Suzuki XL-7
The Suzuki XL-7 (styled as XL7 for the second generation) is Suzuki's mid-sized SUV that was made from 1998 to 2009, over two generations. It was slotted above the Grand Vitara in Suzuki's lineup.
First generation (XL-7; 1998–2006)
The first-generation XL-7 was a Suzuki design and was essentially a stretched Grand Vitara. It had a Suzuki-designed 2.7-liter V6 on a rear wheel drive-based platform with optional four wheel drive. When introduced, the XL-7 was the least expensive SUV available with three-row seating in North America. The Suzuki XL-7 sold over 20,000 a year, and was awarded the Consumer's Digest Best Buy award. However, sales slowed as the vehicle age relative to the competition.
A unique trait in the U.S. market in this segment, the XL-7 was available with five-speed manual transmission, in both five- and seven-Seat variants.
Second generation (XL7; 2006–2009)
Introduced in November 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, built in Japan and shipped to CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, where the XL7 was assembled with the Equinox and Torrent, and also the second-generation Suzuki XL7 is Suzuki's second entry in the crossover SUV segment, after the second generation Suzuki Grand Vitara. Styling cues on the 2007 model include a chrome slotted grille and trapezoidal headlights.
