Maruti Suzuki XL6

The 2025 XL6 continues with the 1.5-litre K15C petrol engine, which is refined and tuned for efficiency. It delivers 103 PS and 137 Nm, and while it isn’t a powerhouse, it does the job well for relaxed highway cruising and daily city runs.

 The 5-speed manual is smooth and easy to operate, while the 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters is convenient for urban traffic. The petrol-automatic variant claims a fuel efficiency of 20.97 kmpl, and real-world figures hover around 18–19 kmpl in mixed driving. The CNG variant is slower off the line due to its 88 PS output but returns an excellent claimed mileage of 26.32 km/kg. It’s suitable for those prioritising running costs, though it comes only with the manual gearbox. Performance is not the XL6’s main focus—it’s tuned for comfort, and that’s where it shines.

Ride and Handling

The XL6 uses a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension setup, which is tuned for a comfortable, pliant ride. It handles broken roads and speed bumps well, even with a full load.

 At low to medium speeds, the suspension soaks up road imperfections effectively, making it ideal for city use and long-distance cruising. The steering is light and responsive at city speeds but lacks feedback at higher speeds, which is expected for a family-focused MPV.

 At highway speeds, the XL6 feels stable and composed. Braking performance is satisfactory with disc brakes up front and drums at the rear, aided by ABS and ESP. It’s not an enthusiast’s car but feels predictable and safe in everyday scenarios.

Step inside the XL6 and you’re welcomed by a cabin that balances utility with a sense of occasion. The black leatherette upholstery, flat-bottom steering wheel, and piano black accents make it feel upmarket without going overboard. The front seats offer good cushioning and the Alpha+ variant adds ventilation for extra comfort in hot weather. In the second row, the captain seats make all the difference—they're wide, supportive, and offer ample legroom. 

The third row is better suited for children or short trips, but adults can manage for short distances. With the third row up, boot space is limited to 209 litres, but folding it opens up a usable 692 litres of space, more than enough for weekend luggage or airport runs. Practicality features like cup holders, bottle holders in all rows, rear USB ports, and a foldable armrest in the middle row are well thought out.

The XL6 continues to stand out with a more upmarket and SUV-inspired styling compared to its sibling, the Ertiga. It features a wide gloss-black grille with chrome garnish, LED quad-projector headlamps, LED fog lamps, and LED tail lamps, giving it a premium look. The body cladding and raised stance give it a crossover-like visual identity, while roof rails and 16-inch machine-cut alloys add to its presence. The overall styling is tasteful, with a distinct appeal aimed at families looking for more than just utility.

Inside, the XL6 gets an all-black cabin theme with leatherette upholstery, wooden trim inserts, and a well-designed dashboard. The second-row captain seats are the highlight, offering excellent comfort and space. The 9-inch SmartPlay Pro infotainment touchscreen supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and is standard across all variants. Features like cruise control, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, push-button start, and ventilated front seats (Alpha+) enhance the in-cabin experience, making it one of the more luxurious offerings in its segment.

The 2025 XL6 now gets six airbags as standard across all variants, along with Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Hold Assist, ABS with EBD, and ISOFIX child seat mounts. It also offers a 360-degree camera on the top-end Alpha+ variant, which greatly aids in tight parking situations. Despite its comprehensive feature set, the XL6 currently does not have an official Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP safety rating. 

While its platform is shared with the Ertiga and other models that have fared decently in tests, one cannot assume results without formal testing. However, for its segment, the safety equipment on offer is competitive and should meet the needs of most urban families.

The XL6 competes in a growing premium MPV segment. Its closest sibling, the Maruti Ertiga (₹8.84–₹13.13 lakh), offers a similar engine and more seating capacity with its 7-seat layout but lacks the premium features and cabin experience of the XL6. The Toyota Rumion (₹10.44–₹13.83 lakh) shares the same underpinnings and engine but targets buyers looking for Toyota’s brand value. 

The Kia Carens (₹10.52–₹19.67 lakh) brings more variety in terms of engine options, including a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and diesel, and offers Level 2 ADAS, making it a more advanced but pricier alternative.

The Renault Triber (₹6.10–₹8.98 lakh) is significantly cheaper and compact, offering a 1.0L petrol engine and limited features but fits tight budgets. The Mahindra Marazzo (₹14.59–₹17.00 lakh) provides a larger diesel engine and rugged construction but feels outdated in tech and design. In this space, the XL6 strikes a fine balance between comfort, efficiency, and premium appeal.

The 2025 Maruti Suzuki XL6 remains a smart buy for families seeking a more premium MPV without venturing into the higher-priced three-row SUV space. Its comfortable captain seats, rich features, and practical packaging make it ideal for daily use and highway trips alike. 

While the lack of a diesel option or hybrid tech may be a downer for some, the petrol and CNG choices offer good efficiency. It’s not a performance car, but for a calm, comfortable, and feature-rich people mover, the XL6 delivers solid value.