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 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By tommy68 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Excellant SUV in every respect

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  cheap interior - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By eric - September 29 - 12:16 pm

  My wife loves hers suv. But, the interior is so cheap. My wife bought the SUV while I was away in Iraq. I would have spend the extra the money and bought a nicer SUV. But, already we are having problems with the interior. We had to call Suzuski for 3 months to get the tech to approve the work on the car. finally the tech looked at the SUV to ok the interior. So, we could have the car fix. Yesterday, we found an problem with the interior.

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  My Suzuki - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Kris ash - August 22 - 2:00 am

  even though i just got it, it is fun to drive and i feel very safe in it love the 4WD

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  Car withstood 7000 mile-trip - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By Ray Suryadinata - August 17 - 11:53 pm

  Just came back from cross-country trip Toronto-Vancouver. Westbound through the northern U.S. states, return trip through Canadian soil. The car was fun to drive, no back pain sitting and driving for 23 days. With four adult passengers, loads of luggage and cooler being hooked up daily, the car didnt complain at all. This car has really exceeded my expectation by a mile.

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  Not Worth the Price - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By kdilg - August 13 - 9:20 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with my 2002 Suzuki XL-7. The front end has had continous noise and problems, and it literally eats tires every 15,000 miles. The steering wheel has always made noise, and the air conditioner froze and leaked water all over the passenger at 5,000 miles, All the other problems started at 15,000 miles. I would not suggest buying this vehicle. I have had it in the shop 1- 2 times a month. I cant wait to get rid of it, and I will never buy another Suzuki. After ten attempts to fix it, I have been told it is not fixable. Off to lemon law court we go.

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  Tired of Lemons / This is the BestTthing Yet - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Great SUV - August 13 - 9:00 am

  I bough my Suzuki XL-7 a year a go. Having purchased many new vehicles in the past I started buying used, but I still had the itch for a new one. I made a U-turn into a Suzuki dealer . My XL-7 is the best vehicle Ive owned. Ive seen my dealer for oil changes only, it hasnt had any problems or needed any adjustments. This vehicle is the very best buy for your money, period

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  Love my Suzuki - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Becky - July 16 - 4:13 am

  I love the way it handles, great mileage. Cant wait to try the 4 Wheel drive this winter.

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  Classy Little Ride - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By NioGio - July 11 - 1:16 pm

  Back in 96 I purchased a new Suzuki Tracker 4x4 convertible. It was probably the best all around vehicle I have ever owned...fun to drive, never got stuck ANYWHERE, stingy on the gas and an easy to maintain stylish interior(for the money). So in 2000, when Chevy introduced the Chevy Tracker 4dr 4x4...I just HAD to have it! It had an upgraded goodies package that raised the price to $21,000. I couldnt WAIT to turn that thing in when the lease was up, it was awful and nothing but problems! In 2005 I came across a used XL-7, took it for a test drive and fell in love all over again. It is everything I loved about the Sidekick in a bigger, beefier package! Sorry Chevy, but Suzuki wins this one hands down.

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  A good value - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By scharlap - May 28 - 10:00 am

  An inexpensive 7 seater.

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  NICE VALUE - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By blades1 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle really surprised me, great looks nice power and great price.