For Indian middle-class families, choosing the right car is about space, comfort, and value for money. While hatchbacks and sedans work for small families, joint families or frequent road trippers often need a 7-seater vehicle.
In 2025, the Indian car market offers some excellent 7-seater SUVs and MPVs under ₹20 lakhs. These cars combine practicality with modern features, making them the best choice for family buyers.
Here’s a complete guide with prices, features, mileage, and which family each car suits best.
🚗 Top 7-Seater Cars in India Under ₹20 Lakhs (2025)
1. Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
- Price: ₹8.6 – ₹13.1 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Mileage: 20.3 kmpl (Petrol), 26 km/kg (CNG)
- Why Families Love It: Affordable, low running cost, easy city handling.
- Best For: Budget-conscious families needing daily use + occasional trips.
2. Maruti Suzuki XL6
- Price: ₹11.6 – ₹14.8 lakh
- Mileage: 20.3 kmpl (Petrol), 26 km/kg (CNG)
- Why Families Love It: Premium version of Ertiga with captain seats, stylish design.
- Best For: Small families wanting comfort with budget efficiency.
3. Kia Carens
- Price: ₹10.5 – ₹18 lakh
- Mileage: 16–21 kmpl (Petrol/Diesel)
- Why Families Love It: Safety-loaded (6 airbags standard), spacious cabin, stylish design.
- Best For: Urban families balancing budget + modern features.
4. Hyundai Alcazar
- Price: ₹16 – ₹20 lakh
- Mileage: 18–20 kmpl
- Why Families Love It: Premium feel, panoramic sunroof, connected tech.
- Best For: Families who want an urban-friendly 7-seater with luxury touches.
5. Mahindra Scorpio-N
- Price: ₹13.9 – ₹19.9 lakh
- Mileage: 14–16 kmpl
- Why Families Love It: Rugged SUV, strong road presence, powerful engine.
- Best For: Families in smaller towns or highways needing durability.
6. Mahindra XUV700 (7-Seater Variants)
- Price: ₹15 – ₹20 lakh
- Mileage: 14–16 kmpl
- Why Families Love It: Best-in-class tech (ADAS, big touchscreen), spacious interiors.
- Best For: Tech-savvy urban families wanting premium SUV features.
7. Tata Safari (Base Variants)
- Price: ₹16 – ₹20 lakh
- Mileage: 14–16 kmpl
- Why Families Love It: Large, comfortable SUV with commanding road presence.
- Best For: Families who travel long distances with lots of luggage.
8. Toyota Innova Crysta (Base Variants)
- Price: Starts at ₹19.9 lakh
- Mileage: 13–15 kmpl
- Why Families Love It: Legendary reliability, smooth ride, resale value.
- Best For: Families willing to stretch budget for a trusted, long-lasting MPV.
📊 Price & Mileage Comparison Table
| Car Model | Price Range (₹ Lakh) | Mileage (kmpl / CNG) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Ertiga | 8.6 – 13.1 | 20.3 / 26 (CNG) | Budget families |
| Maruti XL6 | 11.6 – 14.8 | 20.3 / 26 (CNG) | Premium budget families |
| Kia Carens | 10.5 – 18 | 16–21 | Safety + urban use |
| Hyundai Alcazar | 16 – 20 | 18–20 | Urban premium users |
| Mahindra Scorpio-N | 13.9 – 19.9 | 14–16 | Rugged + highway |
| Mahindra XUV700 | 15 – 20 | 14–16 | Tech-savvy buyers |
| Tata Safari | 16 – 20 | 14–16 | Long-distance travelers |
| Toyota Innova Crysta | 19.9+ | 13–15 | Reliability + resale |
🧾 5-Year Cost of Ownership (Fuel + Maintenance Estimate)
| Car Model | Avg Annual Running | 5-Year Fuel Cost | Maintenance | Total 5-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ertiga (CNG) | 12,000 km | ₹2.5 lakh | ₹50,000 | ₹3 lakh |
| XL6 (CNG) | 12,000 km | ₹2.5 lakh | ₹60,000 | ₹3.1 lakh |
| Carens (Diesel) | 15,000 km | ₹4.2 lakh | ₹70,000 | ₹4.9 lakh |
| Alcazar (Petrol) | 15,000 km | ₹5.5 lakh | ₹80,000 | ₹6.3 lakh |
| Scorpio-N (Diesel) | 15,000 km | ₹5.8 lakh | ₹90,000 | ₹6.7 lakh |
| XUV700 (Diesel) | 15,000 km | ₹6 lakh | ₹1 lakh | ₹7 lakh |
| Safari (Diesel) | 15,000 km | ₹6.2 lakh | ₹1 lakh | ₹7.2 lakh |
| Innova Crysta (Diesel) | 15,000 km | ₹6.5 lakh | ₹1.2 lakh | ₹7.7 lakh |
✅ Which 7-Seater Should You Buy?
- On a Tight Budget (₹10–14 lakh): Ertiga, XL6, Carens (lower trims).
- Want Safety + Features: Kia Carens, Hyundai Alcazar.
- Highway + Rugged Usage: Scorpio-N, Tata Safari.
- Premium Family SUV: Mahindra XUV700.
- Ultimate Long-Term Reliability: Toyota Innova Crysta.
🔎 Conclusion
A 7-seater car under ₹20 lakh is perfect for Indian families who want space, comfort, and practicality. From the affordable Ertiga to the premium Innova Crysta, the Indian market has something for every budget.