Production 1998–2009 | ||
 | ||
Manufacturer Suzuki (1998–2006)
CAMI Automotive
General Motors (2006–2009) | ||
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.
Contents
First generation (XL-7; 1998–2006)
The first-generation XL-7 was a Suzuki design 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. The UK version was also available with a 2.0-liter diesel engine, made by various manufacturers including Peugeot.
A unique trait in the US market in this segment, the XL-7 was available with 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 sold over 20,000 a year in the US, and was awarded the Consumers Digest "Best Buy" award. However, sales slowed as the vehicle aged relative to the competition.
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—designated N36A by Suzuki—built in Japan and shipped to CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, where the XL7 was assembled with the Equinox and Torrent. Styling cues on the 2007 model include a chrome slotted grille and trapezoidal headlights.
In May 2009, Suzuki halted production of the XL7 indefinitely due to low demand. Through May 10, 2009, CAMI Automotive Inc. had only produced four XL7s for Suzuki after producing more than 12,000 units the previous year.