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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  XL-7 Me! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By Barrington Bum - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle for the money! Downsizing from an Expedition, the size difference was our biggest adjustment, but the features and performance have won us over - and the rear windows go all the way down! "Value engineering" is evident in some places, but tolerable so far.

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  Not very pump friendly - 2006 Suzuki XL-7
  By binkys4deep - July 30 - 8:16 pm

  Im not very in love with how fast the gas seems to go in my XL-7. And not only that, I had trouble with my air conditioning not even a whole year after buying it. My CD player is not working too well at this point. Things just seem to be going wrong while only having it less than two years But at least most things are still under warranty. But who wants to have to get things worked on so soon? It served its purpose when I first got it, because I needed something that seated seven. And now that I dont need the space, I feel stuck because at this point, the car is only worth about half of what I still owe!

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  Best Kept Secret - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Great Truck - July 25 - 7:53 am

  Best kept SUV secret. Great quality and perfect for anyone looking for a mid size suv. Just enough room. If you dont need seven passenger seating skip the third row. Great value.

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  My baby - 2001 Suzuki XL-7
  By jentomko - July 22 - 7:50 am

  I owned this vehicle for about 2 years, and I didnt realize just what a wonderful suv I had until I sold it. I have been searching for another suv ever since then, and nothing compares. I just cant find ANYTHING that even begins to compare to the this vehicle. I am serious. I never realized just how much I truly loved it until it was gone.

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  XL7 Touring - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By G. Kimzey - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Excellent overall. Good power and mileage. We use it for touring, back road 4wd. It is towed behind our motorhome. Off road and on road, it is easy to handle. We are amazed at where we have taken it in 4wd.A truly great all round suv. Will buy another when this one is several years old. Reliability is unsurpassed as is the quality. An excellent buy.

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  Great truck for the $$$! - 2002 Suzuki XL-7
  By imadad1st - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Suzuki truck, and am expecting a similarly positive experience with this one. The features vs. cost of this truck far exceeded anything else I was considering. My truck had only 2 defects so far, requiring a wheel alignment, and replacement of the transfer lever.

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  Good but could be better - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By plazmaman - June 8 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is really fun to drive and looks great too. All around solid vehicle makes it a super value. The creature comforts in the Limited are nicely done and the third row seats are great to pack in a few more rugrats.

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  First Suzuki - 2003 Suzuki XL-7
  By 4u2nv - May 22 - 2:00 am

  First time Suzuki owner. It has plenty of power and is fun to drive. Only been back to the dealer for a seat belt replacement. Would not retract. Lots of snow in this area. No problem with this baby getting around. Shift to 4 wheel on the fly is super. Would buy another one in a minute.

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  Beautifully done for a cute ute - 2004 Suzuki XL-7
  By CD Ottawa, Canada - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Does everything well: handles, rides, easy to drive, hauls, pulls. Pricing is though to beat. Tried many others, but this one fitted like a glove. RPM too high at highway speed though engine is smooth and quiet. Good quality fabrics and plastics. Dont have 3rd row therefore 2nd row should slide rearward a bit more. A bit too thursty for a small V6. Hatchdoor swings on the wrong side, should have lift glass to compensate. GOOD ventilation. Truly civilized for an offroader. Not the vehicule your neighbours will apreciate but boy you sure will.

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  Good SUV But Needs Some Refinement - 2005 Suzuki XL-7
  By Samuel B - May 4 - 11:10 pm

  As one previous reviewer noted, the Suzuki XL7 is one of the best kept secrets in SUVs. I purchased mine fully loaded for almost $5K less than the sticker price. It is a very comfortable car to drive and hasnt given me any problems yet, but the engine is only adequate and gas mileage is poor. Some of the features on the XL7 leave a lot to be desired as well. You need an engineering degree to figure out how to fold down the center seat, and the steering wheel mounted auio controls are so inconvenient that its easier to reach over to the radio.