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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  10+ Years only ONE maintainence issue - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Toni Stark - February 23 - 8:02 pm

  They dont make Suzuki anymore :(. Reliable, sturdy great car for making long trips as a hospice nurse. Only one maintainence issue (brake line) in 10+ years!!!! Had to replace the CD player twice both under warranty! Overall excellent reliable easily maintained vehicle! Love! Lots of room and cargo space!!!!!!

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  Vehicle - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Susan - January 16 - 8:06 am

  This is my 2nd Suzuki and really like the performance, value and mileage. Getting a fully loaded XL-7 for 10k lower than everyone else makes this vehicle very affordable! My salesperson really knew her stuff, but sitting in the XL-7 actually sold itself. And talk about performance, someone drove my vehicle and said it drove like his Tahoe. I recommend you test drive one and youll never buy anything ele. Unbelievable value for your hard-earned dollars!

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  2003 Step up model - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By bjnspr - January 4 - 2:00 am

  No complaints, reliable, vaule for money, improved interior.

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  Sleeping Giant (well in spirit @least) - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Snookie - January 2 - 3:53 pm

  We have owned this XL-7 for 2 years. It is the 13th car we have owned but by far the best value for the money. Have had Fords Dodges and Hondas all nice but this one really beats them all, hands down. All the toys and goodies of an expensive SUV with the reliablity of a solid Japanese Mfg. It may not be big is stature but it is a Giant in value.

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  Suzuki XL-7 - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Amrit - December 23 - 2:13 pm

  This suv offers a good value for its price. It is equipped nicely. The third row seat is very handy.

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  THEY SASTIFIED ALL MY NEEDS - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By irishtlk - December 20 - 8:20 pm

  THE XL7 GIVES ME EVERYTHING I NEED IN A 7 PASSENGER SUV. IT FITS IN MY 1 CAR GARAGE, IS EASY TO DRIVE AND PARK. GIVES MY FAMILY THE PROTECTION I WAS LOOKING FOR WITH THE FULL LADDER FRAME, SIDE IMPACT BEAMS IN THE DOORS. MY WIFE LOVES THE STYLING.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By caseyph - December 8 - 4:43 pm

  I love my XL-7. I got it after I needed to use my aunts XL-7 and loved it. It has plenty of room for myself and children. I recently took it on a road trip and it did wonderful. This truck is a keeper until its time to trade it in and even then Itll be for another XL- 7.

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  Suzukis are bulletproof - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By sbehrman - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my fifth Suzuki. They are bulletproof. Very high reliability, conservative engineering, excellent fuel economy. The XL-7 is geared a bit low, so I fitted the biggest Michelin tires that would fit in the wheel wells, making the gearing "taller" by about 5%. The car still clims the 6% grade between 6000 and 7000 feet on the east side of Donner Pass in 5th gear.

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  suzuki,1 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By burt - December 1 - 2:00 am

  i have owned 2 suzukis, grand vitara and now a xl-7, i love both of them, they are fun to drive and very dependable. great little cars!

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  Second Suzuki - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By PBass - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Suzuki. The first was and still is a 2001 Grand Vitara, for which I have nothing but praise. We were looking for another new vehicle and decided on the 2003 XL7 Limited (without 3rd seat.) This car looks great (Pearl White) and rides as well. The interior leather is comfortable and the "woodgrain" interior looks rich. Great vehicle at a great price! Now if they could only make a SUV/Pickup like the Explorer Sport Trac