2001-2006 Suzuki XL-7: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2001-2006 Suzuki XL-7 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Cargo room
Cons
- Acceleration
- Steering/handling
- Noise
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced during the 2001 model year, Suzuki's newest and biggest midsize sport-utility vehicle was basically the compact Grand Vitara wagon, with a 12.6 inch longer wheelbase and 19.1 inches of added length. Capable of seating seven passengers, the XL-7 used a larger version of the Grand Vitara's V6. Manual and automatic transmissions were available. The XL-7 came with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Its 4WD system had to be disengaged on dry pavement, but included low-range gearing. Four models were offered: Standard, Plus, Touring, and Limited. Antilock braking was standard on Touring and Limited models. Roof rails could hold 100 pounds of cargo. Measuring 183.7 inches overall, the XL-7 was 10 inches longer than a Ford Escape and 6 inches longer than Honda's CR-V. According to Suzuki, rear doors were 8 inches wider at the base and a foot wider at the top, compared to other SUVs in this class. Second-row seats adjusted fore and aft. With second- and third-row seats down, cargo volume totaled 73 cubic feet. A full-size spare tire was mounted on the back door. Standard equipment included air conditioning, keyless remote entry, power windows/locks/mirrors, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, and rear wiper/washer. The Plus model added rear air conditioning, 16-inch aluminum wheels, and an in-dash CD player. Touring editions got a sunroof, fog lamps, and a rear spoiler. Leather upholstery and running boards were included with the Limited. Competitors included such midsize models as the Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota Highlander.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Suzuki XL-7 4WD w/automatic transmission Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 41 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2001-2006 Suzuki XL-7. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2001-2006 Suzuki XL-7.
Year to Year Changes
2002 Suzuki XL-7:
More power and revised equipment were the big changes for 2002. The XL-7's V6 engine gained 13 horsepower. A LATCH rear child-seat anchor system was installed. For 2002, the Standard model switched to five-passenger seating, losing its third-row seat. Other versions stuck with seven-passenger seating. Standard and Plus 4WD models now came with antilock braking, and all 4WD versions gained heated door mirrors. The XL-7 Limited added a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, woodgrain plastic console trim, and optional heated front seats.
2003 Suzuki XL-7:
Standard and Plus models were dropped for 2003, leaving only Touring and Limited editions. Five-passenger seating was standard, with a third-row seat optional, including rear air conditioning.
2004 Suzuki XL-7:
The 4-speed automatic was upgraded to a 5-speed unit and the model lineup was trimmed to just the LX and EX.
2005 Suzuki XL-7:
Suzuki's midsize SUV gets a tire-pressure monitor and new model names for 2005. XL-7 is basically a stretched version of Suzuki's compact Grand Vitara, with a 12.6-inch-longer wheelbase, 22.9 inches of added length, and a larger 2.7-liter V6.
2006 Suzuki XL-7:
There were no changes for the 2006 XL-7.
Our road test for the 2001-2006 Suzuki XL-7 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2001-2006 Suzuki XL-7 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2001-2006 Suzuki XL-7 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Suzuki's biggest SUV falls short of its midsize SUV competition in several areas. Test Touring 4x4s accelerated 0-60 mph in 9.7 seconds with a manual transmission, and around 11.5 seconds with automatic. An XL-7 also suffers from labored passing power. Low-range gearing is a bonus off-road, but nearly every rival offers more convenient 4WD that's usable on dry pavement. With 4-speed automatic and 4WD, a test XL-7 averaged 18.8 mpg, helped by plenty of highway miles. A 5-speed auto EX averaged just 15.4 mpg. The manual-shift version returned 17.1 mpg in mostly city driving, and 20.8 mpg in combined city/highway motoring. Despite having one of the longer midsize SUV wheelbases, the XL-7's ride is mostly stiff and nervous. The suspension copes well with pavement breaks, but sharp bumps register and some bounding and pitching occur over large dips and crests. Aggressive cornering induces less noseplow than on many front-drive SUVs, but grip is modest, body lean significant, and steering rather numb. Even with ABS, brakes feel mushy and slightly weak in simulated panic stops, which aren't super-short, either. Noise can be wearing except in gentle driving, with marked highway wind roar and considerable tire drone on most surfaces. The engine is strained and noisy in the high rpm operation that's required for best performance. Instruments and controls are clear, simple and handy, but 4WD engages via a console-mounted lever rather than the dashboard switch used by most rivals. Cabin materials and finish are disappointing, even at the XL-7s modest prices. Front head room is fine for six-footers, but leg space ranks only as adequate. The narrow cabin limits hip and shoulder room, and feels small. Seat cushions are too short for good leg support. Step-up is a bit high, though class-normal. Visibility is satisfactory, and better with the third-row headrests removed. Adults have good head room in the second row, but the seat is hard, narrow for three, and offers little leg room if it's shoved forward to provide knee clearance in the third row. Rear-door thresholds are narrow enough to trip feet. Third-row space is adequate, without pushing second-row seats back. But entry/exit is a squeeze. Cargo space is narrower than in other midsize SUVs, so wide items will not fit. Volume is class-average, even with both rear seats down. Only grocery-bag space is available behind the 50/50 third-row seat. Folding the 60/40 second-row seat is an ordeal of cryptic diagrams and puzzling levers. Door map pockets are hard to access.
Value for the Money
Prices might have seemed attractive when the XL-7 was new, but these SUV's were no bargain given their subpar refinement, labored acceleration, stiff and nervous ride, poor handling, and antiquated 4WD system. Basically, this is a mediocre compact SUV, stretched to become a mediocre midsize SUV, with a cramped third-row seat of questionable usefulness being its sole asset.
Prices might have seemed attractive when the XL-7 was new, but these SUV's were no bargain given their subpar refinement, labored acceleration, stiff and nervous ride, poor handling, and antiquated 4WD system. Basically, this is a mediocre compact SUV, stretched to become a mediocre midsize SUV, with a cramped third-row seat of questionable usefulness being its sole asset.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Suzuki XL-7 4WD w/automatic transmission Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 41 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Suzuki XL-7 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Suzuki XL-7 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Engine noise:
Lifters drain down (collapse) after cold soak causing ticking noise from 2.0L engine briefly after startup and, if running the engine for 20 minutes at 2,000 rpm does not clear up the problem, lifters must be replaced. (2001-03)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $575 |
| Alternator | $355 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,425 |
| Brakes | $490 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $410 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,405 |
| Exhaust System | $405 |
| Radiator | $645 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,240 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $400 |
Our price chart for this generation Suzuki XL-7 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2006 | |||
| XL-7 2WD | $10,800-12,500 | $9,700-11,300 | $5,800-6,800 |
| XL-7 4WD | $12,000-13,500 | $10,800-12,200 | $6,700-7,600 |
| 2005 | |||
| XL-7 2WD | $9,000-10,500 | $8,100-9,500 | $4,700-5,500 |
| XL-7 4WD | $10,200-11,800 | $9,200-10,600 | $5,300-6,100 |
| 2004 | |||
| XL-7 2WD | $7,500-8,800 | $6,800-7,900 | $3,800-4,400 |
| XL-7 4WD | $8,600-10,000 | $7,700-9,000 | $4,500-5,200 |
| 2003 | |||
| XL-7 2WD | $6,200-7,200 | $5,400-6,300 | $2,700-3,100 |
| XL-7 4WD | $7,200-8,200 | $6,400-7,300 | $3,500-4,000 |
| 2002 | |||
| XL-7 2WD | $4,800-6,000 | $4,000-5,000 | $1,800-2,300 |
| XL-7 4WD | $5,700-6,900 | $4,900-5,900 | $2,300-2,800 |
| 2001 | |||
| XL-7 2WD | $3,800-5,300 | $3,100-4,300 | $1,200-1,600 |
| XL-7 4WD | $4,700-6,000 | $3,900-5,000 | $1,800-2,300 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Suzuki XL-7 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 110.2 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 183.6 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.1 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.0 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3682 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 73.0 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.9 | |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39,2 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.4 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Suzuki's 2.7-liter dual-overhead-cam V6 engine produced 170 horsepower in 2001, rising to 183 hp in 2002-03. Initially, either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission could be installed, with rear-drive or four-wheel driver. In 2004, the automatic was upgraded to a 5-speed unit.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 2.7 / 167 | 170-183 | 178-180 | 5-speed manual: 17/20 4-speed automatic: 17/20 5-speed automatic: 17/22 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 18.8 5-speed automatic: 15.4 |
|
With 2WD, the EPA rating was 18/20 mpg. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Suzuki XL-7 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2001-2006 Suzuki XL-7 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2001-04 XL-7:
The accelerator cap may be faulty causing the accelerator cable to fray, resulting in the gas pedal possible sticking. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2001-06 XL-7 w/16-inch wheels:
Front brake discs may break under severe driving conditions.
2002-03 XL-7:
Windshield may not be properly secured to the vehicle body and may separate during a crash, increasing the risk of severe injury or death. Vehicles with this problem will either be repaired, or will be replaced.
2003 XL-7:
The ignition fuse might blow if the ignition system wiring harness is in the wrong position, casing the engine to stall. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
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