Overview & Reviews

The original Suzuki XL-7 was designed to appeal to people who liked the idea of having seven-passenger seating in an SUV but didn't want the hassles and expense of owning a full-size sport utility. By taking an extended-wheelbase version of its Grand Vitara small SUV and installing a third-row seat, Suzuki pioneered a concept, and indeed many other manufacturers have been doing the same with their smaller SUVs. Unfortunately, the first XL-7 was neat in theory but flawed in execution. Its third-row seat was too small to be of any real use and its aging truck-based design, claustrophobic cabin and poor-quality interior pieces relegated it to bit-player status among a growing and increasingly refined field of midsize contenders.

Fortunately, Suzuki made amends with a completely redesigned second-generation midsize XL7. (Note the name XL7; it was changed from XL-7 starting in 2007.) The largest Suzuki ever, the new model was 10 inches longer and 2 inches wider than before. Designed for the North American market, the most recent Suzuki XL7 was based on partner GM's midsize crossover SUV platform, which meant it bore some mechanical resemblance to vehicles like the Chevy Equinox.

Compared to the old model, this XL7 certainly looked and worked much better overall, with improved ride and agility, a smoother, more powerful Suzuki-built V6 engine and roomier, more comfortable passenger accommodations. The third row, however, was still obviously meant for children only, like others in this class. All seemed for naught, however, as the XL7 was discontinued after the 2009 model year, resulting from a lack of demand.

Most Recent Suzuki XL7

The second-generation Suzuki XL7 debuted for 2007. Notably, the XL7 was sold with a five-speed automatic and optional third-row seat through the 2008 model year. The Suzuki XL7 was a well-equipped, seven-passenger midsize crossover SUV available in three trim levels: Premium, Luxury and Limited. All models were available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Motivation was provided by a Suzuki-built 3.6-liter V6 providing 252 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. Standard on all models was a six-speed automatic transmission.

The last Suzuki XL7 was the largest, most comfortable Suzuki SUV ever built, with a spacious, functional and refined interior. The second-row 60/40-split seats tumbled forward for easy access to the third row, or folded completely flat. The 50/50-split-folding third-row seat could also be folded flat as well for additional cargo-carrying room.

Included was a long list of standard features, including alloy wheels, security alarm, automatic climate control, privacy glass, rear air-conditioning and a six-speaker CD stereo. The loaded Luxury trim level added leather, wood accents and heated front seats. To this, the Limited piled on foglamps, a rear spoiler, a standard third-row seat and satellite-radio-ready audio with navigation and DVD entertainment. These electronic features and controls were sourced from Suzuki's then-partner General Motors.

In reviews, we found that the XL7's unibody chassis provided a carlike ride and good reflexes on the pavement. The engine was powerful, handling was secure and maneuverability was good enough to ply the crowded streets for weekend errands. The model's main weakness was that it didn't feel as refined in terms of ride quality, steering precision and engine smoothness as some other midsize crossover SUVs. If you're looking for a spacious family crossover for a bargain price, a used XL7 may be a good choice.

Past Suzuki XL-7 Models

Suzuki introduced the first-generation XL-7 in 2001. At the time, it was the first SUV in its class to offer a third-row seat for a price starting under $20,000. Based on the Grand Vitara, this XL-7 had a trucklike, body-on-frame construction and either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case. These rugged underpinnings made the XL-7 fairly competent for off-road use.

The model's optional third-row seat was of dubious value. There was plenty of luggage room with the rearmost seat folded down, but when the third row was in use, cargo capacity was very limited. Also, the mechanism to drop the third-row seating was fussy and awkward. The third row didn't fold completely flat and created "canyons" into which items could fall.

All models of the Suzuki XL-7 were equipped with a 170-hp, 2.7-liter engine matched to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. In reviews of the time, we noted that we liked the availability of a third-row seat and the vehicle's reasonable price. However, we felt that it didn't match up well to the competition in terms of refinement or maximum off-road ability.

Changes to the first-generation Suzuki XL-7 were minimal. In 2002, power was increased to 183 hp and antilock brakes became optional.

User Reviews:

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  liked it - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Brian L (NY) - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had this truck through all kinds of weather, on the beach & road. I can tell you the 4 wheel drive system is excellent. Its a nice smooth truck with decent power & good handling. Enjoy!

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  You cant find any other car for this price and performance during 2001. - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By srk2040 - December 24 - 4:07 am

  Had the car from dealers lot brand new. Few facts about this car: 1) the engine bay has a flex bar across it 2) the frame is liquid filled to reduce vibration 3) came with direct electronic ignition as opposed to plugs and wires. 4) has third row of seat. 5) OEM tires are exact same as Lexus RX300, Dueler HT. The front brake wears out lot quicker than what Im used to. Amazingly, the rear drum brake has never been changed and it always passes the inspection. Its on 170,000 mile now. Comes with lot of upgrade if you really into it. I installed rear catch net, rear door net storage, window rain deflector. Overall, you can not find any other car like this even today 2013 that is true 4x4

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  Another stop to fill up - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By 1TheMacs - November 16 - 2:00 am

  I like this small SUV for the price. I had to look a long time to find one without the 3rd seat. The 3rd seat doesnt fold flat.

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  cheap interior - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By eric - September 29 - 12:16 pm

  My wife loves hers suv. But, the interior is so cheap. My wife bought the SUV while I was away in Iraq. I would have spend the extra the money and bought a nicer SUV. But, already we are having problems with the interior. We had to call Suzuski for 3 months to get the tech to approve the work on the car. finally the tech looked at the SUV to ok the interior. So, we could have the car fix. Yesterday, we found an problem with the interior.

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  Nice, reliable SUV. Lots of space. - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By gustavo140 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Nice, reliable SUV. Lots of space. My wife pushed for it, and I got a pleasant surprise. Highly recommended if you you look for space and your budget is tight.

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  Durable but Needs to have a Better Ride - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Trish - February 15 - 10:10 pm

  I enjoy driving my XL-7 around town but do not like taking it on long trips due to the rough ride. The ride is very bumpy and uncomfortable. I read that the 07 model will have a smoother ride. If thats the case I wouldnt hesitate to consider purchasing one. The price and warranty are good. Its reliability is good. I have not had any problems.

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  Seeing problem at 34000 miles - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Al - December 10 - 12:36 am

  Loved the car but starting to have problems oil leaks around timing chain. And fuel leaks drealer fixxed with no problem. They also replace drive leather set covering. 4 years old and problems started. Ive pruchase qite a few new cars in my 60 yrs. I usually keep them for 6 yrs with usualy no motor leaks till the 6 year.

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  So far so good! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Suzifan2003 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my XL-7 for 2 months and still am very much in love with it. It is fun to drive, good in turns and after switching to synthetic oil, have been getting 25 mpg on the freeway.

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  Affordable, Comfortable, and Stylish - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By sandersfan20 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I used to have a 2000 Taurus, but it had to go. I needed more room. I traded it in and thanks to a dealer incentive lost no equity on an already reasonably priced vehicle. I really wasnt sure what to expect but so far at 4200 miles I am still very happy with my purchase. I opted for the automatic and no 3rd seat. The cargo room is great and no stoplight shifting for me. If you have more money than brains like most Americans, you need to spend 30K on an overpriced SUV. If you want results for a reasonable price, then I reccommend the Suzuki XL-7.

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  Flexible SUV for the Price - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Jake - October 8 - 5:56 pm

  This SUV can be found with lots of factory rebates if youre patient, resulting in a really good deal. It has lots of interior flexibility since the rear seats can move and be folded down for extra cargo space. This is the only small-med size SUV I could find that had enough cargo room behind the second row seat to fit my two large dogs. Only a minivan could do the job better, and I needed 4WD. The only minivan with AWD anymore is the Toyota Sienna, which I plain couldnt afford.