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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  cheapest best 4x4 around - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By LovemySuzuki - October 17 - 8:14 am

  Its awesome on 4 wheel drive roads if you get rid of the car tires and get some all terrain tires

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  Affordable, Comfortable, and Stylish - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By sandersfan20 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I used to have a 2000 Taurus, but it had to go. I needed more room. I traded it in and thanks to a dealer incentive lost no equity on an already reasonably priced vehicle. I really wasnt sure what to expect but so far at 4200 miles I am still very happy with my purchase. I opted for the automatic and no 3rd seat. The cargo room is great and no stoplight shifting for me. If you have more money than brains like most Americans, you need to spend 30K on an overpriced SUV. If you want results for a reasonable price, then I reccommend the Suzuki XL-7.

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  Flexible SUV for the Price - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Jake - October 8 - 5:56 pm

  This SUV can be found with lots of factory rebates if youre patient, resulting in a really good deal. It has lots of interior flexibility since the rear seats can move and be folded down for extra cargo space. This is the only small-med size SUV I could find that had enough cargo room behind the second row seat to fit my two large dogs. Only a minivan could do the job better, and I needed 4WD. The only minivan with AWD anymore is the Toyota Sienna, which I plain couldnt afford.

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  GOOD CHOICE - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Luis A.Sara - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Its a good choice because cover my family needs. I dont like vans & mini vans and my wife use it to pick up & drop my kids to school. It has nice handling and very good engine. I like this SUV.

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  Its fun to drive - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Don - September 24 - 1:40 am

  My 2005 Suzuki XL-7 is fun to drive. It has good handling in city traffic. The drivers seat is not made for long drives though. Wind noise over 65 MPH makes the radio useless. Also, they used too much cheap plastic in the interior. It has easy entry and I like the door handles, which work well. I like the looks of the vehicle too. The engine really makes noise (runs fast) when started in cold weather and this continues until it is warmed up. I had this issue checked out and supposedly thats the way the engine is on all models.

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  my suzuki xl-7 - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By jsweets - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I love my xl-7!!It is fun and my kids love having the third seat. we now have room for my kids friends and my kids love the rear air-conditioning, before they would be hot in the back while the grown-ups would be cool in the front. I feel like a million bucks when driving my sporty yet practical suv!!

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  8 YEARS AND NOT ONE REPAIR.... - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By et2011 - August 15 - 1:05 am

  8 YEARS AND NOT ONE REPAIR....I have had this SUV since 2003 - I have not had one repair other than wear and tear items like breaks, wipers, bulbs, and oil changes. This SUV has been the BEST car ever. Its 4WD gets you through the tough winters...the only thing the SUV lacks is the comfort and luxury. It now has $122K on it...I am ready for something new....I wish the new ones had a comfortable seat...and came standard with more of the luxury items...

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  Owning a XL 7 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Lippy - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I have had so many compliments on this Vehicle, hour nice looking it is how sharp it looks, the sound system, the price etc. I thought driving a SUV would be like driving a bus, however it is easy to handle and has a smooth ride. I am very happy with the vehicle.

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  Harolds XL& - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Harold Rood - June 16 - 12:20 am

  For the most part my ownership experience has been very positive. Second Suzuki that we have owned, had such good luck with first one that we went back for another. Folding 2nd row rear seats a little cumbersome and dont fold as flat as I would like. My vehicle does not have 3rd row seating, so I cant comment on those. Comfortable to drive and has relatively good performance.

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  227,000 miles and still kicking - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By cmerrell - June 10 - 7:56 am

  Car is excellent, it just keeps going even after 227,000+ miles.The ride is smooth and quiet. I keep running into owners with the same year and model and theyre all boasting high mileage with little problems. 100,000 miles ago I had a problem with one side of the catalytic converter. The cost, $900, never got the other side done. Other repairs:power windows, a heating element, freon for the AC. I never had a tuneup, transmission flush, or any maintenance, just regular oil changes. The only thing I dont like is the 17/20/mpg cost because I drive an average of 20,000 miles a year, there is no icon that reminds you gas is low (ran out several times), and now a slow oil leak -2qts a month.