Suzuki · 1998–2009

Suzuki XL-7

The Suzuki XL-7 (styled as XL7 for the second generation) is a mid-size SUV sold by Suzuki from 1998 to 2009, over two generations. Slotted above the Grand Vitara in Suzuki's lineup, the XL-7 offered three-row seating. XL-7 stands for "Xtra Large 7-seater".

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7

All Suzuki XL-7 data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

First generation (XL-7; 1998)

The first-generation Grand Vitara XL-7 or just XL-7 was a Suzuki design, had a body-on-frame construction, and was essentially a stretched Grand Vitara. The North American version had a Suzuki-designed 2.5- or 2.7-liter V6 engine, on a rear-wheel drive-based platform with optional four-wheel drive. Beginning in 2003, European versions were also available with a 2.0-liter Peugeot turbodiesel engine producing 109 PS (80 kW). A unique trait in the US market in this segment was that the XL-7 was available with a five-speed manual transmission, in both five- and seven-seat variants. When introduced, the XL-7 was the least expensive SUV available with three-row seating in North America. It was awarded the Consumers Digest "Best Buy" award. However, sales slowed as the vehicle aged relative to the competition. In Thailand, the Grand Vitara XL-7 was Imported by Siam International Corporation Co. Ltd. on 2002. In Indonesia, the Grand Escudo XL-7 was launched on July 19, 2003, at the 12th Gaikindo Auto Expo.

Second generation (XL7; 2006)

Introduced on November 22, 2006, Suzuki partnered with General Motors to build the 2007 model year version, now called XL7 (without the hyphen). It used the same unibody platform and many of the same components as the Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent, Saturn Vue and Opel Antara but incorporated third-row seating exclusive to the Suzuki. The second generation model used a version of the GM High Feature engine – designated N36A by Suzuki – built in Japan and shipped to CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, where the XL7 was assembled alongside the Equinox and Torrent. Styling cues on the 2007 model include a chrome slotted grille and trapezoidal headlights. It no longer has the spare tire mounted on the rear door. From its introduction in 2007 until its discontinuation in 2009, the second-generation Suzuki XL7 was available in five trim levels: Base (2007-08 only), Special (2007 only), Premium (2008-2009 only), Luxury (2007-2009), and Limited (2007-2009). Depending upon the trim level selected, both two-row, five-passenger seating and XL7 specific three-row, seven-passenger seating were available (the related Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent did not offer third-row seating as an option). All XL7s came decently equipped, and depending upon the trim level selected, could be equipped with options such as a premium audio system with a subwoofer and an amplifier, faux wood interior trim, luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces with power-adjustable and heated dual front bucket seats, remote start, a security system, chrome-clad aluminum-alloy wheels, a power sunroof, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system (2009 models only), a single-disc, CD/MP3 player audio system, a six-disc, in-dash CD/MP3 changer audio system, a touchscreen GPS navigation system with SiriusXM

Sales

== Other versions == The XL7 nameplate was revived in 2020 for a mechanically unrelated crossover-inspired derivative of the second-generation Ertiga multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Suzuki XL-7
Manufacturer: Suzuki (1998–2006), General Motors (2006–2009)
Production: 1998–2009
Class: Full-size SUV (1998–2006), Mid-size crossover SUV (2006–2009)
Body style: 5-door SUV
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1998–2006), Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (2006–2009), Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (1998–2009)
Successor: Chevrolet Captiva, Chevrolet Equinox (North America)

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1374737CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_XL-7CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1372296812 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Suzuki_XL7_--_08-28-2009.jpgPublic domain · Photo: IFCAR · retrieved 2026-10-01
Manufacturer website (link only) — https://web.archive.org/web/20080430134000/http://www.suzukiauto.com/xl7/Link only; no content copied · retrieved 2026-10-01
Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.