Spec comparison: 2018 Maruti Ertiga Vs Toyota Innova Crysta

Maruti Suzuki is coming up with the new-gen Ertiga tomorrow and it is bigger and better in every possible way compared to the model it replaces. The new Ertiga moves to a new platform, adopts modern styling and gets more features on the inside. But can it now inch any closer to the king of the MPVs in India – the formidable Toyota Innova Crysta? The Toyota is bigger than the new Ertiga in every possible way, be it dimensions, engine or most importantly price. So let us have a detailed look into how both these MPVs fare against each other:

Exterior:

The styling of the new-gen Ertiga includes the new grille with horizontal louvres flanked by sleeker headlamps fitted with projectors and LED DRLs. The bumpers get stylish elements like the raked damper around the fog lamps and contrasting black surrounds. The silhouette now gets a floating roof design similar to the one seen on the Swift. At the rear, there will be a revised tailgate and L-shaped taillights extending to the D-pillar. The new Ertiga has also grown in dimensions. It now measures 4395x1735x1690mm with a wheelbase retained as the previous car at 2740mm. 

Compared to the new Ertiga, the well-established Innova Crysta measures 4735x1830x1795mm and has a wheelbase of 2750mm. The styling of the Innova Crysta has remained unchanged since its introduction in 2016 and it doesn’t even need any update either. Thanks to its dimensions, it appears humongous and has a credible street presence. No matter where you look at it, the Innova looks brawny and demands respect. Which it duly receives owing to the fact that it has been dominating the segment for a decade and a half. 

Interior:

The cabin of the Ertiga adopts a modular layout as seen in the international Ertiga. There is a beige finish to the interior with use of wooden inserts as seen in the new Ciaz. A 6.8-inch infotainment screen is ‘stuck’ on the centre console with all the modern features. There are horizontal air-con vents and a twin-pod instrument cluster which makes the dashboard look upmarket. The cabin is expected to have ample storage space and more room than the outgoing car. 

The swooping dashboard of the Innova Crysta hasn’t aged a day since its introduction. Everything inside the cabin is ergonomically placed. There are colourful circular dials in the instrument cluster behind the massive steering wheel. There is an ample amount of wood finish seen and there are ample stowage places all around the cabin. The seats, both fore and aft, are comfortable for long hauls as well. No wonder the Innova has been the favourite people mover all these years. 

Engine:

The Ertiga will make use of the newly-developed 1.5-litre K-Series hybrid petrol engine first seen in the new Ciaz. The motor produces 103bhp and 138Nm and is offered with a five-speed manual or a four-speed AT. The diesel, on the other hand, is the trusty old 1.3-litre Multijet unit producing 90bhp and 200Nm which will be offered with a five-speed manual only. The hybrid tech adds a stop-start function and some additional pulling power for the engine.

The Innova Crysta is available in three engine options – 2.7-litre petrol, 2.4-litre and 2.8-litre diesel. The smaller diesel engine comes mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and generates about 148bhp of power and 343Nm of torque, while the bigger 2.8-litre engine comes with a six-speed automatic transmission that generates 172bhp and 360Nm of torque. The petrol engine produces 164bhp/245Nm and comes with either a six-speed automatic or a five-speed manual.

Conclusion:

The new Ertiga will maintain its price bracket which will be around Rs 7-11 lakhs. However, the entry-level Innova starts at around Rs 14 lakhs and goes all the way up to Rs 23 lakhs for the top-spec Touring Sport variant (all prices ex-showroom). The Innova Crysta is a lot of car for a lot of money, but the forthcoming Ertiga is a completely new package. And we expect it to go about doing what it is asked for without any hassle.