Is Maruti XL6 Worth Buying With Its Features?

Maruti Suzuki XL6 has been playing on Indian roads for nearly five years and has consistently been one of its Nexa-outlet’s top sellers. It blends a decent features list with good ride quality and high fuel efficiency at a great price point. Being a multi-utility vehicle (MUV), the XL6 (Rs. 12.56 - Rs. 14.61 lakh) competes with the Kia Carens (Rs. 10.51 - Rs. 19.93 lakh). Maruti also sells the Ertiga, via its Arena outlets, which maintains a similar silhouette but is less loaded.

Maruti Suzuki XL6 Vs Kia Carens: Specifications At A Glance

Make And Model	Maruti Suzuki XL6	Kia Carens
Engine(s)	1.5L NA | 1.5L CNG	1.5L NA | 1.5L turbo petrol | 1.5L diesel
Power	101.64 bhp | 86.63 bhp	113.4 bhp | 157 bhp | 114.4 bhp
Torque	136.8 Nm | 121.5 Nm	144 Nm | 253 Nm | 250 Nm
Mileage	20.97 kmpl | 26.32 kmkg	17.9 kmpl | 15.5 kmpl | 21 kmpl
Length - Breadth - Height (in mm)	4445 - 1775 - 1755	4540 - 1800 - 1708
Wheelbase	2740 mm	2780 mm
Prices (ex-showroom)	Rs. 11.61 - Rs. 14.61 lakh	Rs. 10.51 - Rs. 19.93 lakh

Read Also: Kia Carens Facelift - What We Know So Far

Exterior Design

Up front, the XL6 gets all-LED headlights which are bridged by a chunky chrome strip and piano black grille. Even the fog lamps are LEDs as opposed to halogens for superior visibility. Talking about cladding, the XL6 gets it all across the body.

Even the alloy wheels, finished in a dual-tone machined finish, have become bigger at 16 inches and the door handles are done in chrome. The tail lamps are smoked and yes, LEDs except for the turn indicators. Its last update also saw the addition of a chrome strip on the boot lid. Minor but aesthetic for sure. 

Equipment On Board

Considering the Maruti Suzuki XL6’s Alpha Plus dual-tone automatic variant at Rs. 14.61 lakh, ex-showroom, the list of features is adequate. Notable are 360-degree cameras, automatic outer rear view mirrors (ORVMs) and ventilated seats.

Now, if you were to consider Kia Carens’ Prestige Plus iMT trim which costs Rs. 15.10 lakh, additional features include a dual-tone dashboard, six airbags (four on XL6), hill assist, an 8-inch touchscreen (7-inch on XL6) and rear sunblind.

Ventilated Seats	TPMS	Paddle Shifters	360-View Camera
Ventilated Cupholders	Foot Lamp Illumination	UV Cut Glass	Captain Seats

Engine Specifications And Gearboxes

This is where the XL6 feels limited as there is a sole 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol mill (under the hood. You do get a CNG Zeta variant paired to the same engine but that has a waiting time of about two months.

From CNG to petrol trims, power and torque ranges are - 86.63 bhp - 101.64 bhp and 121.5 Nm - 136.8 Nm, respectively. While the CNG is available with a manual, the six-speed automatic variants feature paddle shifters. 

Our Take On The Maruti Suzuki XL6

I look at it this way - The Maruti Suzuki Ertiga (sold via Arena) may do the job but if you want that premium factor in your MPV, the XL6 will do just that. It does boast a lot of equipment on board that is enough for daily driving but in my opinion, the Kia Carens still feels more plush. It also has to do with three engines on offer, including a diesel, with the former. On the other hand, the XL6 continues to march forward with a sole petrol mill.

Also needs to be considered is the number of service stations across the country Maruti has, something that no other car brand can achieve as of yet. Finally, pricing is key with the XL6 as it starts at Rs. 11.61 lakh, ex-showroom, which is slightly on the higher side than the competition. Deciding to buy an XL6 in 2024 boils down to your budget and driving habits.

Read Also: 5 Reasons Why Maruti Suzuki is Still the Most Reliable Brand in India