Maruti Suzuki XL7: Maruti Suzuki, best known for its quality, efficient and value-for-money cars, has added another entrant to its family – The Maruti Suzuki XL7, a sporty 7-seater that merges utility with SUV-like styling.

Derived from the best-selling Ertiga, the XL7 is aimed at individuals seeking something higher-end, sporty, and spacious but shouldn’t break the bank.

It combines the versatility of a family MPV and the rugged appeal of an SUV, and that is what makes it an attractive proposition for big Indian families that NEED more than just five seats.

With an SUV appearance that has not always been common for traditional MPVs, the XL7 has that extra rugged appeal and more youth orientated styling that cuts a dash in what is a highly competitive sector.

Engineered as the family car that must cater to both needs for practical usage and contemporary styling, it blends elements of the SUV design with the practicality of an MPV for an interesting option in the sub-Rs 15 lakh price segment.

Bold and Urban SUV Design

As for the design, it’s more aggressive and sporty-looking than its twin, the Ertiga. It comes with an aggressive front grille with blackened bits, angular LED headlamps, and an uplifted front bumper with imitation skid plates.

The wheel arches and frame along the sides provide cladding that gives it an SUV-like personality. It gets black roof, roof rails, dual-tone alloys and smoked tail lamps that enhance the aggressive styling.

Maruti has managed to give the XL7 a crossover-like look quite well and that despite being based on an MPV platform, the high, raised stance and 200mm ground clearance all add to the effect.

This approach also helps it appeal to a younger audience that might otherwise steer clear of standard MPVs for being ‘too van-like’.

Spacious and Flexible Cabin

On the inside, the XL7 can accommodate 7 in a 3-row seat configuration, with the second row comprised of middle seats with captain seating — a feature common in premium rides.

This adds to comfort levels, particularly on longer drives, and makes the second-row occupants feel like they are lounging out in the living room.

With the all-black interior, contrast stitching elements and silver adornments, it creates a sporty yet discerning feel.

The dashboard is nicely laid out and the quality of the build is in line with Maruti’s other newer models.

The third row is usable by adults for short trips and is fine for kids or teenagers.

There’s not much boot when all three rows are up, but when you drop the third row, there’s heaps of room for the weekend bags or shopping.

Engine and Performance

The XL7 boasts of a tried and tested 1.5-litre K15B petrol mill from Maruti Suzuki which delivers 103 PS of power and 138 Nm of torque.

This motor is available with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Performance is optimized for easy, laid-back riding more suited for commuting around the city and sporadical excursions on the interstate.

It’s not the most segment powerful in its segment, but it’s a steady, reliable and fuel-efficient choice, which is what your average family buyer really wants.

The engine is also mild-hybrid, which means that it has integrated starter generator (IGS) that contributes to greater fuel economy and better start-stop operation.

The XL7 gives mileage of about 17–19 km per litre depending upon driving conditions and transmission.

Ride Quality and Driving Experience

The XL7 provides for a smooth ride, suitable for both city potholes and speed breakers, and long stretches of highways.

The suspension is smooth enough to keep the passengers happy, yet the handling is expected and poised.

High ground clearance and a commanding driving position can lead it to feel more SUV-ish on the road.

The steering is light and precise, which helps in traffic because despite its size, the Angkor feels maneuverable.

The XL7 isn’t a vehicle to be driven hard, or challenging off-road, but it feels assured in most manners of real-world Indian traffic, especially when loaded up with passengers and their luggage.

Features and Technology

Maruti has kitted out the XL7 with acompetent set of features that seem to click as a family car for the modern age:

7-inch touchscreen SmartPlay Studio infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto).

LED headlamps and tail lamps

Automatic climate control

Keyless entry and push-button start

Second-row captain seats

Rear parking camera and sensors

Dual-tone alloy wheels

Mild-hybrid system with idle start/stop

It’s certainly not as loaded with bells and whistles as some of the more premium crossovers, with no sunroof, no 360-camera, or no ventilated seats, but the XL7 ticks all the basic boxes rather well for its price point.

Safety and Build Quality

For safety, the XL7 is equipped with:

Dual front airbags

ABS with EBD

Rear parking sensors

All row seat belt reminder

ISOFIX child seat mounts

High-speed warning alert

ESP (in top variants)

The car rides on the Suzuki Heartect platform that aims for a right mix of lightness and strength and crash safety.

NB: Official crash test ratings will vary by region Maruti’s safety record shows good improvements over the years especially In the new platforms.

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Pros of Maruti Suzuki XL7

7 seater captain – good for long travel comfort

VSUV styling – is a cut-above conventional MPVs

Mild hybrid and 1.5L petrol engine that is fuel-efficient

Ample cabin space and practicality

High clearance and road feel

Loud and bumpy drive for every day travelling

Maruti’s immense service network and low-maintenance

Cons of Maruti Suzuki XL7

No diesel engine option

Misses out on modern niceties such as sunroof, ventilating seats

4-speed automatic seems somewhat behind the times as far as transmissions go

Not much boot space with all rows of seats in use

Some areas of the interior could be improved by more premium materials

Maruti Suzuki XL7: Final Verdict

The XL7 is a 7-seater that offers a perfect combination of style and function.

It’s for Indian families who need more space but don’t want to graduate to full-size SUVs, and for those who want a vehicle that’s effortless to drive, trustworthy and budget-friendly.

Maybe it won’t dazzle with the most up-to-date features, or the burliest engine, but value, comfort, and versatility — this is where it hits the sweet spot.

If you want a three-row family car that looks modern and is rugged in appearance, and Maruti’s well-proven ownership experience ticks most boxes, the XL7 makes a lot of sense.