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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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By rey - December 20 - 1:10 pm

  I purchased my Suzuki Grand Vitara Xl-7 brand new in 2003.. I depend quite a bit on my vehicle for work and require a reliable vehicle that I know I can count on. this vehicle has been a great find and has surpassed my expectations. with over 100,000 miles I have yet to invest in any repairs or huge maintenance costs. good quality vehicle that you know you can count on for many years to come.

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  All good but the 4wd - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By giraffedan - December 11 - 3:49 pm

  It is overall very reliable, and works well. Power wen I need it, fuel efficient for its size when i baby it. 4wd on the other hand failed. My mom complained about the 4wd for years and mechanics said thats just how suzuki 4wds work. I finally brought it to the Suzuki dealership where they said the same thing. i asked them to just take a look. Their senior mechanic said he has never seen a 4wd fall apart like that. He said it would cost at least $800 just to take it apart and see what is wrong. Only other complaint is that the belt they used is too skinny so it squeaks every morning if it is under 40 degrees. If the 4wd still worked it would be a perfect car. Suggestions would be great

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  Good value for the price - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By gibby12 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Im also a Honda devotee who wanted more features for the money this time around - we have a CRV and wanted something similar but with a V-6 b/c of how dangerous it is to drive I-35 down here. You have to be able to punch it and MOVE! For the most part, were happy with this lil SUV.

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  A reliable car - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Amrit - October 10 - 6:13 am

  The 2005 Suzuki Xl-7 has a more modern design than the 03 or older. One of the reasons that I bought this car was because I also own a Suzuki Aerio in which I did not have any problems. I bought the XL-7 because the price is so much cheaper than a lot of other suvs out there on the road. The woodgrain on the dashboard adds a nice touch to the interior which is standard on every XL- 7 model. The car is easy and fun to drive. The third row seating comes very handy. Suzukis powertrain warranty (7 year/100,000 miles) makes you worry- free.

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  Finally an affordable 7 passenger SUV - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By mrandmrsj - September 27 - 2:00 am

  If you have a family with younger children , this is the SUV for you. You can seat 2 adults and 5 kids in this one. The leather seats (ex III 2wd) are a breeze to clean. Gas mileage is reasonable compared to other 7 passenger SUVs. Do not spend 30 or 40 thousand on a 7 passenger SUV/minivan without checking out the XL-7 first (especially if you have kids).

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  Great Deal - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By Dave - September 12 - 1:23 pm

  I bought my 7-passenger XL-7 a month ago and the only disappointments are the dumb reviews. This truck is great, not cheap looking inside and has much better 3rd row seats than the RAV4. I dont understand where these other reviews Ive seen are coming from. In all my research (and I did A LOT) I never came across anything about this vehicle being unreliable over the last 5 years, which is pretty darn good. It usually does not have any defects or people complaining about how they had to get this or that fixed as in MOST other consumer reviews. I mean give me a break, its nice inside, the woodgrain looks expensive, and it is comfortable...but probably not for larger people. I love mine, and I got it for a great price.

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  Awesome value! - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By xl7is4me - September 11 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought a brand new 04 XL7 EX3 fully loaded to haul our 2 kids around. All I can say is that Im surprised that it offered the same things as the Honda Pilot! Plus, the interior design is nicer, theres standard wood trim, and the leather is softer too. 185HP isnt a lot in the midsize class, but if you need basic transportation and dont need to tow youre absolutely fine. We recently took a 200 mile trip with our kids and a crowded trunk with luggage on the rooftop and I can safely say this car never ran out of breath. Im glad I found Suzuki!

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  My XL7 - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By Jay Sargeant - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Years ago I owned a Geo Tracker which up to that time was the best vehicle I ever owned. Of course it was a Suzuki. I am pleased to say that I love this XL7, and though Ive only had it a short time, I believe it will be a reliable, capable, and versatile car for years to come. We love all the standard equipment for the price, it drives and handles very well, and I particularly like the body-on-frame construction as opposed to a car-based unibody. I recommend this vehicle to everyone in the market for a small suv.

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  A terrific SUV at a bargain price - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By thunderofzion - September 10 - 8:06 pm

  A good looking, reliable, inexpensive, fun-to-drive SUV (with the 5 speed).

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  My thoughts after 20 months of ownership - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By Ms MD - September 7 - 2:00 am

  My husband purchased this XL7 For me new on 5-01 Price was my original strong motivation to buy. For twenty thousand it is a good deal.Only small details have been noticed. Such as the lack of useable arm rests,seeing and using the radio are not always easy. My husband is an aircraft enginieer. He on the other hand found other small problems that i never noticed. He advised me that the tires are shot after only 16000 miles. This is after two tire rotations. Also the defroster funtion is inadaqute when the vehicle is filled with passengers.Overall, Fully loaded four wheel drive still cant beat it for the price!