The Maruti Suzuki XL6 is one of the most versatile MPVs in its class, offering a blend of style, practicality, and efficiency. It finds appeal among a large group of customers through petrol and CNG variants and thus makes an excellent car for those who prioritise comfort as much as price sensitivity. Buyers can choose the petrol option in both manual and automatic transmissions, while the CNG variant is limited to manual transmission only.
What makes the XL6 appealing is its ability to balance premium features with reliable performance. The vehicle works equally well on busy city streets as it does on long highway journeys. With rising fuel prices, mileage is a critical factor for most buyers, and the XL6 provides options that meet different budget requirements. By comparing both petrol and CNG versions in detail, potential owners can make a more confident and informed decision.
In this guide, we compare the official ARAI mileage, real-world performance reported by users, and fuel cost calculations to help you decide which XL6 fuel option makes the most sense for your daily use. Keep reading for detailed insight!
Maruti XL6 ARAI Mileage Figures
Official ARAI-certified mileage for the XL6 across all engine and transmission options is:
| Engine & Transmission | ARAI Mileage (km/l or km/kg) |
| Petrol – Manual | 20.97 kmpl |
| Petrol – Automatic | 20.27 kmpl |
| CNG – Manual | 26.32 km/kg |
Maruti XL6 Real-World Mileage vs ARAI Mileage
While ARAI figures are tested under laboratory-controlled conditions, real-road driving provides slightly varying statistics. In real life, the petrol automatic provides around 14.08 kmpl in the city and 17.55 kmpl on the highway. The CNG version offers an astounding 26.32 km/kg, and thus, it is the most cost-effective in terms of running costs.
Some of the causes of the difference between ARAI and real-road mileage are:
- Driving Style: Harsh acceleration and hard braking reduce fuel efficiency, while smooth driving achieves mileage that is close to the ARAI numbers. Gradual acceleration and less gear shifting also conserve fuel in petrol and CNG models.
- Traffic: City driving in stop-and-go traffic lowers the efficiency in petrol variants but is more stable in CNG because of lower idle consumption. Extended idling in petrol vehicles means wasted fuel, while CNG engines lose less mileage in the same condition.
- Load & AC Use: Additional passengers, baggage, and continuous AC usage affect mileage on all variants. Excessive AC use makes the engine work harder, reducing average fuel efficiency, particularly on petrol models.
- Maintenance: Regular servicing, correct tyre pressure, and clean filters maintain performance near ARAI numbers. Overdue maintenance typically results in significantly larger drops in mileage, particularly during city driving.
Overall, the CNG version is attractive for budget-conscious buyers, but petrol, particularly automatic, is more desirable for convenience.
Maruti XL6 Fuel Efficiency Comparison: Petrol vs CNG
For mileage, XL6 models fit the requirements of various drivers. The petrol model is equally suited for driving at high speeds on highways as it is for navigating city streets, offering a pleasing all-around performance. Meanwhile, the CNG model fits price-conscious customers who have long daily driving distances and want lower running costs.
In reality, the disparity comes to the forefront most directly in stop-go situations, with the CNG variant being more cost-effective to operate than petrol. For more convenience and a smoother drive, though, the petrol variant, particularly the automatic, is more preferable.
Maruti XL6 City Fuel Efficiency Comparison
In city driving, the petrol XL6 offers decent mileage but struggles with constant braking and stop-and-go traffic. The automatic petrol is more convenient to drive but consumes a tad more fuel than the manual. The CNG variant, however, is a city driving champion with its constant idle economy and ability to save heavily on daily driving.
The top reasons for the city mileage difference are:
- Fuel Flexibility: CNG is optimised for stop-and-go driving, making it perfect for urban dwellers. Its consistent performance on congested roads saves owners money on frequent short trips.
- Engine Management: The CNG system is optimised for low-speed economy, keeping costs down. Petrol engines are more responsive, but CNG offers a balance between power and economy at low speeds.
- Stop-Start Efficiency: Petrol cars consume more in bumper-to-bumper traffic, whereas CNG maintains a better balance. Over time, this efficiency advantage makes CNG cheaper for drivers who cover short distances daily.
- Idling Consumption: CNG idle consumption is less, thus conserving fuel in the long run during regular halts. Petrol engines still consume fuel even while the vehicle is stationary, increasing the expense.
- Thermal Stability: CNG mode of operation maintains engine stress at reduced levels during heavy traffic, ensuring reliability in the long run. Less engine stress also ensures the same mileage even under heat and prolonged running.
Maruti XL6 Highway Fuel Efficiency Comparison
On highways, the XL6 petrol manual gives smooth and efficient performance, whereas the automatic petrol offers comfort with marginally lower mileage returns. The CNG model offers good cruising capabilities but is hindered when overtaking or going uphill.
Highway mileage considerations are:
- Constant-Speed Efficiency: Petrol variants perform well at stable speeds, while CNG remains efficient but less powerful during overtakes. Hypermiling techniques like maintaining a steady speed can help both versions achieve better mileage.
- Passenger & Cargo Load: Both petrol and CNG lose some efficiency when heavily loaded, though petrol handles it better. Smart packing and balanced weight distribution can reduce stress on the engine during long trips.
- Driving Discipline: Steady speeds improve mileage across trims, and using cruise control can further enhance this benefit. Frequent acceleration and braking, however, quickly diminish highway efficiency.
- Road Gradient & Altitude: Petrol is better for uphill drives, while CNG needs continuous downshifting for this. This tends to reduce comfort levels for CNG drivers on hilly routes.
- Refuelling Ease: Petrol stations are widespread, while CNG users must plan long trips around available filling stations. For spontaneous travel, petrol users enjoy greater peace of mind and convenience.
Maruti XL6 Fuel Cost Comparison: Petrol vs CNG
Understanding fuel costs is essential when deciding between the petrol and CNG variants of the Maruti XL6. Let’s compare the running expenses based on a typical monthly driving of 1500 km and a few other aspects to help you gauge which option fits your budget better:
| Aspect | Petrol (Manual) | CNG (Manual) |
| Monthly Running Distance | 1500 km | 1500 km |
| Mileage (User-Reported Avg.) | ~17.3 kmpl | ~23 km/kg |
| Monthly Fuel Use | ~87 litres | ~65 kg |
| Avg. Monthly Fuel Cost* | ₹7,300 | ₹4,000 |
| Avg. Yearly Fuel Cost | ₹87,600 | ₹48,000 |
| 5-Year Fuel Cost | ₹4,38,000 | ₹2,40,000 |
Note: *Based on a petrol price of ₹84/litre and a CNG price of ₹61/kg. Prices may differ by region.
Clearly, the CNG version is the most budget-friendly choice, while petrol delivers better convenience and versatility, especially for highway drives.
Maruti XL6 Mileage vs Competitors
Comparing the Maruti XL6’s mileage with some of its closest rivals gives a clear perspective of its efficiency in the premium MPV segment. The XL6 offers both petrol and CNG powertrains, making it a versatile choice for buyers with different usage needs. Here’s a look at the official and real-world mileage of the XL6 against its competitors:
| Model | Petrol Mileage (kmpl) | CNG Mileage (km/kg) |
| Maruti Suzuki XL6 | 20.27-20.97 kmpl | 26.32 km/kg |
| Mahindra Marazzo | 17.31 kmpl | NA |
| Kia Carens | 15.70 kmpl | 17.20 km/kg |
| Maruti Suzuki Ertiga | 20.51 kmpl | 26.11 km/kg |
The Maruti Suzuki XL6 delivers a dependable mileage range with 20.97 kmpl (MT) and 20.27 kmpl (AT) in petrol, while offering 26.32 km/kg in CNG. It stays close to the segment’s better performers in petrol and provides a practical CNG option, even though the Ertiga leads slightly in efficiency in its petrol variant.
Summary
Maruti Suzuki XL6 provides a stunning blend of functionality and efficiency. The CNG option has the lowest operational cost, so it would be the appropriate choice for high-mileage users. Meanwhile, the petrol version offers a balance of power, smoothness, and convenience, particularly with the auto transmission, which would make highway driving convenient.
Compared to competitors such as the Kia Carens and Mahindra Marazzo, the XL6 is more frugal in the petrol trim, with the advantage of enjoying CNG flexibility. Deciding between CNG and petrol rests on your driving distance and refuelling convenience.
In both aspects, the XL6 requires low maintenance, offers extensive service coverage, and maintains excellent resale value, which are strengths of Maruti Suzuki, making it one of the wisest MPV options available today.
FAQs About Maruti Suzuki XL6 Mileage Comparison
What is the real-world fuel efficiency of the Maruti Suzuki XL6?
In real life, the petrol automatic provides around 14.08 kmpl in the city and 17.55 kmpl on the highway. The CNG version offers an astounding 26.32 km/kg, and thus, it is the most cost-effective in terms of running costs.
Is the XL6 more fuel-efficient than its peers?
Yes. The XL6 provides superior petrol mileage compared to competitors such as Kia Carens (15.7 km/l) and Mahindra Marazzo (17.3 km/l). Although the Ertiga provides marginally superior petrol mileage (20.51 kmpl), the XL6 takes the upper hand with its CNG mileage (26.32 km/kg).
How does driving style affect the XL6’s fuel efficiency?
Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and overspeeding reduce mileage significantly. Smooth gear shifts, maintaining steady speeds, and using cruise control on highways help the XL6 deliver closer to its peak efficiency in both petrol and CNG versions.
How do I maximise mileage in the XL6?
Proper engine servicing on time, correct tyre pressure, and easy driving help petrol as well as CNG efficiency. Load reduction and smooth drive increase efficiency. Adequate usage of AC on a regular basis also helps.
Is the XL6 a better purchase in petrol or CNG?
It depends on usage. If you cover over 1,200–1,500 km of daily running every month, the CNG variant will be the most economical in the long run. But if you value convenience, smooth power response, and regular highway runs, petrol—particularly automatic—is a better option.
