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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  MY 2001 XL-7 Limited - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Paul.Fritz1 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this with 5K on it from the dealers owners wife who was also my sales person. Has been dead on reliable. No rattles except the emergency kit under the back floor. MPG is about 22 and runs just fine on regular. I actually have the limited but there is no limited mentioned in the list above. Really good in the Snow and just overall very nice.

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  Quite good SUV - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By frank fiore - December 26 - 11:16 pm

  Vehicle mostly used for short trips averaging under 10 miles (averaging 20 mpg) but around 26 mpg on the long range 65 mph or faster trips. The car has excellent fit and finish, nice interior, decent sound system (car is intermediate (not premium) trim package but cloth seats are fairly comfortable. We have had no (none, nada!) maintenance problems. Car was a rental for the first year of its life so we have been pleasantly surprised at its reliability since we bought it at 30000 miles. Excellent paint job, rubber door trim and doors close with a nice solid thump! V-6 engine very quiet once warmed up.

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  My suzuki X-L7 - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By crach - November 26 - 2:00 am

  The car runs smoothly on both highway and local roads. Is able to easily acellerate onto highways. Has no problem in snow, we had a bad winter last year one storm was over 30" our XL- 7 never got stuck. Gas milage could be better it gets around 15 miles/gallon around town, 19/gallon highway. Its had two recalls both were quickly repaired by the dealer. I love the ABS braking, its worked well on slippery rain slicked roads.

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  I love it! - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Sherri - November 20 - 7:46 pm

  I love this SUV! Ive had it a year and I still enjoy it. The only thing I dislike about it is the rear door. If someone parks to close to you, you cant open it, as it swings out instead of up.

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  Great Little SUV - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By jack wright - June 19 - 5:00 pm

  My Suzuki is the best 4WD SUV that money can buy. I bought it used with 10,000 miles on it and know have 50,000. It has a trailer hitch, factory, and pulls my motorcycle great even in the mountains. Its off road performance is excellent. The factory tires, Brigestones, are only fair and lasted 30,000 miles. I found a worthy cheap replacement Kumos at only $350.00 for four. Its reliability has been excellent.

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  Joy to drive - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Vernessa - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I have now had my XL 7 for about 2 months and love the ride. Very comfortable.

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  Could be better - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Lesley385 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Nice fully loaded SUV; however, too expensive when considering the poor gas mileage. Ive had one idiot run into the side of me and I barely felt a thing. He was going 45 mph when he hit, so if you have kids you can rest easy that theyll be safe.

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  Rough ride - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By ted armand - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Very disappointed with the ride, feels like I am riding in a wagon. You feel every bump in the road, even went as far as lowering air pressure in tires. Love everthing else about it.Maybe I should have bought a car.

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  A Real Surprise - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By jewelrylover - March 4 - 5:08 pm

  I have been driving this vehicle daily since August of 2002. Previous to this purchase, I only thought of Suzuki for motorcycles. This car has really outperformed any car I have owned. Snow, sleet, rain, high winds - no problem. Three sons have learned to drive in this car and they have put this car throughthe ringer, but it keeps going reliably. Although I have given thought recently to replace it with something smaller and brand new, I am hesitant that I will find as good and sturdy a vehicle. Vehicle has well over 100,000 miles.

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  my suzuki - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By pforstie - January 24 - 10:00 am

  its fun to drive