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:

• 

  Love this car - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By SWebster - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many cars over the years but I love my XL-7 Limited.

• 

  Hate It - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By chris - August 5 - 9:13 pm

  I cant stand my Suzuki XL-7. I have had so many problems with it and the dealer refuses to fix any of them. I wish that I never bought it. I will never buy any other vehicle from Suzuki in my life and will tell all my friends not to either.

• 

  Best Value SUV - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Perry Armstrong - July 24 - 7:33 am

  I have not had one problem with my XL-7. It rides nice and smooth like a car and it I love the "power switch." Its like a James Bond SUV (used for passing or for getting a jump start). I dont have any complaints. Its a great value buy. This is why we purchased it.

• 

  Reviewers Must be Prejudiced - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By sweetsuzie - July 1 - 10:00 am

  We just got this car, and absolutely love it more each time we drive it. It cant possibly be the same vehicle the reviewers are talking about. It is peppy, quiet, comfortable and with excellent build quality.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By David Henry - June 30 - 9:40 pm

  I love the Suzuki XL-7. It has a great deal of comfort and space. I can drive long distances and remain comfortable. The left side foot rest is great. The on dash controls make everything easy. The third row will definitely help you carry 7 passengers as long as they are not all adults. The style and body shape are eye catching while the interior is equally exciting. So far my XL-7 has been very reliable and dependable. The engine power is adequate for towing. The pearl finish is beautiful, not quite white! The interior has many compartments with easy access, and the rear hidden compartment is ideal with its tray design. Overall I look forward to buying a Suzuki when and if I am ever ready to depart with the one I have.

• 

  Best SUV for the Price - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Euclid Oh - June 19 - 3:36 pm

  We were looking for a midsized SUV to replace a Caravan. The Suzuki actually did better than we ever expected. The truck came with full power and rear AC as well as seats 7. The engine is very peppy for its engine size, but is kind of fuel thirsty. Ours now has 60k, but actually 48k. If you have a Suzuki, the trip odometer may not be accurate. Other than this, this was one of the best vehicle purchases that I made, in a list that includes Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar, and others that I have owned.

• 

  Great Buy! - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By jimayaay - June 13 - 10:00 am

  The XL-7 is exactly what we needed at an excellent price. We have researched test drove and priced numerous vehicles with the seven seat capacity including the Honda Pilot, Mitsubishi Montero, Volvo XC-90, and the Infiniti QX-4. Aside from the XC-90 the Suzuki XL-7 is technically comparable except for a few minor conveniences. Also in price the XL-7 is practically half the price of the XC-90 which was the biggest sellin point for our household. All in all we find the XL-7 an excellent buy for a solid and safe SUV.

• 

  One of a Kind - Fun to Drive - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By CSI - June 6 - 8:40 pm

  I have ownedmy 2004 Suzuki XL-7 for eight months and have had problems with the rear end differential and CD changer and problems with the 4x4 disengaging. Other than that, I really like driving it. The 4x4 does not disengage properly when the tempurature outside is less than 30 degrees, which is not a good thing in Minnesota. I get 16 -19 mpg and the gas tank is too small, so I spend a lot of time at the gas station. The engine is underpowered for the vehicle.

• 

  If you must have 7 seats - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By flowfacs - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive test drove the base model and the ride was much softer than the touring model which Ive purchsed. Its not the most comfortable vehicle, but it does seat seven reasonably. If you want 7 seating and have 7 full sized adults, dont even think about this car. If you have 2 or more small children and 2 adults then consider this vehicle. If you can afford Acura MDX, I say go for that. I understand it rides much better.

• 

  I Like My XL-7 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Ed Eskew - May 29 - 6:26 pm

  My 2004 Suzuki XL-7 has been a reliable and fun to drive truck. 3The 3rd row seats are not particularly roomy, but serve the purpose when we need to carry a few more kids. Its ride is a little harsh, but not jolting, and this is an "SUV". It handles and rides much better than most of the big truck-based SUVs Ive driven. My milage was a little less than I had expected, but still better than most trucks. I suppose that the aerodynamics play a part in that.