The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is one of India’s most trusted MPVs, offering fuel efficiency, comfort, and great value. Available in petrol and CNG (with older diesel options), it serves both families and fleet owners well. However, many users find that real-world mileage, especially in city traffic or when fully loaded, often differs from ARAI claims.
City drives with frequent stops or highway trips with a full cabin can affect fuel efficiency. The good news is that with smooth driving, proper maintenance, and smart habits like avoiding sudden acceleration and maintaining tyre pressure, you can improve mileage significantly.
In this blog, we’ll look at ARAI vs actual mileage and share practical, Ertiga-specific tips to help you get the most out of every litre.
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Maruti Suzuki Ertiga ARAI Mileage
The Maruti Ertiga comes with a 1.5L petrol engine, available with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. There’s also a factory-fitted CNG option for better mileage. Though the diesel variant was discontinued after BS6 norms, many older diesel models are still on the road.
Here are the ARAI-certified ertiga mileage figures for the current BS6 Phase 2 lineup:
- 1.5L Petrol Manual: 20.51 km/l
- 1.5L Petrol Automatic: 20.30 km/l
- 1.5L CNG Manual: 26.11 km/kg
These figures are based on ideal test conditions and often vary in real-world usage. In cities with dense traffic or when carrying a full load, actual mileage tends to drop. Even so, the Ertiga remains one of the most fuel-efficient MPVs in its segment.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga City Mileage
In real-world urban conditions, the Ertiga’s mileage is impacted by frequent braking, slow-moving traffic, and heavy passenger loads. Despite this, the car maintains a decent reputation for fuel efficiency among MPVs.
Based on user reviews and automotive road tests, here’s what owners typically experience in terms of ertiga mileage during city driving:
- 1.5L Petrol Manual: 13-14 km/l
- 1.5L Petrol Automatic: 11-13 km/l
- 1.5L CNG Manual: 18-20 km/kg
The CNG Ertiga gives better mileage but compromises on boot space and AC performance. Petrol variants, especially manual, balance power and efficiency well. For better city mileage, avoid idling and keep the engine in the right RPM range.
Factors that Impact Maruti Suzuki Ertiga City Mileage
Several practical challenges in city driving can lower ertiga mileage. Understanding these factors helps in taking the right corrective steps:
- Frequent stop-start traffic: Increases fuel usage due to constant acceleration and braking.
- Idling at signals or jams: Burns fuel without moving the car, especially harmful in automatic variants.
- Driving with full passenger load: More weight means more engine effort, reducing efficiency.
- Low gear usage for extended periods: Higher RPMs in 1st or 2nd gear can drain fuel quickly.
- Aggressive acceleration: Turbo lag and sharp throttle inputs lower fuel economy.
- Overuse of AC: Adds engine load, especially in CNG variants where power output is lower.
- Under-inflated tyres: Increase rolling resistance and reduce mileage.
- Poorly maintained engine or filters: Affects combustion and fuel efficiency.
- Frequent short trips: The engine doesn’t warm up enough to operate efficiently.
How to Improve Maruti Suzuki Ertiga City Mileage?
Improving ertiga mileage in city conditions comes down to disciplined driving and basic vehicle care. Here are some Ertiga-specific tips to boost your fuel efficiency:
- Shift gears early: In the manual variant, upshift between 2,000-2,500 RPM to reduce fuel burn.
- Use light throttle inputs: Avoid sudden acceleration; drive smoothly and progressively.
- Turn off the engine at long signals: If idle time exceeds 30-40 seconds, shut off the engine to save fuel.
- Use AC on moderate settings: Particularly important in the CNG variant, where engine power is limited.
- Keep tyre pressure at recommended levels: Check weekly, especially with heavy city usage.
- Avoid overloading: Limit carrying unnecessary weight or more than the recommended number of passengers.
- Stick to the service schedule: Timely oil changes, filter replacements, and tune-ups improve fuel combustion.
- Use narrower routes with fewer traffic lights: Smart navigation reduces idling and time spent in congestion.
- Declutter the car: Remove non-essentials from the boot to reduce load and improve mileage.
Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Highway Mileage
On highways, the Ertiga performs more efficiently thanks to consistent speeds and fewer gear changes. With smart cruising, even a fully-loaded Ertiga can return impressive fuel economy, particularly in the CNG and manual petrol variants.
Based on real-world feedback and auto media reviews, here’s the typical ertiga mileage on highways:
- 1.5L Petrol Manual: 18-20 km/l
- 1.5L Petrol Automatic: 17-18 km/l
- 1.5L CNG Manual: 22-24 km/kg
The CNG variant leads the efficiency chart but may require more planning due to fuel station availability. The petrol manual performs best when driven steadily between 80-90 km/h. While the automatic is convenient, it tends to return slightly lower figures on inclines or overtaking-heavy routes.
Factors that Impact Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Highway Mileage
Even on wide-open roads, a few variables can influence how much fuel your Ertiga consumes. Here are key factors that may affect ertiga mileage during highway travel:
- Cruising at high speeds (above 100 km/h): Increases wind resistance and reduces efficiency.
- Frequent overtaking or braking: Causes throttle fluctuations and unnecessary gear shifts.
- Driving with a full load or luggage: Heavier weight affects performance and fuel economy.
- Using AC at full blast: Puts additional load on the engine, especially in the CNG variant.
- Roof-mounted carriers or racks: Disrupt aerodynamics and lower mileage.
- Tyre condition or alignment issues: Poorly aligned or underinflated tyres reduce rolling efficiency.
- Bad road surfaces or frequent inclines: Make the engine work harder and burn more fuel.
- Over-reliance on engine braking: Sudden downshifting, especially in petrol variants, can reduce mileage.
- Neglected vehicle maintenance: Unclean filters, worn spark plugs, or old engine oil all impact highway efficiency.
How to Improve Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Highway Mileage?
Getting the most out of your ertiga mileage on the highway requires a balance of preparation and mindful driving. Here are practical tips to help you achieve better fuel efficiency during long trips:
- Maintain steady speeds between 80-90 km/h: This is the most fuel-efficient cruising range for Ertiga’s petrol and CNG engines.
- Use cruise control (if available): Helps maintain consistent speed, especially on flat highways.
- Plan overtakes efficiently: Avoid rapid acceleration and heavy throttle input.
- Limit luggage and passenger load: Travel light where possible to reduce engine load.
- Keep windows shut at high speeds: Open windows create drag, lowering mileage.
- Avoid roof carriers unless needed: These reduce aerodynamic efficiency.
- Service your car before long drives: Fresh filters, oil, and proper wheel alignment improve engine performance.
- Keep tyre pressure optimal: Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance.
- Use AC in moderation: Opt for mid-level cooling or blower settings when full AC isn’t necessary.
Summary
The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga continues to be a top choice for Indian families and fleet operators thanks to its practicality, reliability, and fuel efficiency. However, like any car, there’s often a gap between what the brochure promises and what you experience on the road. Real-world ertiga mileage depends heavily on how you drive, how often you service your vehicle, and the conditions in which you operate it.
In city conditions, Ertiga owners can expect around 13-14 km/l for petrol and 18-20 km/kg for CNG, while highway runs can yield up to 20 km/l or more with smart driving. Whether you’re tackling traffic-laden commutes or long weekend getaways, small efforts like maintaining optimal speed, reducing idle time, and sticking to regular maintenance can add up to significant fuel savings.
Understanding your vehicle’s behavior and adopting the right habits can help you bridge the gap between actual and ideal mileage, keeping both your running costs and emissions under control.
FAQs about Maruti Suzuki Ertiga Mileage
What is the real-world mileage of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga petrol variant?
In everyday conditions, the Ertiga petrol manual returns around 13-14 km/l in the city and 18-20 km/l on highways. The automatic version usually delivers slightly less.
Is the Ertiga CNG more fuel-efficient than the petrol model?
Yes, the Ertiga CNG variant is significantly more efficient, offering around 18-20 km/kg in the city and up to 24 km/kg on highways, depending on driving conditions and load.
Why does my Ertiga give low mileage in city traffic?
City mileage can drop due to heavy traffic, frequent idling, short trips, and aggressive driving, all of which reduce ertiga mileage regardless of variant.
How can I increase the mileage of my Ertiga on a daily basis?
Drive smoothly, shift gears early, avoid unnecessary idling, maintain tyre pressure, and follow the service schedule. These habits can improve both city and highway mileage.
Does carrying more passengers reduce the mileage of the Ertiga?
Yes, a full load increases the engine’s workload, especially in city driving or hilly areas, which in turn reduces ertiga mileage.
