Kia Carens Prestige 1.5 Petrol vs Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta: Specs, Dimensions, and Features Comparison

Trim-wise, both the Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta trim and the Kia Carens Prestige trim are at the same level, with a similar price tag. So, which MPV is the better choice?

Kias new multi-purpose vehicle, the Caren has been launched with a very exciting introductory price of Rs. 8.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This makes it a solid contender in a segment that also includes the Maruti Suzuki XL6. The latter was earlier one of the cheaper alternatives in the segment, along with the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.  So, trim-wise, the Kia Carens Prestige trim with the 1.5-liter petrol engine is priced at Rs. 9.99 lakh is a legit competition and alternative to the similarly priced and specced Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta trim level, which is priced at Rs. 10.01 lakh.

Starting off with the first difference between the two vehicles is their price gap. With a marginally lesser price tag, does the Carens pack in less compared to the XL6 Zeta trim? Thats what we are going to find out:

Also Read: Kia Carens Service Costs Explained (Petrol & Diesel)

Kia Carens Prestige 1.5 Petrol vs Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta: Specs and Transmission

Mechanically, the Kia Carens is the most powerful MPV of the two on paper. It is powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine that produces 113 bhp@6300 rpm, and 144 Nm of torque@4500 rpm. In comparison, the XL6 Zeta feels underpowered; for its KI15B Smart Hybrid inline-4 cylinder engine produces 103 bhp@6000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque @4400 rpm. On top of that, the Carens gets a 6-speed manual transmission, and the XL6 gets a 5-speed transmission. This extra gear makes the Kia a better cruiser on the highway as well.

Kia Carens Prestige 1.5 Petrol vs Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta: Dimension

Dimensionally, the Kia Carens is quite the bigger MPV in its segment, both on the outside and inside. It is based on the same stretched version of the Seltos/Creta platform that is also found in the Alcazar, but in reality, is bigger than its peers. The Kia Carens measures 4,540 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, and 1,708 mm tall. It sits on a wheelbase that measures 2,780 mm long, which is 160 mm longer than the one found in the Seltos.

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These numbers definitely dwarves Maruti Suzuki. The XL6 measures, 4,445 mm long, 1,775 wide, and 1700 mm tall. It sits on a wheelbase that is 40 mm shorter than the Carens at 2740 mm long. This is precisely why the Carens is such a spacious car on the inside too.

Kia Carens Prestige 1.5 Petrol vs Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta: Features

Feature-wise, the Carens Prestige trim might fall a little short in comparison to the XL6 Zeta trim. Starting with the dashboard layout  the one on the Carens looks more modern compared to the XL6, wherein it lacks that premium touch. However, functionality-wise, the XL6 Zeta has more tricks up its sleeve than the Carens Prestige.

For example, the Carens get a 6-way manually adjustable front seat, whereas, the XL6 gets you an 8-way manually adjustable front seat. The second row in the Carens has 2-way manual adjustability for the headrest only, the Carens get 6-way manual adjustability functions for both the seat and headrest. Similarly, the XL6 gets power windows for both front and rear, whereas the base Carens gets the same for just the front window only.

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Other features that the base Carens Prestige trim misses out on include, automatic climate control, push-button start, cruise control, rear wiper and rear glass defogger, electrically adjustable and retractable ORVMs, and LED headlights and DRLs.

However, safety-wise, the Carens is a better-fitted car. For it comes with 6 airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Downhill Assist, Rear Parking Sensors, Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Stability Management, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and ISOFIX childs seat, to name some of the features.

The Maruti Suzuki XL6 in comparison gets just dual airbags at the front, ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution, and a safety rating f 3 stars from the GNCAP.

Also Read: Is This The 2022 Maruti Baleno Sigma Base Model? Fresh Images

Kia Carens Prestige 1.5 Petrol vs Maruti Suzuki XL6 Zeta: Which One Should You Buy?

Being a new product, the Carens Prestige gives you the advantage of a fresh look, advanced safety features, a modern and posh-looking cabin, and a performative engine. Package-wise, there cant be any fault with the Carens. But the Maruti Suzuki XL6 packs in a bit more practicality, and with a less powered engine packs in better fuel economy results as well.

However, well have to pick the Carens Prestige trim over the XL6 because of its additional advanced safety features. For whats a family car that is not safe?

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