Suzuki XL7 Review

2008 Suzuki XL7 Limited SUV Shown

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. The largest Suzuki ever, the new model is 10 inches longer and 2 inches wider than before. Designed for the North American market, the latest Suzuki XL7 is based on partner GM's midsize crossover SUV platform, which means it bears some mechanical resemblance to vehicles like the Chevy Equinox. Compared to the old model, the new XL7 certainly looks and works 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, is still obviously meant for children only, like others in this class.

Current Suzuki XL7

Redesigned for 2007, the current Suzuki XL7 is a well-equipped, five- or seven-passenger midsize crossover SUV available in four trim levels: base XL7, Premium, Luxury and Limited. The Premium and Luxury models are available in either seating configuration, while the flagship XL7 Limited delivers standard seven-passenger capacity. (Note the name XL7; it was changed from XL-7 starting in 2007).

All models are available as front-wheel drive or with all-wheel drive for enhanced traction in slippery weather or on dirt trails. Motivation is provided by a Suzuki-built 3.6-liter V6 providing 252 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. Standard on all models is a five-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode.

The new Suzuki XL7 is the largest, most comfortable Suzuki SUV ever built, with a spacious, functional and refined interior. With deep footwells, the XL7 provides lots of room to stretch out. The second-row 60/40-split seats tumble forward for easy access to the third row, or fold completely flat. The optional 50/50-split-folding third-row seat can be folded flat as well for additional cargo-carrying room.

Included is a long list of standard features, including alloy wheels, security alarm, automatic climate control, privacy glass and a six-speaker CD stereo; seven-seaters also feature rear underfloor cargo storage and rear air-conditioning. The Premium trim adds little in the way of standard equipment, but unlike the base model, it can be equipped with the optional third-row seat. The loaded Luxury trim level adds leather, wood accents and heated front seats. To this, the Limited piles on foglamps, a rear spoiler, the third-row seat as standard and satellite-radio-ready audio with navigation and DVD entertainment.

The new XL7's unibody chassis features full-length underbody rails for added strength, and it provides carlike ride and reflexes on the pavement where it counts. In reviews, we've found that this SUV is easy to drive on a daily basis. The engine is powerful, handling is secure and maneuverability is good enough to ply the crowded streets for weekend errands. The model's main weakness is that it doesn't feel as refined in terms of ride quality and engine smoothness as some other midsize crossover SUVs.

Changes since the current XL7's debut include the elimination of the third-row option for base models in '08, which resulted in a slight price drop. The Premium trim level was also new for '08.

Past Suzuki XL-7 models

Suzuki introduced the all-new midsize 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.

SELECT A SPECIFIC SUZUKI XL7 MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.