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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  2003 XL-7 - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Brownybros - December 5 - 2:00 am

  It feels very strong and mobile. It takes turns very well and the drive seat is comfortable and roomy.

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  Very good SUV!! Really happy with it! - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Dec - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Well I took the time and tested well known SUV like Nissan, Isuzu, Mitsubishi and others no so popular brands like Kia. Except the Isuzu(rodeo), all of them gave me a nice impression. After 2 months of testing My wife and I pick the Suzuki. It was the best value for the money; I like the ride, the power and the build quality. Really nice sound system also. The only reason why this car is cheaper than others is because of the name, Suzuki is not so popular. This car has better performance and offer more standard features for $10000 dollars less than the others. You can’t go wrong with this car!

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  Not Enough Horsepower - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Johnny Vero - November 17 - 4:50 pm

  I own an 05 XL-7. I like everything about the truck except, the gas millage is not good, considering that its a V6 with under 200 HP. It only gets 17 mpg city and 21 hwy. Also, it should come standard with a luggage rack, but does not. Other than that, its a good truck for the money.

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  Suzuki - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By pferraro - November 16 - 5:03 am

  Decent vehicle with good reliablty. Retained value over time is very poor however. Plan on keeping this vehicle, even if you acquired it for well under list price, as its trade in value is very low.

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  satisified - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By mamabare - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Good gas milage, just the right size for my family of 4. Handles well.

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  great buy - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By terryand tony - November 5 - 2:00 am

  one of the best vehicle i have owned.

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  Yeah baby! - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By bigmalik - October 17 - 10:00 am

  We purchased a fully-loaded XL-7 / Touring 4WD (show car, which had 7,000 miles on it). Got it at a really reasonable price. Nice on the road. Not really a gas drinker. Very fun to drive! Interested if Suzuki will ever make a soft-top version?! LOL!

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  Nice family SUV - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By sam - October 7 - 4:26 pm

  I have used Toyota vehicles till now. We were reluctant to buy Suzuki. But when we compared Highlander to Suzuki, the price won and we decided to try Suzuki XL-7. XL-7 has still not disappointed us at all. It has been reliable, no troubles at all. So far satisfied with its performance. We used it to tow when we recently moved and it was great. Nice SUV.

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  Excellent value - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Jonas - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I am very impressed thusfar with my vehicle. I previously owned a Toyota 4Runner and am quite happy with the Suzuki. The extra seat is wonderful for a growing family. I would like it a little wider but can live with it. However, I would not buy from Empire Suzuki in Montclair, CA. I encountered several problems with their dealership and dealing with these problems via their purported customer service was a most unpleasant and caustic experience. Fortunately, the vehicle makes up for it.

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  Better than expected - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Andrew Y - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Cheapest 7 seater SUV you can buy. It is actually a lot better than in most reviews. 3rd row seat is a bit tight but you can move the 2nd row seat forward while 2nd row being not too crammed. OK ride comfort but a little bumpy. Braking even with ABS could be improved (when compared with a sedan). I highly recommend the 2002 Touring model which comes with almost everything but alarm. Get the rear cargo net option. If you dont like SUVs but need an inexpensive 4WD wagon that seats 7, get this.