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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  Suzuki XL7 - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By flyingn - May 20 - 10:00 am

  excellant SUV! Glad we got one

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  You get more for your money - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By bigsuzukifan - May 13 - 10:00 am

  you will get more for your money with the suzuki xl7. comfortable interior, high performance. bigger that a trailbalzer but cheaper. more features. its worth yopur money.

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  happy with it ! - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By RafaelnGaby - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Love the truck. I traded my van and I like the move. Love the dash and the wood panel. The auto A/C is nice to have plus the rear A/C is nice to keep control

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  OK for the money. - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Fred Fein - April 14 - 3:06 am

  Good SUV for the money. Liked 3rd seat compared to cost of other SUVs. But have had problems with seal at waterpump, dealer fixed twice. Lousy MPG - no better than 15-16 mpg. And terrible defroster !! And crummy tires. Dunlops, just about bald at 20K.

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  love my suzuki - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By FAL - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2003 suzuki XL7 3years ago and I love it. It has gotten me through a really tough winter 2009 in MD. My only problem is that my CD player just stopped working my friend who also has the XL7 had the same problem with her CD player and a CD got stuck in hers. I was able to get my CD out but it just doesnt play at all. Other than that I love it, It has an automatic starter (not sure who added that but it is a plus) I would buy another one...but hope this one last a long time.

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  Quite a bang for your buck - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By xl7fan - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 2001 XL-7 and traded it in when I saw the 2004 XL-7. Very nice updates to the interior. The leather seats are very comfortable and of good quality and Suzuki has done a nice job of moving the placement of the radio, A/C controls to give the inside a better look and feel to it. Fully loaded my cost was just under $26,000. $26,000 for a fully loaded 4WD SUV with heated leather seats, CD-changer, power sunroof, power windows and locks is a steal. Other SUVs with those features will cost you $10,000 more easily. At $26,000 you cant beat what you get from the XL-7.

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  Great Value and Seven Passengers - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Slammer - March 31 - 2:00 am

  Three rows, value pricing, good acceleration, 4 wheel drive, leather seats . . Were very happy with the purchase thus far.

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  The over looked jewel - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Thomas J. Nigrelli - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a well made strong mid sized automobile. It performs well in 4wd; as it was designed to be. It is not premium in confort but what true truck is? Suzuki is a trusted name in the vehicle world, motorcycles or autos.

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  Check It Out - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By grntd22 - March 25 - 11:30 am

  The Suzuki XL-7 is a great SUV. It would be much better though if they offered more power and towing capacity. the 2.7 liter engine is too weak.

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  Suzuki XL-7 - the best kept secret in US - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By dwayne - March 24 - 5:46 am

  For the money that I spent on my Suzuki XL-7, $19,000, I received great reliability and many options the more expensive models only have.