If you are looking for a 7-seater family car in India right now, chances are the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is at the top of your list. You are not alone—the Ertiga recently topped the sales charts, selling more than many popular SUVs.

But here is the confusing part: Is there a brand new 2026 model? Or is it just the old one?

While the internet is full of rumors about a “next-generation” look, the reality is slightly different. Maruti Suzuki has rolled out a 2026 Model Year Update, but instead of a big flashy launch, they did it quietly. These updates fix the few complaints users had, making the “New” Ertiga practically unbeatable. Here is everything you need to know before you book one.

What is Actually New in the 2026 Ertiga?

Maruti has focused on safety and convenience rather than changing the external looks drastically. If you walk into a showroom today, here is what you will find in the updated model:

1. Enhanced Safety (Standard 6 Airbags)

This is the biggest change. Previously, only the top models had good safety kit. Now, the 2026 Ertiga comes with 6 Airbags as standard across many variants. Combined with ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and Hill Hold Assist, the car feels much safer for highway family trips than before.

2. The “Spoiler” Upgrade

Visually, the biggest giveaway of the new model is the rear. The roof-mounted rear spoiler is now standard. It gives the car a sportier, more premium look from the back, removing the “van-like” feel of the older base models.

3. Modern Charging Ports

Addressing a major complaint from modern users, Maruti has finally added Type-C USB charging ports for the rear passengers. In the previous version, passengers in the 2nd and 3rd rows struggled to charge fast-charging phones. This small fix makes a huge difference for long road trips.

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Why is it Trending? (Sales Records)

The Ertiga is not just surviving; it is dominating. Recent sales data for early 2026 shows it is the best-selling MPV in India, beating rivals like the Kia Carens and Toyota Innova Crysta by a huge margin.

Why?

• The CNG Advantage: The Ertiga S-CNG is delivering a real-world mileage of 26.11 km/kg. With fuel prices high, this makes it the cheapest 7-seater to run in India.
• Comfort: It is one of the few cars where adults can actually sit in the 3rd row for short distances without feeling cramped.

Important: Price Hike & Waiting Period

Because the car is in such high demand, there are two things you must know:

1. Price Increase: Maruti has slightly increased prices for the 2026 model year due to rising input costs. The car now costs between ₹8.80 Lakh and ₹13.00 Lakh (Ex-showroom), depending on the variant.
2. Long Waiting Period: In some cities, the waiting period for the CNG variant can go up to 6 to 8 months. If you need a car urgently, you might have to check for available stock or look at rivals like the Maruti XL6 or Toyota Rumion.

Quick Comparison: Ertiga vs. Rivals

Conclusion: Is the 2026 Model Worth It?

The “New” Maruti Ertiga 2026 isn’t a complete design overhaul, but it is a smarter, safer version of India’s favorite family car. The addition of standard safety features and modern charging ports fixes the only weak points it had.

If you want a reliable, low-maintenance 7-seater that gives amazing mileage, the Ertiga is still the king. Just be prepared to wait a few months for delivery!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)