Hey folks, if you thought the words “Maruti Suzuki WagonR” only brought back memories of that tiny, boxy hatchback your cousin drove in the early 2000s, hold onto your coffee – the Indian auto giant just dropped a bombshell for 2026 that’s got the internet buzzing.
This Is NOT Your Old WagonR Anymore
Maruti Suzuki has taken the beloved WagonR name and turned it into a proper 7-seater family SUV aimed straight at budget-conscious families who still want modern features. Yes, you read that right – seven real seats, sliding second-row captain chairs, a massive panoramic sunroof, and a hybrid powertrain that claims up to 38 km/l (that’s roughly 89–90 mpg in U.S. terms – insane!).
The company calls it the “WagonR XL7” in some markets, but in India it’s launching simply as the New WagonR 7-Seater. And before you ask – no official word yet on a U.S., Canada, or UK launch, but with fuel prices the way they are, we’re all secretly hoping someone imports a few.
What Makes This Little Giant So Special?
Maruti didn’t just stretch the old WagonR and call it a day. They’ve given it rugged SUV-style cladding, higher ground clearance, roof rails, LED projector headlamps, and 16-inch diamond-cut alloys. Inside, you get a 10.1-inch floating touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, 360-degree camera, six airbags as standard on top trims, and even ventilated front seats – stuff you normally see in cars twice the price.
Powertrain and That Crazy 38 KM/L Claim
Under the hood sits Maruti’s new-generation 1.2L K-Series petrol engine paired with a strong hybrid system (similar to what Toyota uses, because yes, Suzuki and Toyota are best buddies). Official ARAI rating in India is 38.2 km/l for the manual version – which converts to around 89–90 mpg on the U.S. gallon. Real-world? Expect high 60s to low 70s mpg if you drive like a normal human. That’s Prius territory for half the money.
Here’s the quick spec sheet everyone’s sharing right now:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Seating | 7 (2 + 3 + 2 with sliding & reclining rows) |
| Engine | 1.2L K-Series Dual Jet + Hybrid |
| Power | 90 PS petrol + 15 PS electric boost |
| Mileage (ARAI) | Up to 38.2 km/l (≈ 89–90 mpg US) |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT or 6-speed AT |
| Sunroof | Panoramic (segment-first) |
| Infotainment | 10.1-inch SmartPlay Pro+ |
| Safety | 6 airbags, 360° camera, ESP, Hill Hold |
| Ground Clearance | 195 mm |
| Expected Price (India) | ₹10–14 lakh (roughly $11,800–$16,500 USD) |
Perfect for Growing Families on a Budget
Think of it as the anti-Kia-Carnival. While the rest of the world is charging $40k–$60k for a 7-seater hybrid minivan/SUV, Maruti is about to drop one that’s practical, loaded with goodies, and sips fuel like a motorcycle. In India it’ll start around the price of a loaded Honda Civic here in the States – wild.
Can We Get It in the USA, Canada, or UK?
Right now Maruti has zero plans for a direct launch in North America or the UK (emissions, crash standards, and left-hand drive are big hurdles). But gray-market importers are already licking their chops, and some Canadian dealers who bring in JDM cars are saying “early 2027” might be possible. Fingers crossed!
Bottom line – the 2026 Maruti Suzuki WagonR 7-Seater is proof you don’t need to spend luxury money to get luxury features and ridiculous fuel economy. If you’ve got family or friends in India, tell them to book one now – the waiting period is already climbing past 6 months!
What do you think – would you daily-drive a 90-mpg 7-seater if someone started importing them tomorrow? Drop a comment below!