When it comes to choosing a spacious yet manoeuvrable multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) for long family drives, the Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Toyota Rumion emerge as strong contenders. Both these cars offer comfortable seats, ample legroom, powerful engines and an array of safety features. But which one handles open highways better? Let’s find out.
An Overview of Maruti Suzuki XL6
The Maruti Suzuki XL6 is a stylish and practical MPV destined for classy families with comfort and premium features. Having a seating capacity of 6, it would be an ideal choice for small and medium families. To save fuel costs, there are both petrol and CNG variants that facilitate their choice. Being equipped with a smart hybrid engine, the XL6 is said to be powerful yet efficient and is thus an ideal choice for long-distance drives.
An Overview of the Toyota Rumion
Another family-friendly MPV, the Toyota Rumion, is all about practicality and space. The Rumion can seat up to seven members, making it ideal for large families or groups. Like the XL6, it also has petrol and CNG variants; thus, one does not lose out on fuel preference. With respect to driving dynamics, the Rumion emphasises efficiency and reliability. It has ample space; however, the third row feels a little cramped for adults over long distances.
Dimensions and Seating Capacity
The XL6 measures 4445mm in length and 1775mm in width, stands 1755mm tall and has a 2740mm wheelbase. Its minimum turning radius is 5.2 meters. The middle row captain seats allow 6 passengers to travel in comfort.
In comparison, the Rumion is slightly shorter at 4420mm long and lower at 1690mm. But it matches the other dimensions like the 2740mm wheelbase and 5.2m minimum turning radius. The Rumion offers a seating capacity of 7 passengers.
Engine and Performance
The Maruti Suzuki XL6 is powered by a K15C Smart Hybrid engine, which works for both petrol and CNG variants. The engine capacity is 1462 cc. In the petrol version, it delivers 101.68 bhp of power and 136.8 nm of torque, while the CNG version offers 86.62 bhp of power and 121.5 nm of torque. The fuel efficiency is impressive—20.97 km/l for the petrol manual (MT), 20.27 km/l for the petrol automatic (AT), and 26.32 km/kg for the CNG variant. This means fewer stops at fuel stations, which is a huge advantage on long drives. The smart hybrid system also helps save fuel, making the XL6 a practical choice for those who want to keep costs low.
The Toyota Rumion also has a 1462 cc engine, and its performance is very similar to the XL6. The petrol variant produces 101.7 bhp of power and 136.8 Nm of torque, while the CNG variant gives 86.6 bhp of power and 121.5 Nm of torque. The fuel efficiency is slightly lower than the XL6—20.51 km/l for the petrol manual, 20.11 km/l for the petrol automatic, and 26.11 km/kg for the CNG variant. While the difference in mileage is small, the XL6 does have a slight edge, especially in the petrol variants.
Safety Features
All XL6 variants get Maruti’s Heartect platform, quad airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, ESP, hill hold assist, ISOFIX mounts, reverse parking sensors, and a camera.
On the safety front, Toyota has equipped the Rumion with dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, ESP, and hill-hold functions as standard. ISOFIX anchors allow child seats to be securely installed. Higher variants add up to four airbags and a rearview camera, and fog lamps.
Weight and Stability
The manual XL6 petrol tips the scale at 1200kg while the automatic version weighs 1225kg. The CNG variant with the additional cylinder is heavier at 1275kg. The lower weight and centre of gravity enhance high-speed stability.
The Toyota Rumion is slightly lighter. Its kerb weight ranges from 1170-1180 kg, and the AT is 1195-1205 kg. The CNG pushes the weight to 1250kg. All variants get ABS, EBD, and vehicle stability control for assured braking and handling.
Conclusion
After comparing the Maruti Suzuki XL6 and Toyota Rumion, it’s clear that both MPVs are strong contenders for long drives, but they cater to slightly different needs. The XL6 stands out with its 6-seater layout and captain seats, offering premium comfort for passengers. It’s better fuel efficiency (20.97 km/l in petrol MT vs. Rumion’s 20.51 km/l) means fewer fuel stops, and its slightly heavier build provides better stability on highways. The safety features are solid across all variants, making it a reliable choice for families.
**’The opinions expressed in the article are solely the author’s and don’t reflect the opinions or beliefs of the portal’**
