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2009
Suzuki XL7

Starts at:
$25,595
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New 2009 Suzuki XL7
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • FWD 4dr Premium
    Starts at
    $25,595
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • FWD 4dr Luxury
    Starts at
    $27,179
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • AWD 4dr Premium
    Starts at
    $27,245
    16 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • FWD 4dr Limited w/Navigation
    Starts at
    $28,030
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • FWD 4dr Limited w/Navigation & DVD
    Starts at
    $28,330
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • AWD 4dr Luxury
    Starts at
    $28,829
    16 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • AWD 4dr Limited w/Navigation
    Starts at
    $29,680
    16 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • AWD 4dr Limited w/Navigation & DVD
    Starts at
    $29,980
    16 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7 2009 Suzuki XL7

Notable features

Seats seven
New six-speed automatic
Standard electronic stability system
Side curtain airbags
Optional remote starter
FWD or AWD
Five-passenger version dropped

The good & the bad

The good

Ride quality
Front-seat comfort
Quiet cabin
Seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty

The bad

Small rear windows limit visibility
Headache-inducing new-car smell
Second-row seats don't slide fore/aft
No power front passenger seat

Expert 2009 Suzuki XL7 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Sherrice Gilsbach
Full article
our expert's take


Suzuki has a little more work to do on its 2009 XL7, but the SUV does have its good points. The interior is sleek and shiny, with supportive leather-trimmed seats. The third row is no joke, with full-size seats, cupholders and plenty of legroom. When the third row is folded down, the cargo space is simply amazing. At one point, I had to climb into the far reaches of the cargo area to adjust some of my more precious grocery bags. The exterior is cute, too, with large headlights and taillights for a unique look.

Here’s the “however”: The XL7 is lacking when it comes to performance. Despite a new six-speed automatic transmission and a 252-horsepower V-6 engine, the gas pedal seemed to have two settings, slow and haul-booty, with no comfortable middle ground. The noise coming from under the hood was more clattery and hollow than full-bodied and powerful-sounding. Gas mileage was average at best, getting 16/23 mpg city/highway. On the safety front, the XL7 didn’t score well in some crash tests, which is a deal-breaker as far as this mom is concerned.

Exterior

Suzuki deserves ample credit for creating a signature look with the XL7; it stands out in the sea of all-too-similar-looking SUVs we’re bombarded with today. Sharply angled headlights and a shiny chrome grille will grab your attention, even if the large, black-plastic front bumper leaves you wondering about that particular choice.

From the side, the Suzuki XL7 has the qualities we love in SUVs, like a good height and chunky tires. I enjoyed the privacy glass on the XL7 because nobody needs to peep in and see how much junk my family cruises with in the car. I did feel that the third-row windows got ripped off a little, though, because they end abruptly.

The rear of the XL7 was dull. Boxy and dull. The taillights are big, a feature I usually enjoy, but the hatch door is so large it makes them seem small and totally pushed off to the side. They looked like an afterthought.

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Some

Interior

The interior in the XL7 was classy-looking. The driver’s seat was ample, comfy and leather-trimmed; it had eight lovely buttons for seat adjustments. I have to explain what I mean by ample: Some cars have seats that are lightweight and rather skimpy; they just don’t feel like they can support you. The XL7’s seats, including the third row, are substantial and thick-feeling, which is always a good indicator of an automaker taking its customers’ needs into consideration.

The XL7 Luxury trim level I tested didn’t include the navigation system, which I missed. Even without it, though, the center stack was stylish. I loved the simulated-wood-grain accent in the gearshift and dash. The power-window buttons threw me for a loop because they were located just beneath the center stack. I kept looking for them on the door, which almost created an embarrassing drive-thru emergency!

Back in row numero dos, my muchachos enjoyed a stable-feeling ride in seats that suited their booster seats with easy-to-use Latch connectors. As always, there was a climb to get into this SUV, but once settled everyone was happy. I pointed out the second row’s armrest with hidden cupholders, which my boys quickly pushed back up into place. I’ll never understand why my kids aren’t impressed with backseat armrests. Do your kids use the armrest? Our booster seats include cupholders, so they never really use the car’s cupholders, but please don’t tell anyone I let that slip! Shhhhh!

I was able to access the third row fairly easily by folding down the second row. As I mentioned, I was impressed that Suzuki was able to carry the same level of interior quality all the way through the SUV. Occasionally, pop-up third rows seem like something the car manufacturer tossed in after the fact. Not so with the XL7 – this third row was made to be used.

The cargo area in the XL7 gives you tons of space; you’ll never have to think twice about picking up an oversized item from Home Depot or your favorite antique shop. I don’t know about you, but I always appreciate it when a car gives me that do-it-yourself confidence.

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Galore

Safety

The Suzuki XL7 scored a five-star rating in crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, it received a Marginal score in rear crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The XL7 came with four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist, front- and side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags for all three rows, stability control with anti-roll control, and traction control.

FAMILY LIFESTAGE

In Diapers: There’s plenty of room for rear-facing child-safety seats.

In School: Most kids – just not mine – will like the backseat’s armrest with convenient cupholders.

Teens: There’s tons of legroom in the second and third rows.

2009 Suzuki XL7 review: Our expert's take
By Sherrice Gilsbach


Suzuki has a little more work to do on its 2009 XL7, but the SUV does have its good points. The interior is sleek and shiny, with supportive leather-trimmed seats. The third row is no joke, with full-size seats, cupholders and plenty of legroom. When the third row is folded down, the cargo space is simply amazing. At one point, I had to climb into the far reaches of the cargo area to adjust some of my more precious grocery bags. The exterior is cute, too, with large headlights and taillights for a unique look.

Here’s the “however”: The XL7 is lacking when it comes to performance. Despite a new six-speed automatic transmission and a 252-horsepower V-6 engine, the gas pedal seemed to have two settings, slow and haul-booty, with no comfortable middle ground. The noise coming from under the hood was more clattery and hollow than full-bodied and powerful-sounding. Gas mileage was average at best, getting 16/23 mpg city/highway. On the safety front, the XL7 didn’t score well in some crash tests, which is a deal-breaker as far as this mom is concerned.

Exterior

Suzuki deserves ample credit for creating a signature look with the XL7; it stands out in the sea of all-too-similar-looking SUVs we’re bombarded with today. Sharply angled headlights and a shiny chrome grille will grab your attention, even if the large, black-plastic front bumper leaves you wondering about that particular choice.

From the side, the Suzuki XL7 has the qualities we love in SUVs, like a good height and chunky tires. I enjoyed the privacy glass on the XL7 because nobody needs to peep in and see how much junk my family cruises with in the car. I did feel that the third-row windows got ripped off a little, though, because they end abruptly.

The rear of the XL7 was dull. Boxy and dull. The taillights are big, a feature I usually enjoy, but the hatch door is so large it makes them seem small and totally pushed off to the side. They looked like an afterthought.

SENSE AND STYLE

Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Excellent

Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Some

Interior

The interior in the XL7 was classy-looking. The driver’s seat was ample, comfy and leather-trimmed; it had eight lovely buttons for seat adjustments. I have to explain what I mean by ample: Some cars have seats that are lightweight and rather skimpy; they just don’t feel like they can support you. The XL7’s seats, including the third row, are substantial and thick-feeling, which is always a good indicator of an automaker taking its customers’ needs into consideration.

The XL7 Luxury trim level I tested didn’t include the navigation system, which I missed. Even without it, though, the center stack was stylish. I loved the simulated-wood-grain accent in the gearshift and dash. The power-window buttons threw me for a loop because they were located just beneath the center stack. I kept looking for them on the door, which almost created an embarrassing drive-thru emergency!

Back in row numero dos, my muchachos enjoyed a stable-feeling ride in seats that suited their booster seats with easy-to-use Latch connectors. As always, there was a climb to get into this SUV, but once settled everyone was happy. I pointed out the second row’s armrest with hidden cupholders, which my boys quickly pushed back up into place. I’ll never understand why my kids aren’t impressed with backseat armrests. Do your kids use the armrest? Our booster seats include cupholders, so they never really use the car’s cupholders, but please don’t tell anyone I let that slip! Shhhhh!

I was able to access the third row fairly easily by folding down the second row. As I mentioned, I was impressed that Suzuki was able to carry the same level of interior quality all the way through the SUV. Occasionally, pop-up third rows seem like something the car manufacturer tossed in after the fact. Not so with the XL7 – this third row was made to be used.

The cargo area in the XL7 gives you tons of space; you’ll never have to think twice about picking up an oversized item from Home Depot or your favorite antique shop. I don’t know about you, but I always appreciate it when a car gives me that do-it-yourself confidence.

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT

Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample

Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Galore

Safety

The Suzuki XL7 scored a five-star rating in crash tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, it received a Marginal score in rear crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The XL7 came with four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist, front- and side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags for all three rows, stability control with anti-roll control, and traction control.

FAMILY LIFESTAGE

In Diapers: There’s plenty of room for rear-facing child-safety seats.

In School: Most kids – just not mine – will like the backseat’s armrest with convenient cupholders.

Teens: There’s tons of legroom in the second and third rows.

Safety review

Based on the 2009 Suzuki XL7 base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
5/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
3 years
Powertrain
7 years / 100,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Consumer reviews

4.1 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.0
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 3.7

Most recent

  • Best Buy for my buck!

    I bought my 2009 Suzuki XL7 in 2013 used it was a lease turn in with 42k miles on it. It had one minor problem wrong with it which it was my mistake for not checking after I bought it which was the rear wiper motor not working , I reported the problem to the dealership I purchased the vehicle from and they offered to fix it free of charge but due to the fact I bought the vehicle three states away I told them I would pay to get it fix, I was hoping the dealership would reimburse me for the cost but they said no. I drove my vehicle everywhere from Tennessee, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Illinois's, Minnesota, and even North and South Dakota. I financed my vehicle and paid it off three years afterwards. It's the most comfortable vehicle I've owned and rides smooth on the road. I own Suzuki's luxury model so it's loaded with every option possible. I would recommend the vehicle those who have problems probably should have taken the vehicle to their personal mechanic, mine came with me when I drove to purchase the SUV.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Disappointed

    Wanted a car with heated seats and within 2 months it stopped working. The dealer was great and tried to have it fixed but ended up having to put in an aftermarket heated seat. Then to top it off, the transmission went (didn't even have it for two years)! Ended up having a new transmission put in I could not find another car for under $5000 that I felt was as good as what I had. Now, I've noticed that every once in a while there seems to be an electrical issue. My radio doesn't come on and I cannot see my odometer. So far, after turning off the car and turning it back on it will work.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • THE BEST VEHICLE I HAVE OWNED

    I OWNED THE 2003 MODEL. IT WAS PERFECT FOR ME. I WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE. VERY GOOD ON HIGHWAY MILLAGE AND EXCELLENT IN COMFORT. I WAS VERY SAD TO HAVE TO GIVE IT UP BECAUSE OF ENGINE PROBLEMS AFTER AWHILE. BUT I WILL SAY IF I KNEW THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW? I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT ANOTHER ENGINE AND DEFINATLEY KEPT IT. MY LACK OF INFORMATION.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great Buy For The Money

    Best auto for the money and features. Had Tracker, prior, and enjoyed driving it. Everyone that sees this vehicle cannot believe all of the features for the money.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best car I've ever owned.

    This car runs perfect every time i use it as did the 2001 i had before it. All i have to do is change the oil twice a year and put gas in it.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Who Knew Suzuki! Revisited

    Well I wrote my first review in the post purchase golden haze, since then things have gone downhill quickly. Prior to reaching 3 years and 36000 miles the car spent 35 days in the repair shop. It was a variety of issues the most serious being its inability to detect how much gas is actually in the vehicle leaving me stranded in various locations like the Tollway without brakes or power steering and going 70 MPH. In addition to that being a difficult to resolve problem resulting in 30 of the 35 days of service time. We had water come pouring in through the sunroof. It literally just sheeted down the windshield. There was a issue with the battery charging system and that left me stranded without hazard lights one of the times when it miscalculated the gas level. Today there is a issue with it not going into gear. At all. It is stuck in my driveway. It has 40,000 miles on it and it is a 2009. No I would not recommend this vehicle to anybody at all.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best Cars we have Owned.

    Before I purchased my 2009 Suzuki XL7 Luxury AWD, we already had a 2002 Suzuki XL7 touring model with an All Terrain switch to give power to the rear axle for all wheel drive. The performance and overall reliability of the 2002 totally influenced our decision to purchase the 2009 model and keep the 2002 also. The engines in both are smooth, powerfull abd efficient. The mechanics at Firestone where I serviced the 2002 were amazed at how smooth the engine ran on the 2002 which currently has 150,000 miles on it. We purchased it in 2004 with 22,000 miles on it and other than normal maintenance, after 4 years in 2008 we had to replace the air conditioner compressor and later the two oxygen sensors. Therefore, I know the 2009 Suzuki will perform even better with the improvements in technology from the 2002 model to the 2009 model. It is a great SUV and I wish Suzuki would bring the 2010 and future models of the XL7 back to the American market. Suzuki stopped selling the XL7 model in America after 2009. I recommend the XL7 as a great SUV to own. It is stylish, great features and has a powerfull reliable engine with great gas mileage as a mild size SUV. We love ours.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Worst Vehicle, BAD Service Departments

    This has been the worse vehicle I have ever owned. Shortly after we got it used, with only 33K on the clock, we started having prolbems. 1st the Sunroof, then the heating module. All of these parts of course started going bad after the 36K Warranty was up. We fixed the heating module, and the Service department charged us $200.00 just to program it. That's not even including the part. Most of the Suzuki dealerships aren't doing well, and the one that are still in business are backed up for weeks. So that so-called excellent warranty you get, well, that may take weeks if not months to collect on. If you think you'll get anywhere calling the corporate offices, then think again. The customer service agent hung up on me because, I told him (ORLANDO) that the part that went bad, was a piece of junk. IT OFFENDED HIM. Come on Please. He promptly Hung up on me. Get this, while we were at the Service Department. My wife said the Service Tech, told her 3 other people called in with the exact same part malfunction. I rest my case, the part was a piece of Junk!!!. Oh sorry. Am I offending you. I WILL NEVER EVER RECOMMEND OR BUY ANOTHER SUZUKI AGAIN!!!! and I'm copying this and putting it on every internet auto review site I can get my hands on.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Love this car!

    My parents bought this car (used, but with only about 800 miles on it) about a year ago for only about $12,000 after trading in our old car. This car is absolutely AMAZING. We've had no problem with it whatsoever. The mileage is good, it has heated seats (the best thing you can in the wintertime!), people in the second seating row can control their own AC/heat, and learning to drive it really easy. The height is good for shorter people, and I love where the stick shift is. The third seating row is a bit cramped, but still do-able. You really won't regret this car!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Who Knew Suzuki!

    We love this crossover. It is reasonablhy priced, sits the whole family comfortably and drives like a car. I would say that it is not a roadster it is a wagon. I am exspecially loving the heated seats. 2 small kids enjoy the space they have. 3rd row seating is just fine for adults and I am 5'8.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • only nu car i've owned

    Base equipment,on road milage impressive but is about as much fun to drive as the last school bus I piloted.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2009 Suzuki XL7?

The 2009 Suzuki XL7 is available in 5 trim levels:

  • Limited w/Navigation & DVD (1 style)
  • Limited w/Navigation (2 styles)
  • Limited w/Navigation & DVD (1 style)
  • Luxury (2 styles)
  • Premium (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2009 Suzuki XL7?

The 2009 Suzuki XL7 offers up to 17 MPG in city driving and 24 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2009 Suzuki XL7 reliable?

The 2009 Suzuki XL7 has an average reliability rating of 3.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2009 Suzuki XL7 owners.

Is the 2009 Suzuki XL7 a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2009 Suzuki XL7. 72.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.1 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.0
  • Value: 4.0
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 3.7
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