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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  my XL-7 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By safontana - May 23 - 10:00 am

  i purchase it in janurary of 2004 and have 12000 miles on it im very pleased with the suv and am thrilled to drive it on long road trips. i enjoy the roomness of the three rows of seat. i also like the idea of folding the seat down when im making a trip to be able to lay out fully in the back. i bring a blanket and pillow and take a nap will on the highway. i also love the rear a/c that allows the passangers to conrtol how much a/c they want. ive taken several trips from new orleans to nashville and dallas and have est. 24 miles to the gallon. i researced this suv against outhers like the kia , hynudia,toyota and rear a/c is optional .

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  Off-Roading Queen - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By salah el asmaay - May 14 - 1:30 am

  My experience with the 2005 Suzuki XL-7 has been positive since the start. I was able to negotiate $4,500 of its MSRP which was already low, using a $2,000 suzuki rebate and a $2,000 down payment match from dealer. I paid only $20,450 for a 2005 LX-4WD 7 seats with an automatic transmission. I was mainly interested in this truck because of to my loyality to its sport bike line of products, which are the best in the industry. I went on to discover that the quality engineering and stylish design of Suzukis bikes carries over to its SUVs. After folding the two back seats, I had enough cargo space to move everything that I needed for my dorm room. This truck Drives just like a luxury sedan with off-road capability.

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  Could be better - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Lesley385 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Nice fully loaded SUV; however, too expensive when considering the poor gas mileage. Ive had one idiot run into the side of me and I barely felt a thing. He was going 45 mph when he hit, so if you have kids you can rest easy that theyll be safe.

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  Rough ride - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By ted armand - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Very disappointed with the ride, feels like I am riding in a wagon. You feel every bump in the road, even went as far as lowering air pressure in tires. Love everthing else about it.Maybe I should have bought a car.

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  I like mine and Im a big guy - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By John Phythian - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Love the acceleration, and smooth ride, 100x smoother that Jeeps & CRX, gets 25 mpg on the hiways at 90mph with no hesitation/"maxing out". probably will do 120 mph if need to! Anyway, I feel very good about the price and performance. Great sound system with cd and tape player.

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  A Real Surprise - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By jewelrylover - March 4 - 5:08 pm

  I have been driving this vehicle daily since August of 2002. Previous to this purchase, I only thought of Suzuki for motorcycles. This car has really outperformed any car I have owned. Snow, sleet, rain, high winds - no problem. Three sons have learned to drive in this car and they have put this car throughthe ringer, but it keeps going reliably. Although I have given thought recently to replace it with something smaller and brand new, I am hesitant that I will find as good and sturdy a vehicle. Vehicle has well over 100,000 miles.

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  XL7 a deal - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Maniac - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Originaly I did not find much info when I purchased my XL7 in 2001 so here goes. I would purchase another for the same reasons. My four children and Spouse are able to go anywhere the larger SUVs tread, yet we find parking not a problem due to the layout and size. Economy could get a boost yet, I pulled a 2000lb trailer with ease and yes, all four children and Mom were present. If you want a rugged and refined SUV that delivers towing capacity and looks great at the theater which fits in a parking lot, than go buy one. 0% financing was a fabulous bonus. You wont regret passing up the Blazer for it. Ask for the Fuel warning light, I still cant locate mine.

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  XL-7 - GREAT RIDE! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Jeff Towry - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Five months and 7200 miles and were still in love with our XL-7. Wife had reservations about SUV (previously drove Cutlass), but now says she will never drive a car again! Truck rides and drives GREAT! I no longer get tired on long trips! Daughter loves the rear air, extra leg room, and reclining rear seats. We didnt need third row seating, but had to buy that way to get rear air. We removed third row seat cushion and that provided flat load floor. Still needs cargo net to keep groceries from falling out on feet when rear door opened. Truck has not been back to dealer since the day we left. There has been no need!

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  my suzuki - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By pforstie - January 24 - 10:00 am

  its fun to drive

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  Good looking and inexpensive SUV - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Rich C. - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall My wife and I are pleased with our XL-7. It handles well and has good pickup for a smaller V-6. We enjoy the CD player, and the A/C works well. I would like to have seen a few more upgrades ,such as a low fuel warning light, door ajar lights (especially since we have a small child), and a power lock switch on the passenger side door. The third rear seat is nice despite that it really only seats children or short adults! We got a good deal on it, especially with the zero interest financing for 5 years. The only problem so far has been the front disc brakes squealing from time to time. We have had them fixed once, but the problem has since reoccured.