How the Hyundai Verna Outpaces the Maruti Ciaz on Resale Value and Ownership Costs

The midsize sedan market in India is not what it used to be. Where sales were once among the best across any segment, today the segment has lost substantial market share to SUVs. Nonetheless, the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Hyundai Verna are the top contenders for used car buyers, and over the years they have both built solid reputations thanks to their spacious interiors, commendable running costs, and overall ownership experience.

As of April, 2025, Maruti Suzuki has phased out production of the Ciaz, but there are plenty of second hand Maruti Ciaz models to consider (alongside the popular Verna, of course). But how do the two perform in the used market with regards to resale value, maintenance costs, and depreciation? In this article, we will take a deep dive into just how well they perform in the pre owned market in India.

How Much the Verna and Ciaz are really Worth in the Used Market

The Ciaz may have exited the showroom floors, but it still finds takers in the pre owned space. The used Hyundai Verna, on the other hand, continues to enjoy strong demand — and this reflects in their respective resale values.

Note: Used car prices reflect model years 2014 and newer, with mileage under 1 lakh (<1,00,000) kilometers.

Key Talking Points from the Resale Value Data

• The Verna leads with higher resale value across the board. Its fresher styling, ongoing availability, and higher-end variants help it maintain a premium in the used market.
   
• The Ciaz offers one of the most affordable entry points among midsize sedans. Older models priced as low as ₹2.30 lakh make the Ciaz attractive for budget-focused buyers.
   
• Discontinuation of the Ciaz hasn’t yet hurt its resale performance. Demand remains steady for well-kept units, though long-term value retention could dip as availability of parts shrinks.
   
• Top-spec Verna models hold their value better than base variants. Features like a sunroof, connected tech, and turbo petrol options add weight to Verna’s used prices.

What This Means for You as a Buyer

If resale value is your primary concern, the Hyundai Verna is the safer bet. It benefits from continuous production, feature-packed variants, and broader buyer appeal, all of which help it hold stronger prices in the used car space.

The Maruti Ciaz, however, makes a solid case for affordability. It remains one of the best options for buyers looking to enter the midsize sedan segment at a lower upfront cost, while still enjoying a reliable ownership experience.

Depreciation Trends Over Five Years: Which Sedan Holds Value Better Over Time

Depreciation is where you truly see how much money your car loses each year. Here’s how the Ciaz and Verna fare on that front.

What the Depreciation Numbers Tell Us

• Both cars follow a near-identical depreciation curve. The value loss after five years is around 44–45% for both the Ciaz and the Verna.
   
• The biggest value drop happens within the first three years. Nearly 37% depreciation means buyers should target 3–5-year-old models for the best deal.
   
• Verna’s higher resale value is driven by variant desirability, not slower depreciation. Its turbo petrol and feature-rich trims help it hold value despite similar depreciation rates to the Ciaz.
   
• The Ciaz remains steady, but the impact of discontinuation may show in the long run. While current resale remains stable, future demand and vehicle age may begin to affect value retention in the future.
   

How Engine Options and Driving Feel Impact Ownership Experience

What’s under the bonnet can shape how much you enjoy your sedan, and indirectly, how well it holds resale value.

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Engine and Gearbox Options

• 1.5-litre Petrol – 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
   
• 1.3-litre Diesel (discontinued) – 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
   
• 1.5-litre Diesel (brief period) – 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
   

Hyundai Verna Engine and Gearbox Options

• 1.4-litre Petrol - 6-speed manual
   
• 1.5-litre Petrol – 6-speed manual / CVT automatic
   
• 1.0-litre Turbo Petrol – 7-speed DCT automatic
   
• 1.5-litre & 1.6-litre Diesel (discontinued) – 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic

Driving Experience Insights

• The Verna delivers a sportier, more engaging drive, especially with the turbo petrol / DCT combo.
   
• The Ciaz prioritises comfort and spaciousness, ideal for city cruising and chauffeur-driven use.
   
• Both offered diesel options in earlier models, though now discontinued.
   
• The Verna’s firmer suspension adds to its dynamic appeal, while the Ciaz offers a softer ride.
   

Comparing Maintenance Costs: Ciaz vs Verna Long-Term Expenses

Maintenance plays a huge part in total cost of ownership. Here’s how the two sedans stack up on service costs over five years.

Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Maintenance Costs

Hyundai Verna Maintenance Costs

Key Maintenance Insights

• The Verna’s five-year maintenance costs are significantly lower than the Ciaz.
   
• The Ciaz’s service expenses rises sharply after the second year.
   
• Despite the Ciaz’s reputation for low running costs, the Verna beats it on actual service pricing.
   
• Both cars offer affordable maintenance relative to segment standards.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Verna stands out on resale value, with higher average used prices, lower maintenance costs, and feature-rich variants that maintain demand in terms of second hand cars. Its depreciation rate may match the Ciaz, but the Verna’s ongoing availability keeps it in favour with buyers.

The Maruti Ciaz, however, remains one of the most affordable entry points for midsize sedan buyers, offering a solid package for those prioritising price and comfort. While the resale value gap is notable, the Ciaz still holds decent value for well-maintained examples, especially among budget-conscious shoppers.

Both sedans originally come with a 3-year/unlimited kilometers standard warranty, and for used cars sold by CARS24, there’s a standard 30 day warranty, with the option of a 12 month extended warranty for a nominal fee. On the whole, for long-term value retention and lower upkeep, the Verna makes the stronger case, while the Ciaz appeals for its spaciousness and initial affordability.