The mist was still rising off Lonavala’s hills as I steered the 2025 Maruti Suzuki XL7 through a sweeping bend. In the third row, my photographer and his assistant chatted away, a casual yet clear sign of what sets this MPV apart — real seven-seat capability, not the cramped 5+2 setup so many rivals pass off as practical.
Maruti Suzuki isn’t just rebadging a Southeast Asian success here. The XL7 is thoughtfully localized for Indian roads and Indian families. After two weeks of Mumbai commutes, highway sprints to Pune, airport runs, and weekend hill station trips, it’s clear this one’s filling a sweet spot most buyers didn’t realize was missing.
Table of Content
Design
Purpose-built and proud of it. The XL7’s bold hexagonal grille, chrome accents, LED DRLs, and power bulged hood give it an SUV-ish vibe without overdoing it. From the profile, it balances length with practicality — its long wheelbase promises third-row comfort, and 180mm ground clearance means speed breakers won’t stress you out.
At the rear, those sleek LED tail lamps with a connecting chrome strip look premium. Even thoughtful bits like the low loading lip and subtle cladding reflect how well Maruti understands Indian family buyers.
Interior
Inside, it’s not flashy — it’s functional and refined. The horizontal dashboard with soft-touch panels, faux-wood accents, and a floating touchscreen gives the cabin a contemporary, clean look.
Seat comfort, especially in rows two and three, stands out. The second row’s sliding bench with proper three-point seatbelts for all three spots makes long trips so much easier. And yes — the third row actually fits adults up to 5’10”, a big win over many MPVs.
Space
The XL7’s superpower is its space efficiency. You get:
| Configuration | Boot Space (Liters) |
|---|---|
| With all 3 rows up | 153 |
| 2 rows up (5-seat mode) | 550 |
| All rear seats folded flat | 1,680 |
Add in a cooled glovebox, USB-C ports, bag hooks, and cupholders across all three rows — it’s built for the modern family’s everyday needs.
Performance
Power comes from Maruti’s trusted 1.5L K15C petrol with Smart Hybrid tech. It makes 103hp and 138Nm, paired with either a 5-speed manual or smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic.
| Engine | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | Gearbox | Mileage (km/l) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5L Petrol | 103 | 138 | 5MT / 6AT | 17.5 (MT) / 16.2 (AT) |
It’s not sporty, but it’s smooth, predictable, and efficient — exactly what families need.
Comfort
Maruti has tuned the suspension for Indian roads. MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam rear setup smoothen out Mumbai’s potholes and highway undulations alike. The steering is light at low speeds, and progressively firms up on the highway.
Safety
The 2025 XL7 comes loaded with dual airbags, ABS, EBD, ESC, and rear parking sensors as standard. Higher trims add side & curtain airbags, hill hold, TPMS, and even a 360° camera — making parking this 4.4m-long MPV far easier.
Technology
Tech upgrades are significant. The 9-inch SmartPlay Pro+ system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and voice commands. A semi-digital instrument cluster with a crisp MID display gives real-time driving stats.
Suzuki Connect adds remote lock, vehicle tracking, and maintenance alerts via smartphone.
Ownership
Affordable running costs and Maruti’s 3,800+ service centers across India give the XL7 a practical edge. Service intervals sit at 10,000 km, with lower maintenance costs compared to rivals.
Positioning
Priced between ₹11.99 lakh and ₹15.65 lakh (ex-showroom), it’s a better-equipped, more spacious alternative to the Ertiga and an affordable, no-nonsense rival to the Kia Carens.
FAQs
What engine does the XL7 use?
A 1.5L K15C petrol with Smart Hybrid tech and manual/auto options.
Is the third row usable for adults?
Yes — it comfortably fits adults up to 5’10” in height.
What’s the boot space in 7-seater mode?
153 liters behind the third row — enough for medium bags.
Does the XL7 offer a 360° camera?
Yes — available on higher variants for easier city parking.
What’s the real-world mileage?
Around 17.5 km/l for the manual and 16.2 km/l for the auto.
