Three-row cars under Rs 15 lakh are extremely popular in the Indian market, offering the space and flexibility that larger families need. From MPVs to SUVs, brands like Maruti, Renault, Mahindra, Citroen, Toyota and Kia have plenty to choose from. We have put together a list of the 10 most affordable SUVs and MPVs that can seat a maximum of 7 people, ranked by their ex-showroom prices in ascending order.
The Renault Triber compact MPV’s mix of practicality and comfort at this price point is simply unmatched. The middle row seats fold 60:40, can be slid back and forth, and the backrest angle is adjustable, too. And after the second-row seats are folded and moved ahead, accessing the last row becomes easy. Interestingly, the seats can be removed entirely to open up more luggage room. Additionally, the AC vents for the respective middle- and last-row seats are reasonably effective on a hot and humid day.
Pre-MY2025 Ertiga (image used for representation).
The Maruti Ertiga boasts wide-opening doors, which make ingress and egress easy. Front seats are broad and offer a lot of cushioning, while the second-row seats can be slid back for that extra legroom and are also reclinable. The middle row has massive windows, which let in more light and provide an airy feel to the cabin. Notably, the seats in the middle only fold and don’t tumble, so accessing the last row may be cumbersome for some. Once in the last row, passengers will appreciate the good amount of headroom and shoulder room on offer. Two adults can sit here on long drives without losing circulation in their legs, and they can use vents and Type-C charging ports for added convenience.
Out of all the cars on this list, the Mahindra Bolero feels the most crude and outdated. Due to its high ground clearance, stepping in and out of the off-roader is not easy. The seats at the front are narrow and don’t have much support on offer; the seats behind are no different either, and provide limited knee room. Mahindra has equipped the sub-four-metre SUV’s third row with side-facing seats, but they are best left for kids. The quality of touchpoints is below par for a vehicle whose price nudges nearly 10 lakh for the base model.
4. Mahindra Bolero Neo
Rs 9.97 lakh-12.18 lakh
100hp, 1.5-litre diesel
Compared to the Bolero, the Mahindra Bolero Neo feels a class apart in every aspect. The interior, specifically, is a far cry from the standard Bolero, featuring chair-like front seats with long squabs and individual armrests. That said, seat cushioning is firmer here. The middle row seats easily accommodate three passengers. Kneeroom and legroom are not as generous as the headroom, and that is deliberately done by Mahindra to have side-facing jump seats at the back. The three space parameters (kneeroom, legroom and headroom) are non-existent in the last row of seats, and they are best left folded to make room for more luggage.
5. Toyota Rumion
Rs 10.67 lakh-13.96 lakh
103hp, 1.5-litre petrol
The Toyota Rumion is a badge-engineered version of the Maruti Ertiga, and its interior closely mirrors that of the MPV. From the overall design and layout to the beige colour scheme, the cabin feels familiar and functional. All three rows offer comfortable seating, and the space is packed with storage compartments, enhancing practicality. Buyers choosing the Rumion over the Ertiga may also benefit from a shorter wait time.
6. Kia Carens
Rs 11.41 lakh
115hp, 1.5-litre petrol
The Kia Carens’ cabin scores top marks for its premium quotient, with comfort being a strong point across all three rows. Seats at the front are well-cushioned and offer a great view. Practicality is thoughtfully addressed, too, with a storage tray under the co-driver’s seat. In the second row, the 60:40 split seats can tumble and fold, but the kerbside seat adds an extra touch of convenience with an electrically-assisted mechanism operated by a button, making access to the third row a breeze. The last row seats are comfy and not as knees-up as other MPVs of its class. Passengers as tall as 6 feet can enjoy reasonable comfort here.
7. Kia Carens Clavis
Rs 11.50 lakh-19.50 lakh
115hp, 1.5-litre petrol; 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol; 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel
The Kia Carens Clavis is the even more premium sibling of the standard MPV. The front seats are ventilated, with powered adjustment for the driver’s seat (height adjustment is manual). The panoramic sunroof doesn’t affect headroom, and AC vents above the windows in the second row are effective. Kia also offers foldable trays, an air purifier, sun blinds, and a Boss Mode to move the front passenger seat forward. Accessing the third row is easier with one-touch tumble. There’s enough space for two adults, plus vents, USB ports, and adjustable headrests.
8. Citroen Aircross
Rs 12.50 lakh-14.60 lakh
82hp, 1.2-litre petrol; 110hp, 1.2-litre turbo petrol
The French carmaker is known for offering comfy seats in its cars, and the Citroen Aircross is a testament to that. First-row seats are well-cushioned and supportive; the driver’s seat also gets an armrest. Though the middle row 60:40 split seats also prioritise comfort, they miss out on a central armrest and backrest recline function. The kerbside seat can be tilted and tumbled away to get into the last row. Since the seats here are placed on the boot floor, passengers sit in a knees-up position. The headroom and kneeroom are not generous either, meaning this space best suits kids. These seats can also be removed, just like the Triber, to free up more luggage space.
9. Mahindra Scorpio Classic
Rs 13.77 lakh-17.72 lakh
130hp, 2.2-litre diesel
Thanks to its high ground clearance, getting into the Mahindra Scorpio Classic needs some effort. A high seating position gives a great view of the surroundings, and the front chair-like seats, upholstered in fabric, are reminiscent of previous models and come with armrests. The headroom is generous, and the second-row bench easily accommodates three passengers. However, the long seat squab may reduce the under-thigh support for some. At the back, Mahindra has included side-facing jump seats similar to those in the Bolero and Bolero Neo, but they lack seat belts and provide no crash protection. The absence of rear air vents is another notable omission.
10. Mahindra Scorpio N
Rs 13.99 lakh-25.42 lakh
203hp, 2-litre turbo petrol; 132hp/ 175hp-2.2-litre diesel
The Mahindra Scorpio N is a clear step up from the Classic in every aspect. It features leatherette upholstery that feels far more premium, and the seats are more relaxed. The front seats are also generously cushioned and offer plenty of lumbar support, even at their lowest setting. In the second row, the 60:40 split bench seat folds and tumbles on the kerbside; the right-hand side seat only folds. Tremendous kneeroom and headroom are available here. Unlike the Classic’s jump seats, the Scorpio N gets a conventional set of front-facing seats with seatbelts in the last row, resulting in a more convenient seating experience. That said, adults will sit in a knees-up position, and space is extremely limited. Also, no AC vents are present here.
