG variant, which offers a claimed mileage of 26.32 km per kg.
Features
| Features |
Kia Carens Clavis |
Maruti Ertiga |
| Exterior |
|
|
| Interior |
|
|
| Comfort and Convenience |
|
|
| Infotainment |
|
|
| Safety |
|
|
The Kia Carens Clavis and Maruti XL6 share several commonalities including LED headlights and DRLs, rear wiper and washer, roof rails, black cladding on the exterior and leatherette seat upholstery. Other common features include ventilated front seats, auto AC with rear vents, paddle shifters (in automatic variants), push-button start/stop and auto-folding and electrically adjustable ORVMs.
The Kia Carens Clavis, however, offers a far more premium experience. It comes with larger 17-inch alloy wheels, connected LED tail lights, a panoramic sunroof, dual 12.3-inch screens (one each for the infotainment and driver display), wireless phone charger, powered driver’s seat, and a Bose sound system. It also gets 6 airbags (as standard), a dual-camera dashcam, front parking sensors, ADAS features, and disc brakes on all wheels, which are not available in the XL6.
On the other hand, the Maruti XL6 offers a few features that are missing in the top-spec Kia Carens Clavis, such as front fog lamps and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. While the Clavis does support wireless phone connectivity in its top-spec HTX Plus variant, it is limited to lower variants with the 8-inch infotainment system.
Verdict
If you are looking for a feature-rich, tech-loaded, and more versatile MPV with multiple engine options, the Kia Carens Clavis is the stronger choice. It offers premium features like a panoramic sunroof, dual 12.3-inch screens, ADAS and even offers a turbo-petrol and a diesel engine. These are not available in the Maruti XL6. The Clavis also has a more modern and upmarket cabin, making it a great pick for those who prioritise comfort, performance, and safety.
On the other hand, if you are on a tighter budget and want a practical, fuel-efficient 6-seater family car, especially with the option of CNG, the Maruti XL6 is a sensible choice. It is much more affordable, even at the top end and offers the convenience of an automatic with its petrol engine.
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