2024 Suzuki XL7 Mild Hybrid First Drive Review | Philkotse Philippines

The 2024 Suzuki XL7 Mild Hybrid, priced at P1,262,000 for the two-tone version, may not excel in performance, but that's not its primary focus. As a family vehicle, it offers ample space, comfort, and practicality for everyday use.

The 2024 Suzuki XL7 Mild Hybrid

With its updated exterior styling, enhanced interior features, and efficient hybrid powertrain, the XL7 presents a compelling option for families searching for a versatile and reliable vehicle. While it may not stand out among its competitors in every aspect, it certainly holds its own in delivering a well-rounded driving experience tailored to the needs of modern families.

At first glance, the XL7 exudes a confident SUV-like aura adorned with black claddings and functional roof rails. This year's exterior additions, including chrome garnishing on the grille and automatic LED headlights, add a nice touch to its appearance.

XL7 Mild Hybrid from the rear

While the chrome accents may not appeal to everyone's taste, they certainly elevate the vehicle's overall aesthetic appeal.

Step inside, and you'll find a functional and uncluttered center console designed with ease of use in mind. The abundance of storage space is commendable, although the refrigerated cupholders could be a tad larger to accommodate wider-base cups. While comfortable for long drives, the seats lack sufficient bolstering for spirited driving on twisty roads. However, the spacious cabin, especially for the driver, ensures a comfortable ride even on extended journeys. The D-shaped steering wheel adds a touch of sportiness and is perfect for drivers with thunder thighs.

The updated XL7's cockpit

This year's interior enhancements include blue accents on the analog gauges, a digital display showcasing vital information, and silver trim highlighting the faux marble design on the dashboard. Additionally, including auto start/stop engine technology and standard cruise control further enhances the overall driving experience.

Its guage cluster gets Blue-colored accents

Under the hood, the XL7 Mild Hybrid is powered by a 1.5-liter K15B gasoline engine paired with a mild-hybrid system, delivering 103 hp and 138 Nm of torque. The powertrain is tuned for efficiency; acceleration can sometimes feel sluggish, with only occasional torque surges. The 4-speed automatic transmission, while smooth, may lag in responsiveness when switching between D, 2, and L.

The XL7 Mild Hybrid uses a 1.5-liter K15B inline-4 gasoline engine

On the road, the XL7 offers a soft ride with excellent NVH insulation, making it an ideal companion for family trips. However, the presence of body roll may deter enthusiasts seeking a more dynamic driving experience. Despite this, the XL7 proves capable on mountain roads, offering adequate handling and stability.

During our test drive, aggressive driving consumed 3.5 liters of fuel over a 72-kilometer distance. Doing the math, that’s around 20 km/L. It's worth noting that this figure may not reflect real-world efficiency as the vehicle’s fuel tank was filled to the brim before heading out for the drive, which means there is a discrepancy with the actual fuel we consumed when measured at our destination.

We drove the XL7 Mild Hybrid for 72 km to Nagusbu, Batangas

Nevertheless, Suzuki touts 22.03 km/L of fuel efficiency on the highway, as certified by AAP.

The 2024 Suzuki XL7 Mild Hybrid, priced at P1,262,000 for the two-tone version, may not excel in performance, but that's not its primary focus. As a family vehicle, it offers ample space, comfort, and practicality for everyday use.

XL7 Mild Hybrid from the side

With its updated exterior styling, enhanced interior features, and efficient hybrid powertrain, the XL7 presents a compelling option for families searching for a versatile and reliable vehicle. While it may not stand out among its competitors in every aspect, it certainly holds its own in delivering a well-rounded driving experience tailored to the needs of modern families.