2020 Suzuki XL7 vs Ertiga Comparison: Spec Sheet Battle

The 2020 Suzuki XL7, based on its appearance alone, is literally an Ertiga clad in armor. Well, that’s overstating it but you get the point right?

It has the same seven-seater capacity, the same engine, and the dash even looks the same. This thus, begs the question of how the XL7 differentiates from the esteemed Suzuki Ertiga apart from the former’s looks.

As such, it is an opportune time for another spec sheet comparison in order for our readers to learn just how the Suzuki XL7 stands apart from its sleeker Ertiga brother.

Let's the battle commence!

>>> Related: Which 2020 Suzuki Ertiga should you buy? [Philkotse Guide]

The XL7, just like how the Xpander Cross is to the Xpander, is marginally larger. It has a length of 4,445 mm, which is 50mm more than the Ertiga, albeit with the same wheelbase length. The Suzuki XL7 is also 40mm wider at 1,775mm, and it’s also 10mm higher.

The XL 7's got a more rugged persona that's for sure

We’re not sure if this means a larger interior space, but we’re sure than most of these differences are due to the beefier exterior of the XL7.

The new Suzuki model is wrapped in cladding, is equipped with roof rails, has more aggressive wheel arches, beefier looking wheels, and it even has faux front and rear dampers.

All in all, these provide the XL7 a chunkier, more macho look in comparison to the Ertiga’s more elegant design.

The XL7 does have its own bits that make it sleek too. There’s it’s LED headlamps and LED daytime running lamps.

Yes, the Ertiga, especially the new one, is really elegant looking

Apart from looks, however, the XL7 has a taller minimum ground clearance of 200mm. That’s 20mm more in comparison to the Suzuki Ertiga’s 180mm, which of course means that the XL7 is potentially better at handling rough roads and small road obstacles like potholes and bumps.

Note though that the XL7 has a gross vehicle weight of 1,730kg which is slightly heavier than the top-of-the-line Ertiga GLX’s 1,710kg.

Inside, the Suzuki XL7 2020 has just about the same set of capacities as the Suzuki Ertiga 2020. Both can seat seven passengers, both have flexible seating arrangements, the same second-row armrests, the same sliding second-row seats, and both have the same amount of storage space.

Inside the XL7

What’s new in the XL7 is the addition of a third-row accessory socket, and the bits of leather found on some parts of the seats, which is, of course, fancier than the strips of shiny brown fabric aboard the Ertiga GL and GLX.

Both the XL7 and the Ertiga's seats, however, offer the same amount of legroom and comfort.

When it comes to onboard entertainment, the Suzuki XL7 2020 is on par with the top-of-the-line Ertiga GLX. This is because the XL7 also comes with a brilliantly large, 10-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, an Aux jack, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, as well as offline navigation.

The XL7, however, offers a bit more sound quality due to having six audio speakers. The Ertiga GLX only has four.

A peek inside the Ertiga

Like the Ertiga GL and GLX, the XL7 also has a manual, rear air conditioning vent, and an automatic climate control system for the front.

And finally, the 2020 Suzuki XL7 has keyless entry, while the Ertiga, even the GLX, does not.

When it comes to what’s under the hood, Suzuki made both the Ertiga and XL7 share the same 1.5 Liter, K15B inline-4. The power output is identical at 103 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm, and the same goes for maximum torque at 138 Nm @ 4,400 rpm.

The XL7 is also a front-wheel-drive vehicle and it also shares the same 4-speed automatic transmission with the Ertiga GLX.

Both the XL7 and all the variants of the Ertiga also have the same MacPherson strut with coil spring for the front, and a torsion beam with coil spring for the rear.

Handling, however, might be slightly different on the Suzuki XL7 because of its higher minimum ground clearance, its larger 16-inch wheels, and its heavier gross weight.

A lot of safety equipment is also shared in-between the Ertiga and XL7. They both have dual front airbags, anti-lock braking with electronic brake distribution, a reverse camera, immobilizer, and the same amount of seatbelts and ISOFIX tether points.

What the XL7 has over the Ertiga, however, is the presence of a hill hold assist and an electronic stability program (ESP).

With a bit of practice though, you won't need the hill start assist. The Stability Control, however, can be useful

Being based on the Ertiga, the XL7 is also built on the same Total Effective Control Technology (TECT) frame which ensures passenger and pedestrian damage mitigation, as well as lower noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels.

The TECT frame has garnered good scores in many safety tests

>>> Related: Which 2020 Suzuki Ertiga should you buy? [Philkotse Guide]

Currently, the Suzuki XL7 only has one variant, which shares the same GLX name as the Ertiga’s top of the line variant. As such, it only has one engine and transmission option.

Also, unlike the 2020 Xpander Cross replaced Xpander GLS Sport, the XL7 is marketed as separately from the Ertiga thus allowing Suzuki to still keep selling the GA, GL, and GLX Ertiga variants.

The 2020 Suzuki XL7 is priced at Php 1,068,000, while the recently updated 2020 Suzuki Ertiga GLX is priced at Php 993,000.

That’s Php 75,000 more, but we can assume that the difference in price does account for the XL7’s additional features, as well as its bolder, more aggressive appearance.

>>> Related:

• Suzuki cars price in the Philippines
• Full pricing details of the Suzuki Ertiga with SRP and installment

Like the Xpander Cross and Toyota Rush, the Suzuki XL7 exists to provide a tougher, more aggressive-looking ride, without actually paying for SUV prices in the Philippines.

In short, they’re tougher-looking MPVs that can handle rough roads and obstacles better. And yeah, we have a lot of those here in the Philippines so there’s definitely a place in the local market for vehicles like the XL7.

The XL 7 is like a pair of Chukka boots. Tough yet can be worn anywhere

Now, is it any better than the Ertiga? Well, only marginally, on account of its hill start assist. The higher ground clearance, however, isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Older folks might find taller vehicles harder to get into, and some people, especially those living in the more developed parts of the country, might find it unnecessary.

On account of its styling, however, the XL7 looks like its targeting a vastly different crowd than the Ertiga.

Are the Suzuki XL7 and its competitors trying to lure in a younger, more active crowd? The adventurous young professional perhaps? We’ll find out in due time.

If you want to read more comparison articles like this one, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.