A Multi-Utility Vehicle (MUV) is exactly what it sounds like: a car designed for multiple uses. Combining the attributes of an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) and a minivan, MUVs are versatile, spacious, and well-suited for urban and rural terrain. They are often the preferred choice for families, business owners, and travelers who need a vehicle that can easily adapt to different needs, from carrying people to transporting goods.
These vehicles typically offer three or more rows of seating, making them perfect for large families or those who regularly travel with a group. MUVs offer more ground clearance than sedans, but not as much as SUVs. This balance gives them a superior road presence without compromising too much on city driving efficiency. MUVs are the unsung heroes of modern-day automotive design: adaptable, robust, and built for a wide variety of uses.
Why Choose an MUV?
MUVs cater to those who need more room, more comfort, and more features. Think about the days when you need to load your car with groceries, bags, and kids. The car should not just take you from one point to another, but it should elevate the experience. Here’s why MUVs are gaining massive popularity:
- Spacious Interiors: Generous legroom and headspace.
- Robust Performance: Smooth ride quality, even on difficult roads.
- Multiple Seating Configurations: Versatility to suit personal or business needs.
- Style and Presence: A commanding road presence with a design that stands out.
Now that we have a sense of what MUVs bring to the table, let’s dive into the top 10 MUV cars in India.
1. Toyota Innova Crysta
The Toyota Innova Crysta is more than a machine. It’s a symbol. A promise of journeys long and short, of roads familiar and unknown. Like an old friend whose presence is constant, comforting, and reliable, the Innova Crysta speaks a language of trust. Every curve, every line of this MUV tells you: that it’s been built with the care and attention of generations. Inside, space stretches wide—miles feel small, as if the road is a canvas, and the car is merely the brush that paints the journey. The third row of seats? Not a place where people are ‘fit in’—but a place where comfort resides. Each journey in the Crysta is an orchestration of luxury and ease. And when you need it to deliver power, it does so with a gentle grace. A car for families who want more than just a vehicle, it’s a companion.
| Feature | Description |
| Engine Options | 2.7L Petrol, 2.4L Diesel |
| Seating Capacity | 7/8 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual / 6-speed automatic |
| Safety Features | 7 airbags, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
| Price Range | ₹18.0 – ₹24.0 Lakh |
2. Mahindra XUV700
It is not just a car. No, it is a promise—a bridge between what was and what could be. The Mahindra XUV700 emerges as a futuristic companion, a vision of what’s next. Its bold face speaks to you in ways that words cannot. It carries with it an elegance not typically found in the world of utility vehicles. Yet, beneath this sleek exterior is a powerhouse. Advanced safety systems, including ADAS, are woven seamlessly into its fabric, making it feel as though the car itself is your silent guardian. The drive? Sublime. Every mile it covers, the roads seem softer, less burdensome. The cabin invites you to let go, with tech that feels almost sentient, waiting to elevate every moment you spend inside. And the beauty lies in its versatility—the XUV700 can be the pulse of the city and the whisperer of rugged terrain, all in one heartbeat.
Related: 5 Solid Reasons to Buy Mahindra XUV 700
| Feature | Description |
| Engine Options | 2.0L Turbo Petrol, 2.2L Diesel |
| Seating Capacity | 5/7 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic |
| Safety Features | ADAS, 7 airbags, ESP, 5-star Global NCAP |
| Price Range | ₹12.0 – ₹22.0 Lakh |
3. Hyundai Alcazar
In the Alcazar, you don’t just travel. You arrive. Every detail speaks of an intention—comfort, space, elegance, all woven into a fabric of experience. The Alcazar’s long wheelbase cradles you, stretching itself wide like an open embrace. It is for the ones who seek the luxury of space but not at the cost of style. The ride is smoother than a dream’s descent into morning. The second-row captain seats cradle you like a whispered lullaby while the tech inside sings a modern tune. The Alcazar is a quiet testament to Hyundai’s ability to make the big feel intimate, and ranks among the best MUV in india for long trips. A vehicle for those who treasure not just the destination but the journey itself.
| Feature | Description |
| Engine Options | 2.0L Petrol, 1.5L Diesel |
| Seating Capacity | 6/7 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic |
| Safety Features | 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, rear parking sensors |
| Price Range | ₹16.0 – ₹20.0 Lakh |
4. Tata Safari
Another one on the list of MUV cars in India is the Tata Safari, like the vast plains it is built to conquer, is bold. It doesn’t just roll; it commands. And when you sit inside, you realize—this is not a vehicle, this is an adventure waiting to unfold. The road, whether it is a city avenue or a forgotten trail, is an invitation for this MUV to assert its strength. It is unapologetically rugged, yet within its heart, there is comfort—spacious, intelligent, and ready. The second-row seats fold like the pages of a well-worn book, revealing space for more, while the 2.0L engine hums with power beneath the floor. The Safari isn’t for the faint-hearted. It is for those who hear the call of the wild and answer with confidence.
| Feature | Description |
| Engine Options | 2.0L Diesel |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic |
| Safety Features | 6 airbags, 5-star Global NCAP, ESP |
| Price Range | ₹16.5 – ₹24.0 Lakh |
5. Mahindra Marazzo
The Mahindra Marazzo stands as a quiet testament to thoughtfulness. It speaks in soft tones but delivers power when needed. Its exterior may not shout, but its interior wraps around you with a warmth that feels like home. The Marazzo is made for those who believe in balance, in moderation. It’s spacious, yet unpretentious. The 1.5L engine hums with efficiency, making every mile feel like it’s meant to be traveled. Inside, the cabin breathes with space—each row offering comfort without a whisper of compromise. This is not a car for show; it’s a car for every day, for the long road ahead, for the silent assurance that you will get there, in comfort, in peace.
| Feature | Description |
| Engine Options | 1.5L Diesel |
| Seating Capacity | 7/8 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Safety Features | 4 airbags, ABS, EBD, Reverse Parking Sensors |
| Price Range | ₹13.0 – ₹15.5 Lakh |
6. Kia Carens
The Kia Carens is a melody, composed of design and practicality. It sings softly but leaves a lasting impression. A modern marvel that combines style and substance in equal measure. The 7-seater capacity is a promise of togetherness. The cabin? A place where moments stretch into memories, with each detail carefully crafted to offer comfort. But it doesn’t stop there. It is a car that understands the balance between luxury and utility. The second-row captain seats are a nod to indulgence, yet the ride remains grounded, and practical. The Carens, much like an old song, feels timeless, not in the sense of age, but in its ability to stay relevant and beautiful, no matter the era.
| Feature | Description |
| Engine Options | 1.5L Petrol, 1.5L Diesel |
| Seating Capacity | 6/7 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual / 7-speed automatic |
| Safety Features | 6 airbags, ESC, rear parking camera |
| Price Range | ₹10.0 – ₹18.0 Lakh |
7. Honda BR-V
The Honda BR-V, is small in stature, but vast in its offering. It doesn’t scream for attention—it simply delivers. In its 7-seater form, it offers the space that many desire but few expect at this price point. It is a car for those who believe that elegance does not have to shout. With its compact design, the BR-V dances between narrow lanes, yet when you open it up, there’s space—a quiet abundance. Inside, everything feels within reach, everything feels simple. The 1.5L engine provides just enough zest to keep things exciting, but it does not overwhelm.
| Feature | Description |
| Engine Options | 1.5L Petrol, 1.5L Diesel |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual / CVT |
| Safety Features | 2 airbags, ABS, EBD |
| Price Range | ₹9.0 – ₹13.0 Lakh |
8. Renault Triber
The Renault Triber is a marvel of simplicity and intelligence. Compact in its design, yet capable of expanding into a world of space. The 7-seater configuration is not just a number; it is a manifestation of possibility. The Triber is made for the ones who see the value in efficiency. The cabin is a playground for practicality, every seat is designed with thought, with a promise that this small wonder will do more than you expect. It’s affordable without feeling cheap, and it’s spacious without feeling cramped. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes the smallest packages carry the greatest treasures.
Also Read: Renault Triber Safety Rating: How safe is it?
| Feature | Description |
| Engine Options | 1.0L Petrol |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Safety Features | 2 airbags, ABS, Reverse parking sensors |
| Price Range | ₹5.5 – ₹8.5 Lakh |
9. MG Hector Plus
The MG Hector Plus is not merely a car, it is a statement that makes it rank among the best MUV in india. A declaration of what happens when luxury meets practicality. It has the grandeur of a vehicle designed to make a statement but maintains a subtlety that does not overwhelm. The road stretches long before you, yet the ride feels serene—like an ancient river flowing without haste. The Hector Plus offers not just space but a refuge, where every passenger feels like they are traveling in their own personal cabin. The technology within reaches out like a hand, offering connectivity and ease, while the safety features whisper protection, always watching. The Hector Plus is for those who believe in the journey just as much as the destination.
| Feature | Description |
| Engine Options | 1.5L Petrol, 2.0L Diesel |
| Seating Capacity | 6/7 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic |
| Safety Features | 6 airbags, ADAS, ESC |
| Price Range | ₹16.0 – ₹20.0 Lakh |
10. Skoda Kodiaq
The Skoda Kodiaq, another one in the list of MUV cars in India, like a great symphony, is a complex beauty. Every note, every part, in harmony. With the Kodiaq, Skoda has woven a melody of luxury and ruggedness. Its design speaks with an elegance that whispers—never shouts. Inside, the luxury touches sing sweetly. Leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a cabin that wraps you in warmth. The 2.0L engine hums with quiet power, gliding over roads with an effortless grace. It doesn’t demand attention, but it commands respect. The Kodiaq is not simply a family car; it is an experience. From the way it tackles long drives, to the way it shelters you from the world outside, the Kodiaq is about setting a tone. The seven-seater configuration invites families, friends, and all the stories you’ll share along the way. But it’s not all elegance; the Kodiaq also has the capacity to take on trails that demand strength and resilience. It is the paradox of luxury and power, wrapped in one. The Kodiaq offers space, comfort, and a deep sense of security, making every journey feel like an unfolding adventure. A promise of both comfort and capability.
| Feature | Description |
| Engine Options | 2.0L Petrol, 2.0L Diesel |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Transmission | 7-speed DSG automatic |
| Safety Features | 8 airbags, ESC, Parking sensors, Side Assist |
| Price Range | ₹34.0 – ₹37.0 Lakh |
After discussing the best MUV in India, let’s understand the factors for choosing a MUV.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an MUV: A Journey of Choices
The road calls, whispers of adventure, of comfort, and of freedom. But before you take the wheel, there lies the question of choosing the perfect companion: the Multi-Utility Vehicle, or MUV.
- Space, Like the Sky, Needs to be Expansive
The soul craves space. An MUV brings that. Think of it as a canvas where every passenger has room to breathe, where the rear seats sing the song of comfort, and the boot carries the weight of memories and luggage. - Performance – The Heart of the Beast
The heart must beat strong. MUVs are powered to handle the urban jungle and the winding hill roads. But, it’s not just power. It’s the balance between strength and efficiency—smooth in the city, but never faltering on uneven terrain. - The Promise of Comfort
It’s not just about reaching your destination, but how the journey feels. A MUV promises a soft ride, absorbing the bumps like a gentle lullaby, whether you’re riding through the chaos of city streets or meandering through nature’s untamed beauty. - Cost and Efficiency – A Dance of Value
Like a poet choosing words, you must choose wisely here. An MUV must dance between your budget and long-term utility. Efficient fuel consumption, lower maintenance costs—every penny spent should promise something more. - The Tech – A Symphony of Convenience
In today’s world, comfort isn’t just about space. Technology touches every part of the ride, from seamless connectivity to safety features that stand as silent protectors. - Aesthetic – Beauty Beyond the Exterior
The design must speak to your soul. Whether rugged and ready or sleek and sophisticated, the MUV must carry its form with grace, reflecting both the inner spirit of its owner and the beauty of the roads it treads.
MUVs vs. SUVs: A Tale of Two Roads
- The MUV: Think of it as the versatile storyteller, adept at many roles. Family trips, errands, weekend getaways. It wears many hats with ease—spacious, comfortable, and adaptable. Not as rugged as an SUV, but its practicality shines in city life, its charm in the details of daily living.
- The SUV: The adventurer, the brave soul that embraces rugged terrains, climbs peaks, and dances on dirt tracks. It’s built to conquer, yet it wears its strength with sophistication, making a statement both on and off-road. Larger in size, it takes up more space but provides a thrill that only an SUV can offer.
When faced with the choice, you must ask: Is your heart drawn to the call of adventure, to paths unknown, to the SUV that stands tall? Or does your soul seek the comfort and practicality of an MUV, a companion that serves you every day, without fail?
Conclusion: Surrender to the Best MUV in India
Choosing the best MUV is much more than a choice; it is an open invitation to venture out into gorgeous horizons with comfort, versatility, and grandeur. In India, it has come down to the MUVs, shall we say, that offers everything you might ever wish for immense interior room, power-packed performance, and the latest of tech that makes great companions to a family, business owner, or thrill-seeker. Be it the rugged grandeur of the Mahindra XUV700, the endless premium of the Toyota Innova Crysta, or the practical charm of the Renault Triber; MUVs have individual attributes that appeal to different personalities. It is that abrupt transition from a city car to a family road trip where the MUV truly excels; the journey will always be remembered.
In the automobile industry in India, MUVs offer a perfect blend of utility and class. So take your time to think of your particular requirements and let your heart decide on the MUV that makes sense to you-one that shall accompany you wherever and allows you to relish every mile as a piece of life lived.