Suzuki XL-7

Suzuki XL-7
Overview
Manufacturer	Suzuki (1998–2006) General Motors (2007–2009)
Production	1998–2009
Body and chassis
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive (1998–2006) Transverse front-engine, front-wheel-drive (2006–2009) all-wheel-drive (1998–2009)
Chronology
Successor	Chevrolet Captiva Chevrolet Equinox (North America)

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. The XL-7 (XL7) Is 18 inches longer than the Grand Vitara and adds a third row of seats. It was slotted above the Grand Vitara in Suzuki's lineup.

First generation (XL-7; 1998–2006)

See also: Suzuki Escudo (second generation)

First generation
Overview
Also called	Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 (Europe) Suzuki Grand Escudo XL-7 (Japan and Indonesia)
Production	1998–2006
Model years	1999–2006
Assembly	Japan: Hiroshima Indonesia: Bekasi (Suzuki Indonesia)
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Related	Suzuki Escudo
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L V6 (Indonesia) 2.7 L V6
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	110.2 in (2,799 mm)
Length	187.4 in (4,760 mm) (2002–06) 183.6 in (4,663 mm) (1998-01)
Width	70.1 in (1,781 mm)
Height	68.0 in (1,727 mm) 67.5 in (1,714 mm)

The first-generation 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. 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 100,000 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.

1999–2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 (JA; Australia)

2004 Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 (UK)

Suzuki Grand Escudo (Japan)

Second generation (XL7; 2006–2009)

Second generation (Suzuki XL7)
Overview
Production	2006–2009
Model years	2007–2009
Assembly	Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada
Body and chassis
Class	Mid-size crossover SUV
Layout	Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Platform	GM Theta platform/GMT193
Related	Chevrolet Equinox Pontiac Torrent Saturn Vue
Powertrain
Engine	3.6 L N36A V6
Transmission	5-speed manual 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	112.4 in (2,855 mm)
Length	197.2 in (5,009 mm)
Width	72.2 in (1,834 mm)
Height	68.9 in (1,750 mm)

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 with the Equinox and Torrent. Styling cues on the 2007 model include a chrome slotted grille and trapezoidal headlights.

Suzuki XL7 of Nobuhiro Tajima at the 2007 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb during the record breaking run

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.