Maruti Suzuki XL6

The interior of the Maruti Suzuki XL6 is meant to offer a more premium atmosphere than the Ertiga, but with simplicity.

Cabin Layout and Ambience

We observed that the dashboard features a stone finish insert with silver accents across the width. The black interior theme provides the cabin with a uniform look. Material quality is utilitarian as opposed to luxurious. Fitment is generally consistent, and soft-touch padding on the armrests improves perceived comfort. The large glass area and relatively low dashboard design help to create a sense of openness.

Ameya noted that

“The cabin is more about visibility and practicality than visual drama, which is fitting for its role as a family cabin.”

Seating and Practicality

Front Row

The front seats are quite wide and cushioned for long drives. Higher variants offer ventilated front seats, which are useful in warm conditions. The driver's seat is provided with height adjustment, and tilt + telescopic steering adjustment helps in improving the ergonomics of driving. Storage options include cooled cup holders, door pockets, and a spacious glovebox.

Second Row

The captain seats have individual armrests and slide/recline capability. During our seating evaluation, the knee and headroom were generous for the average-sized adult. Roof-mounted AC vents are an effective way to get air flowing to the back section. However, the lack of rear sunblinds and dedicated cupholders in the captain seats is a missed opportunity.

Third Row

The third row is usable for short journeys. Adults up to average height can cope with moderate distances, but there is limited under-thigh support. Entry requires sliding the captain seats forward as opposed to a full tumble mechanism.

Maruti Suzuki has placed the XL6 as a premium six-seater MPV in the Nexa range, above the Ertiga and below the bigger three-row SUVs. The pricing is indicative of that balance, but with enough separation to justify its added offerings and SUV-inspired styling.

Maruti XL6 Ex-Showroom Prices (India)

Note:  Prices are subject to change and can vary from state to state.

Compared to the Ertiga, the XL6 commands a premium based mainly on its captain-seat layout, cosmetic differentiation, and added features. Against the Kia Carens, it sits slightly higher at the entry level despite only offering a petrol powertrain, which is something that buyers need to factor in.

Here are the official and real-world figures for the efficiency of the XL6:

For a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre MPV of this size, we found the mileage respectable, particularly in manual form. The automatic gives up a bit of efficiency in return for smoother cruising, but the sixth gear is beneficial on the highways. The CNG variant is the most economical for high-mileage individuals, with performance being more relaxed.

Unlike the older Maruti MPVs, which were often criticised for lagging on protection, the present XL6 now comes with six airbags as standard, which immediately adds to its appeal as a family vehicle. Structurally, the XL6 is built on the Heartect platform, which aims at the optimisation of weight in balance with the rigidity. 

While the XL6 itself hasn't been crash tested independently, the Ertiga, which is built on the same architecture, achieved a three-star Global NCAP rating. That is far from being segment-leading, but it does serve as a baseline reference. Beyond airbags, the XL6 has essential electronic safety features you might find in this price category, such as: 

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Hill Hold Assist
• ABS with EBD and Brake Assist
• ISOFIX child seat mounts

Higher trims include a 360-degree camera and tyre pressure monitoring system. These aren't groundbreaking features, but in everyday use, the 360-degree camera especially comes in handy given the length of the vehicle in tight urban parking spots. There is no ADAS suite, no blind spot monitoring, and no advanced collision mitigation tech.

The centrepiece is the seven-inch SmartPlay Pro infotainment system (from Alpha variant onwards). It supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the interface is responsive, as is typical for Maruti systems. That said, the lack of the larger nine-inch unit found in other Maruti models is noticeable, especially when other rivals such as the Kia Carens have more modern displays.

Suzuki Connect adds a layer of connected functionality. Through the app, you can remotely access vehicle location, AC controls (automatic variants), lock/unlock status, and driving behaviour data. In practice, the system works reliably, though not quite as sophisticated as some of the newer connected platforms in the market. Cabin convenience features are where the XL6 is putting its efforts with: 

• Ventilated front seats (Alpha+)
• Cruise control
• Push-button start/stop
• Arkamys-tuned six-speaker sound system

The ventilated seats are especially useful in Indian summers, but are a bit audible at full speed. There is no sunroof, no ambient lighting package, no drive modes, and no powered tailgate.

With all three rows up, you get 209 litres of boot space. In other words, as per our observation, translates to:

• Two medium soft bags or duffel bags
• Weekly grocery runs for a family
• Small cabin trolley bags (if placed in upright position)

Once you fold the third row flat, there is a space of 550 litres, and that is where the XL6 becomes really versatile. At this setting, it is able to accommodate:

• Two to three full-size suitcases
• Multiple cabin bags
• Weekend travel luggage for four adults

With both the second and third rows folded, total capacity increases to 692 litres, which can fit bulky cargo as well as furniture pieces. But do note that the captain seats in the second row do not fold completely flat like bench-seat layouts, which slightly affects maximum load flexibility. In the CNG variant, the capacity of the boot is reduced to some extent because of the cylinder, but it has been packaged neatly to retain some usable depth.

We drove both the manual and automatic variants and observed that it is a family mover first, and that intent is apparent from the moment you start driving.

City Ride Quality

In the urban conditions, the suspension deals with broken patches and speed breakers with good composure. The slightly firmer setup compared to the Ertiga helps in improving the body control without losing comfort. Cabin disturbance over uneven roads is well contained. Low-speed manoeuvrability is another strong point as the light steering makes it easy to make U-turns and park.

Highway Stability

At highway speeds, the XL6 is steady on its feet, thanks to the 16-inch wheels. It cruises comfortably between 80-100 kmph without being unsettled. The steering, however, remains light even at higher speeds, which is good for comfort but not for engagement. Mild body roll when changing direction quickly is noticeable, though expected from a tall MPV.

As Ameya summed it up:

“It does not try to be sporty at all. It aims to be reassuring, and for a six-seater MPV, that's all that matters.”

The Maruti Suzuki XL6 is available in three main trims: Zeta, Alpha, and Alpha+, with petrol and automatic options available in most variants. A factory-fitted CNG option is restricted to base Zeta trim. Here's the simplified breakdown of what each variant offers:

What You Don’t Get

• No diesel engine option
• No sunroof
• No ADAS or advanced driver-assistance features
• No powered tailgate
• No fully flat-folding second row

The choice of which XL6 is right for you depends very much on how much value you place on additional comfort features versus keeping the budget under control.

Best for Most Buyers: Alpha

You get the upgraded SmartPlay Pro system, leatherette upholstery, and 360-degree camera without stretching into top-end pricing. For the majority of families, this is the value-for-money option.

Best for Urban Automatic Comfort: Zeta AT

If your driving is mostly city-based, the torque converter automatic coupled to the smooth 1.5-litre engine makes daily commuting stress-free. The Zeta AT keeps things affordable while retaining core safety features.

Best for Feature Seekers: Alpha+

If ventilated seats and a complete feature package are important to you, then the Alpha+ makes sense. It is not radically different in the driving experience; however, it improves the comfort and perceived premium appeal.

According to Ameya:

“Alpha petrol manual or automatic provides the XL6's strengths of comfort, practicality, and refinement without paying for marginal additions.”