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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  NO MORE AMERICAN AUTOS 4 ME - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By mike tess - April 21 - 10:00 am

  after years of putting up with problem after problem with my ford taurus and ford expedition i totally give up with american cars, especially ford! i love this mini suv, a super great value, fully loaded, peppy engine, great looks, drives great, handles well, all around quality. well thought out. and you dont see one every other block

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  Great Deal on a 2004 XL-7 in the Calif. - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By dmgdgc - April 16 - 10:00 am

  We origianlly were going to buy a new 2003 xl-7 because of the 2000 rebate. with loan in hand at 4.89% and knowing we could get the 2003 model for 21,000 after rebate on carsdirect.com. We went to Green Valley Ford Suzuki in Fairfield California(Bay Area).We got a 2004 brand new for 20995 which is unheard of. They also matched our loan and got it at 3.99% Has all electric, cd with subwoofer and tweeters, rear air, seats 7 , mats, allow wheels, automatic w/overdrive, woodgrain interior, heated mirrors, keyless entry, and the 2004 models have a new clear tailights and a hard case for the rear tire.

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  Good deal - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By john - April 3 - 5:16 am

  Handles well and comfortable, 3 years 140000 miles and only have changed oil and brakes, gas mileage is less than expected, body control module quit early on and factory would not cover.

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  Great Little SUV - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By yorgibear - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a vehicle my wife picked out. I own a Silverado and love it, but I now prefer to drive this little 4X4. The fuel economy has been better than expected and my kids love the DVD/TV screen and sunroof. My wife loves the heated seats and the window locks. The on demand 4X4 is so much better than all-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive goes into gear on the fly (like my Chevy) and we both feel much safer transporting the kids to school and back. I am extremely surprised how well in handles and the freeway and the perky engine. So far we are very satified.

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  Different in Japan - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By Pajero - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Bought mine in Japan from a friend who recently divorced and needed the cash. Only 2300 miles on it at the time. Great SUV with luxury Helly Hansen package, (not available in US). CD/MD 7-speaker stereo system is outstanding. I drive very steep and long hills to teach English at several locations weekly. The 2.7 V-6 handles the hills without breaking a sweat. Great Ride! I love it.

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  XL7 - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By RM1541 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I own a 1996 Ford Explores XLT, fully equipped (leather, sunroof etc.)I am very happy with it. I believe in brand loyalty, when you receive good service and value, and Ford has delivered for me. I didnt know Suzuki had a larger sized SUV. For a minute there I though it was a customer vehicle! The XL7 is a great value. I bought the Limited, 3 rows, leather seats, excellent sound system, sun roof etc. I looked around, feature by feature, and there was no better value for the price I paid. Ive got close to 8,000 miles on it and I have no complaints!

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  NO Regrets - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Rob and Family - January 17 - 11:53 am

  Never considered a Suzuki until I test drove a friends. Couldnt believe the ride & creature comforts. Suzuki bent over backwards to to give the most for your money. My wife & I were looking at Rav 4 & Highlander but to get it equipped the way the Suzuki was equipped wouldve bumped the price well up into the mid 30s. The choice of Suzuki was a no brainer.

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  Best SUV for the money - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Fleeto - October 14 - 2:00 am

  The 04 XL7 is the best vehicle that I have ever purchased. I saw a loss- leader ad in the newspaper and decided to check it out. The 04 XL7 were on sale for 17,900. The dealer honored it and I got some fantastic financing and drove home with my new car. Since my insurance co considers a XL7 as a station wagon, my premium dropped by $400. I couldnt be happier.

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  Flawless Reliability - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By studiocraft1 - October 8 - 7:28 am

  Bought this car w/25000 miles on it, it has been perfect. I have Ex III model, all options ever made for this chassis. 4x4 is awesome, having the LOW range makes it a tru truck, that is why it rides a bit rough, dont care. I get 20mpg in the city and about 23hiway. How is that pooe mileage? It does weigh 3700 lbs, I can tow my boat and quad, have no issue w/engine power, it is quick and responsive. Leather is nice, a bit cramped sometimes. Now 78k, nothing done but tires, not even brakes!

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  This is the #1 SUV, it rocks. - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By Johnny - August 7 - 5:20 am

  I previously had a 2002 XL-7 in Puerto Rico. It was perfect. This new model is just as good. It is highly underrated. It is at a level equal or above Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Kia and all the other Japanese, American and European brands. It is reliable, sturdy, extremely safe and economical.