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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  Will Not Ever Buy From Suzuki Again !!! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By DevAuto - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I got the truck used, and within a month I had been rear-ended. One part to be replaced was the tailpipe, estimated cost $175-$200. After 5 months, many trips to the dealer, hours of agony, and countless phone calls to Suzuki, I discovered that the exhaust system on the 2002 XL-7 was redesigned, and to repair my vehicle, I would need to replace the ENTIRE exhaust system, cost about $2000. To make it worse, Suzuki cant produce a tail pipe for a truck that was in production at the time of the accident. I spoke with every level of customer support at Suzuki, nothing came of it. I do not want Suzuki to earn another penny of my money.

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  OUTSTANDING VALUE - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By matt67man - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I Purchased my Suzuki at Al Packer Suzuki in West Palm Beach Florida. Great people no pressure agreed to terms quickly. I disagree with the reviews comparing this vehcile to a honda CRV. In my case I compared it to a Honda Pilot. Very Close in almost ever catagory with the exception the Honda had a Power seat. In the end I did not see where the Honda was worth $6000 more. Would highly recomend this vehicle

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  Not terrible - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Shannon - June 25 - 4:33 pm

  Good price for an SUV with third row seat which is WAY too small for frequent use. My husband hates this car, but It never gave us a problem until the service engine light came on at 60k miles. It turned out to be a bad O2 sensor for $250. On maybe 5 different occasions, the belt squealed briefly when turning on the A/C then stopped. I should have taken it to the shop immediately. At 100,000 miles, the A/C compressor locked up and caused the belt to break - a $1,400 repair in total. Fuel efficiency is horrible, avg 17-20 mpg.

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  perfect - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By andy dubitsky - June 15 - 10:00 am

  We have 4 children, ages 2-10 with one on the way.. My wife doesnt want to drive a tank, I dont want to pay for one... Our solution??? THE XL-7.. The interior is perfect for our family. It seats all of us comfortably without making us feel like we should be paid $0.36 a mile and be home on weekends. It came with all the features we wanted, 4 wheel drive, pwr windows, locks, mirrors, and numerous cupholders. The engine pulls strongly all the way to the redline..

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  Amazing Value and Reliability - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Dmurray - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought my first Suzuki 4X4 SUV in 1989 and every few years, look at the marketplace to see if I can fine a better value coupled with reliabilty. I cant!! Drove my 2003 4X4 XL7 from Florida to Alaska, packed full of our stuff and pulling the biggest U-Haul trailer I could get. Flawless! Not a problem! Did the Alaska winter with 8 Feet of snow. Again...perfect performance. Let the Hummer owners pay twice as much for half the reliabilty and performance. Idiots!! Lose your ego and go Suzuki. Wife drives the 2003 XL7 and I drive a 1993 Sidekick 4X4. I guess Im hooked. Money saved bought our Cessna!

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  XL7 touring - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By collie - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Nice ride and very attractive. A bit hard on the legs on long drives. More hip room would be a dream. Love the handling for its size you can get into SPEED tourble if your lead-footed.

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  Reliable, Economic SUV - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By M. P. Melvin - June 9 - 4:36 pm

  Overall a very reliable vehicle. However, I would admit this is no luxury SUV but for the price a very good value. Build quality is somewhat questionable. Dealer support is good as is the service that accompanies it.

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  good for us - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By april - May 25 - 6:40 am

  We like our XL7, its good for a small family, not really for seven grown ups. Other then that, I love it. its got 4x4 and does have the extra seating if you need it. Its better for two adults and two kids, than anything else.

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  XL-7 Great for the Price - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By rs - May 24 - 11:40 pm

  This vehicle is great for the price. The third row seat is tight but comes in handy when you need to fit the whole family. The OEM tires have to go.

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  tranny failed 100,000 miles dont buy - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By aaron ott - May 21 - 4:40 am

  I was happy with this vehicle until the transmission failed. The mechanic pulled it apart and showed me the parts were cheap and paper thin. The customer service I received from corporate was terrible. Dont buy this car.