Suzuki XL7 Hybrid

While the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid's cabin layout is similar to that of the Ertiga Hybrid, it gets an entirely different all-black layout, which makes the cabin look slightly more upmarket and easy to keep clean. Like the Ertiga Hybrid, the XL7 Hybrid also has a flat-bottom multi-functional tilt-adjustable steering wheel and a comprehensive instrument console with chrome-garnished analogue dials and a 4.2-inch TFT MID in the middle.

The rest of the dashboard design also looks similar to that of the Ertiga Hybrid, with the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid having a flat rectangular panel in the middle that houses the rectangular AC vents and a centrally-positioned 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Another central layer of the dashboard has a stone finish garnish with a satin silver accent across its width. In contrast, the lower centre console has buttons for automatic climate control and ventilated cup holders. For the comfort of the rear seat occupants, the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid also has roof-mounted AC vents while having bottle holders in all four doors.

While the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid is decently equipped and feels as spacious as the Ertiga Hybrid on the inside, we do wish it had more comfort and convenience features in the cabin. The Philippines-spec version of the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid misses out on features like leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, side airbags, a 360-degree parking camera, and more, which are present in the India-spec version.

Based on the Ertiga Hybrid, the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid has the same silhouette on the outside. Still, the latter has a more rugged and premium look that distinguishes it from the Ertiga Hybrid. The front fascia of the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid has a different appearance, with a bolder and richer-looking hexagonal grille, thick chrome surrounds, and a horizontal slat. The new block-themed all-LED headlamps with LED DRLs further make the front look of the XL7 Hybrid more premium than the Ertiga Hybrid.

Adding more distinctiveness to the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid is the revised front bumper with new LED fog lamps, roof rails, tough body cladding on the front and rear bumpers and side profile, and larger and more premium-looking 16-inch machined alloy wheels. The Suzuki XL7 Hybrid retains the floating D-pillar design, L-shaped tail lamps with LED inserts, and the boot lid of the Ertiga Hybrid but gets a blacked-out finish across the boot lid below the windscreen that also has a thin strip of chrome across the width. The Suzuki XL7 Hybrid also has front and rear skid plates for additional toughness.

Apart from the engine, the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid shares the basic mechanical architecture with the Ertiga Hybrid, including the suspension setup, which combines Macpherson struts with coil springs at the front and torsion beam with coil springs at the rear. The ride quality feels plush and composed, and the comfortable seats add to the overall experience.

The Suzuki XL7 Hybrid shares its 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine with the Ertiga Hybrid, which is also assisted by a mild-hybrid system comprising a 1.77kW electric motor and 0.72kWh lithium-ion battery. The powertrain claims a maximum power output of 104.8 PS and a maximum torque output, and it is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission as standard.

While the Suzuki XL7 Hybrid lacks ADAS features, this three-row compact MPV from Suzuki has the basics right, with safety features like dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, an electronic stability program, hill hold control, reverse parking sensors, and a reverse camera.

The Suzuki XL7 Hybrid is a more desirable alternative to the Ertiga Hybrid. It offers a more premium and rugged look on the outside and an added sense of elegance to the cabin while also having the same tried-and-tested reliable engine from the Ertiga Hybrid.