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:

• 

  3rd row seating - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By mynewcar - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have found the third row of seating to be wonderfully handy for my kids and their friends. Though it is not as easy to get in and out of as a minivans third row -- the kids dont care -- they love it! I love the car and feel that it is a great value. 0% financing and full of standard options make it a great choice.

• 

  Great Value - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By blum1 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I was all set to purchase a Honda Pilot when a friend recommened I take a look at the 2004 Suzuki XL-7 EXIII. I took one out for a test drive could not believe the ride, handling, and good gas mileage. The dealership was very friendly and offered that I take it home for the night to see if I enjoyed the SUV. All around was one of the best experiences I ever had purchasing a new car. And the plus was I got to save over $6,000.

• 

  Excellent - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By kpappas - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I just feel really great when I am driving my XL7

• 

  Love my SUV - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By carrie - June 29 - 6:26 am

  I have had my XL-7 for 3 months and I still love it. When I was first shown one I had no knowledge of it. I drove it and liked it, but the dealership was asking too much. So I found another one online, LOVED the color, test drove it in the snow and I had to have it. I drive about 40 miles roundtrip to work each day and the gas isnt as bad as I had expected. It is very roomy inside and accommodates my 65" fiancee. I would definitly reccommend it to anyone.

• 

  good suv @ good price - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By gbtny - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I have 60,000 mile on my XL7 without any trouble. Handles as well now as when it was brand new. Fun to drive and was good in the snow this past winter.

• 

  Great Value - Luxury, Perf., Utility - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By BobP - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for an SUV as a second vehicle to compliment a luxury sports sedan that I have. I seem to have found it. The style is contemporary. Interior is beautiful and plush. There is plenty of cargo room. The ride and quietness is almost better than my 35K sedan. I drove several SUVs in the low 20s and this one by far could compete with those 10K more. I think it will be a great experience

• 

  best kept secret - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By malexa00 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased the XL-7 Touring model without the 3rd row seat. Very happy so far. Comes with a lot of standard features for the price paid. The size of the XL-7 is somewhere between the compact SUVs (Rav-4, CRV) and the mid-large SUVs (Pilot, Explorer). Fun to Drive. If Suzuki came out with a full size SUV it would give the Explorer and Pilot a lot of competition.

• 

  Awesome! - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By dpeter - April 13 - 10:00 am

  Wow, with 4 children was looking for a smaller SUV that would hold seven. Not many choices on the market. Looked at the Escape and CRV. Dollar for dollar, glad I choose the XL-7 w/ the trird row seat. I love it as well as the kids. Am commented by others how great it looks. Love the drive as well as the mpg. No regrets and highly recomend.

• 

  Grewat Car - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By ddcast1 - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a dream and a affordable price

• 

  Best Buy for the Money - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Skidney - February 26 - 4:36 pm

  I bought this vehicle new in 2001 and I have had no problems with it. It is the absolute best buy in the class. It has real 4x4, 3,000 lbs. towing, dual A/C, and third row seating for the same price of a CR-V or a RAV4. I have towed a 2,800 lb. camper with success (mountains were a little stressful).