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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  2002 XL7 Limited - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By FlyinGN - April 17 - 10:00 am

  We researced for SUVs for about 8 months before we got the XL7 Limited. We wanted 3 seats, leather, sunroof, 4wd, not too big, not too small,and great build quility and comfort. The more we searched the more we found out that there really are not many choices if you did not want to spend over $30k.

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  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.

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  Great Value! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By s.h.c. - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Excellent quality, great value for the money. Fun to drive and rides very smoothly. If you are looking for a SUV with 3 rows of seat at a reasonable price (low $20K), definitely consider this SUV.

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

  Drives like a dream and a affordable price

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  Satisfied Customer - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Phil Dee - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Was looking for a smaller SUV that would move more than 5 people occasionally. This has worked just as we had expected. Its not built to be the big 7 passenger SUV - it works for a mix of adults & kids. The ride is great and the features more than adequate, all for a reasonable price! It might not be suitable for larger people, but its exactly what we were looking for.

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  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).

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  Limited - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Crig - February 21 - 2:00 am

  It Excellent if you have any brains you will invest in this pearl. Its a great buisness move and you will be happ with your descision.Even if you dont have the money Suzuki can fiance anyone.I have no regrets I would have got even if I didnt have the money. This is better than the Durango I know because I have one.

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  Very good SUV at a very affordable price - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By luis - February 1 - 2:26 pm

  I would recommend this SUV to anybody who’s looking for Mid-size SUV at a very affordable price. I own a 2003 Limited with 45000 miles already and haven’t had a single problem with it. You get a lot of options that would cost you about an extra $10,000 in other models like the Toyota Highlander. There are some inconvenient, lack of room between benches, or a bit noisy once it passes the 50 miles per hou. The 185 HP is not enough either, but its performance in general is very good , considering that the price you pay is in the low 20s . This SUV is been great off road or in the snow, as well as in very wet conditions.

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  tough suv - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By GDJ - January 22 - 2:00 am

  We shopped a long time before deciding on the XL-7 I had gone on the Edmonds site... earlier models seemed to be very reliable and I have had no problems. This is a handsome SUV that will impress when your in a snowy environment.

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  2006 XL7 My first SUV - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By Allisha - January 17 - 8:53 pm

  I just bought my XL7 less than a year ago, and the single CD player doesnt work, I have had my rotors "shaved" 2x, and my brake pads are completely wore down, and I am a very light braker! Im confused with the OD button on the side of my shifter. This was the last car on the lot that I saw but once I jumped in, I knew I wanted it. Not a big fan of the wood trim in the car, but it does have style and thats what grabbed my attention. The gas is gone quite fast, but overall I would definitely buy another one although Im having so many issues with this one. Its very reliable, and I trust the strength having my kids inside. I have filled this truck up with lots of people and lots of boxes.