Abhijeet A
Hello friends! If you’re looking for a 7-seater family car, you’ve probably got the Toyota Rumion on your list. It’s essentially a Maruti Ertiga wearing a Toyota badge, which means you get the best of both worlds, right? The Ertiga’s practicality with Toyota’s legendary service and reliability.
The Rumion has been doing pretty well, selling in good numbers over the last couple of years. However, recently, the sales have seen a sharp drop. This might make you wonder, “Is there a problem? Is the Rumion still a smart buy, or should I just stick with the original Maruti Ertiga or maybe even consider the more premium Kia Carens?” As your trusted friend in the auto world, I’m here to break it down for you.
Key Specs at a Glance
The Toyota Rumion is all about practicality. It’s a spacious 7-seater that’s easy to drive and is also available with a company-fitted CNG kit.
| Specification | Toyota Rumion |
| Engine | 1.5L K-Series Petrol Engine (with CNG option) |
| Power | 102 bhp (Petrol) / 87 bhp (CNG) |
| Mileage | ~20.51 kmpl (Petrol) / ~26.11 km/kg (CNG) |
| Key Feature | Toyota’s trusted service and warranty |
| Boot Space | 209 Litres (all 3 rows up) |
| Ex-Showroom Price | Starting from ₹10.81 Lakh (Delhi) |
Price: What’s the Real Deal?
The Toyota Rumion is priced slightly higher than its Maruti twin, the Ertiga. This is for the Toyota badge and the better warranty package. But what’s the final price you’ll pay? Here’s a simple on-road price estimate for the Rumion and its rivals in our big cities.
| Car Model | Delhi | Mumbai | Bengaluru |
| Toyota Rumion | ~₹12.10 Lakh | ~₹12.30 Lakh | ~₹12.85 Lakh |
| Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | ~₹10.70 Lakh | ~₹10.90 Lakh | ~₹11.30 Lakh |
| Kia Carens | ~₹13.15 Lakh | ~₹13.45 Lakh | ~₹14.00 Lakh |
(Note: These are estimated on-road prices for base petrol models and will go up for higher variants and CNG models.)
The Main Event: Rumion vs. Ertiga vs. Carens
This is the ultimate battle of the 7-seater family movers! A rebadged champion, the original king, and a premium new challenger.
| Feature | Toyota Rumion | Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | Kia Carens |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | From ₹10.81 Lakh | From ₹9.12 Lakh | From ₹11.41 Lakh |
| Engine Power | 102 bhp | 102 bhp | 113 bhp |
| Mileage (“Kitna deti hai?”) | ~20.5 kmpl | ~20.5 kmpl | ~16 kmpl |
| Key Feature/Weakness | Feature: Toyota’s superior service & warranty. Weakness: Costs more than the Ertiga for the same car. | Feature: Unbeatable value for money. Weakness: Very common on the roads. | Feature: Premium features & more powerful engine options. Weakness: Lower mileage. |
Our Verdict: The Right Choice for YOU
We’ve driven all three cars with our families, and here’s our simple, honest advice to help you decide.
- For the “Peace of Mind & Better Service” Seeker: The Toyota Rumion Let’s be honest, the Rumion and Ertiga are the same car. But what you’re paying extra for with the Rumion is the Toyota ownership experience. We’ve consistently found Toyota’s after-sales service to be a class apart. If you want the reliability of a Maruti but the hassle-free service of a Toyota and don’t mind paying a small premium for it, the Rumion is the perfect choice.
- For the “Ultimate Value-for-Money” Family: The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga If your decision is purely based on getting the most car for your money, then the Ertiga is the undisputed king. It’s a fantastic 7-seater that is comfortable, incredibly fuel-efficient (especially the CNG version), and has the widest service network in the country. It’s a true ‘paisa vasool’ deal that has won the hearts of millions of Indian families for a reason.
- For the “Premium Features & More Power” Family: The Kia Carens If your budget is a bit more flexible and you want your family car to feel more luxurious, the Kia Carens is the one to go for. The moment you step inside, the cabin feels more premium. It also offers more powerful engine options and a smoother automatic gearbox. For a family that wants a bit more style, comfort, and performance, the Carens is worth the extra money.
Common Questions Answered (FAQ)
Is there any difference at all between the Toyota Rumion and Maruti Ertiga?
Besides the Toyota and Suzuki logos and a slightly different front grille, the cars are mechanically identical. The main difference is in the warranty and the service experience, where Toyota generally has an edge.
Why are the sales of the Toyota Rumion dropping?
It’s likely due to a combination of factors, including production adjustments between Maruti and Toyota, and the fact that most buyers who want this car at the lowest price still prefer to go to a Maruti showroom for the Ertiga.
Which car is better for a large family, the Ertiga or the Carens?
Both are great 7-seaters. The Ertiga is more fuel-efficient and affordable. The Kia Carens is more spacious, especially in the third row, and feels more premium inside. If you will be using the third-row seats often, the Carens is the more comfortable option.
Is the CNG version of the Rumion/Ertiga good?
Absolutely! The factory-fitted CNG kit is excellent and offers incredibly low running costs. With CNG, you can expect a real-world mileage of around 24-25 km/kg, which makes it very light on the wallet for daily use.
