Suzuki XL7 SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
Inspired by the idea that 7 passenger seating didn't have to mean having a full size SUV, the Suzuki XL7 attempted to offer a little something to everyone. Full size SUV ownership often means a high fueling budget and difficulties in maneuvering through the urban world. While the Suzuki XL7 had the right idea, there were some serious flaws that held it back from making it as popular as it could have been. The vehicle manufacturer was striving for quality and fair pricing for all of its vehicles. A modern design like this one required modern thinking.
The principle of the Suzuki XL7 was definitely on the money. The trouble came down to the execution of the idea. The truck based design did not fit the overall picture well enough to create the space that was necessary and maintain a high quality vehicle. Putting in the third row of seats to accommodate a larger crowd only managed to take up essential space since the third row was too small for most people to be able to fit into reasonably. Small children could fit, but small children grow quickly.
The design problems with the Suzuki XL7 led to a cabin interior that was really too small all the way around. Since the interior was crafted from low quality plastics and other low quality materials, most consumers felt the need to resist being inside the cabin for very long at all. If the design quality wasn't enough of an issue the release of the XL7 came at a time when the midsize SUV and crossovers were actually upscaling their look and their interior.
When the second generation Suzuki XL7 came out there had obviously been a lot of rethinking and redesigning. From 2007 and on the design quality improved. Adding about 10 inches to the overall length and widening the body by 2 inches gave the designers enough real world room to come up with a much better model. The XL-7 became the XL7.
On the much improved second generation Suzuki XL7 the third row seats became optional. This allowed consumers to determine what was really best for their needs overall. With three different trims and the 6 speed automatic transmission for each and every trim, the public once again gained some interest. The 3.6 liter V6 engine offered a more powerful 252 horsepower with 243 pounds of torque.
There were certainly features that were of much higher quality and much better design on the new and improved Suzuki XL7. Alloy wheels, rear air conditioning, security alarm, automatic climate control, six speakers for the CD player/stereo, and privacy glass made the XL7 much more interesting and a much easier sell. By using quality materials and widening the wheel base the larger interior was attractive rather than pieced together from a childhood drawing.
The addition of things like the unibody undercarriage performed admirably. With a smooth ride and a genuine feel for the road the Suzuki XL7 made a very nice comeback. Thanks to the redesign and the structural underpinnings it was now even capable of handling many of the fun off road adventures that so many were hoping for.
The principle of the Suzuki XL7 was definitely on the money. The trouble came down to the execution of the idea. The truck based design did not fit the overall picture well enough to create the space that was necessary and maintain a high quality vehicle. Putting in the third row of seats to accommodate a larger crowd only managed to take up essential space since the third row was too small for most people to be able to fit into reasonably. Small children could fit, but small children grow quickly.
The design problems with the Suzuki XL7 led to a cabin interior that was really too small all the way around. Since the interior was crafted from low quality plastics and other low quality materials, most consumers felt the need to resist being inside the cabin for very long at all. If the design quality wasn't enough of an issue the release of the XL7 came at a time when the midsize SUV and crossovers were actually upscaling their look and their interior.
When the second generation Suzuki XL7 came out there had obviously been a lot of rethinking and redesigning. From 2007 and on the design quality improved. Adding about 10 inches to the overall length and widening the body by 2 inches gave the designers enough real world room to come up with a much better model. The XL-7 became the XL7.
On the much improved second generation Suzuki XL7 the third row seats became optional. This allowed consumers to determine what was really best for their needs overall. With three different trims and the 6 speed automatic transmission for each and every trim, the public once again gained some interest. The 3.6 liter V6 engine offered a more powerful 252 horsepower with 243 pounds of torque.
There were certainly features that were of much higher quality and much better design on the new and improved Suzuki XL7. Alloy wheels, rear air conditioning, security alarm, automatic climate control, six speakers for the CD player/stereo, and privacy glass made the XL7 much more interesting and a much easier sell. By using quality materials and widening the wheel base the larger interior was attractive rather than pieced together from a childhood drawing.
The addition of things like the unibody undercarriage performed admirably. With a smooth ride and a genuine feel for the road the Suzuki XL7 made a very nice comeback. Thanks to the redesign and the structural underpinnings it was now even capable of handling many of the fun off road adventures that so many were hoping for.
I own a 2007 and it is a piece of junk! Take my advice and don't buy one, and if you can, get rid of it as soon as possible!
im sry to hear the 07 was junk i have an o4 and love it and was considering getting a new one hopefully the 11s are as good as my old one
I own an 08 with seating for 7 and we love it the grand kids love the back seat and it has cup holders in the very back as well as outlets to charge their game boys.We tow two 4 wheelers in the mountains and have taken it on some pretty rough terrain and it handles really well and in the city it zips around, fun to drive. I would how ever make sure it comes with a rear back up camera. lots of blind spots and it's hard to see neighbor kids on bikes.
I have a 2007 Luxury trim. Its awesome. I would buy another one any day.
I have an 08 and I love it!!! I had a Pontiac Torrent that I traded in for my XL7 and I have never regretted it for a minute. I have never had one ounce of trouble in the snow. It actually drives like a tank. I live in Ohio and I have driven my XL7 to Daytona Beach, FL 3 times. I get great gas mileage considering the size of the suv. I do regret not getting the third row seating, but the storage space that I have is amazing. My next car will definiatly be the newest XL7 out and I will get the third row seats this time.
I too have a XL7 2008 & enjoy driving with family & friends. A good SUV.
I had a suzuki grand vitara 1999 and now I get the 2003 XL7. And I love it.drive good and very comfort able.
I got 2008 XL7 with the third row of seats and we LOVE it!!!!!!!!!! We bought it the day before a major snow storm and it is awesome!!!!! Handles great, it even gives you warnings for possible ice!