2006 Suzuki XL-7 Review
2006 Suzuki XL-7 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Affordable base price, competent on- and off-road handling, available seven-passenger seating.
Cons
- Cramped second- and third-row seating, dated design, low-grade interior plastics, side airbags not available.
What’s new
For 2006, Suzuki has consolidated the XL-7's trim levels into base and Premium packages.
Edmunds says
By offering a third-row seat in a compact SUV, the 2006 Suzuki XL-7 answers a question not many people are asking.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Suzuki XL-7 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$240/mo for XL-7 Base
XL-7 Base
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Suzuki introduced the XL-7 in 2001. Its marketing campaign was aimed at people who didn't want to drive lumbering SUV giants, but needed lots of passenger space. In a crowded segment, the Suzuki XL-7 offers smaller dimensions, an affordable price and the ability to haul seven passengers. Based on the previous-generation Grand Vitara, the Suzuki XL-7 boasts an optional third-row seat. However, we've found the third-row seating to be of dubious value. There's plenty of luggage room with the rearmost seat folded down, but when the third row is in use, cargo capacity is very limited. Also, the mechanism to drop the third-row seating is fussy and awkward. The third row doesn't fold completely flat and it creates "canyons" into which loose cargo items can fall.
The XL-7's longer wheelbase and body-on-frame construction do give it a rugged feel. Plus, the steering and suspension work together to provide predictable handling for a truck-based SUV, though shoppers are apt to find the driving dynamics of car-based SUVs more to their liking. Four-wheel-drive XL-7s are equipped with a two-speed transfer case, however, allowing the Suzuki SUV to handle the rough stuff better than any of its car-based competitors. While the 2006 Suzuki XL-7 does offer seven-passenger seating and a reasonable price in a small package, it doesn't match up well with its segment competition. Compact SUVs like the Escape, CR-V and any number of other car-based SUVs are more refined and/or have more off-road capability. And if you really need three rows of seating in a compact package, we suggest looking at a small minivan like the Mazda5 or Caravan, either of which offers a more practical solution to this problem.
Performance & mpg
All Suzuki XL-7 models are equipped with a 2.7-liter V6 engine that produces 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard. Fuel economy ratings are 17-18 mpg for city driving and 22 mpg on the highway -- about average for a truck-based compact SUV. Towing capacity is a respectable 3,000 pounds. Buyers have a choice between two-wheel drive and a part-time four-wheel-drive system with a dual-range transfer case.
Safety
The XL-7 comes standard with antilock brakes and a tire-pressure monitor, but neither side airbags nor stability control is available. NHTSA has not conducted crash tests on the Suzuki XL-7. In 40-mph frontal-offset crash testing conducted by the IIHS, the XL-7 earned a "Good" score (the highest possible).
Driving
The 2006 Suzuki XL-7 handles competently on- and off-road. Ride quality is decent for a truck-based SUV, but car-based SUVs have more refined road manners. The 185-horsepower V6 provides some initial off-the-line grunt, but it gets wheezy at higher engine speeds, particularly when climbing highway grades.
Interior
Equipped with the optional third-row seating, the Suzuki XL-7 can pack in seven passengers. It's not until you start shopping larger SUVs (with their larger price tags) that you'll find this feature. However, due to the smaller dimensions of this Suzuki SUV, legroom is very tight in both the second and third rows and there's little room for cargo with all the rear seats in use. With its third-row bench out of the way, the XL-7 offers up to 43.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second-row seats. Folding these seats opens up 75.1 cubic feet of space.
2006 Suzuki XL-7 models
The four-door Suzuki XL-7 is available in one trim level. The five-passenger base model is well equipped with power door locks and windows; remote keyless entry; heated mirrors; cruise control; automatic climate control; daytime running lights; an adjustable center armrest; a six-speaker stereo system with an MP3-compatible CD player; and tinted privacy glass. The seven-passenger version adds a two-person third-row seat plus rear air conditioning. The Premium package adds running boards, leather seating, foglights, a power sunroof, a seven-speaker audio system with in-dash CD changer and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Suzuki XL-7.
5 star(70%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(3%)
61 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
XL-7 5-Passenger
Chuck, 08/17/2006
2006 Suzuki XL-7 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
I have had my 2006 XL-7 for a month now, it is one solid SUV. I took a trip to Key West with a family of four and was very comfortable. I was pleasantly surprized at how quiet it rides. The interior with the woodgrain makes it look more expensive than what it is. I bought the 5-passengers model because I liked and wanted all the storage space. It's amazing how much it will hold. I have … had numerous compliments on how nice it looks. I'm lovin' mine.
5 out of 5 stars
10+ Years only ONE maintainence issue
Toni Stark, 06/22/2016
2005 Suzuki XL-7 LX Rwd 4dr SUV w/ABS (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
They don't make Suzuki anymore :(. Reliable, sturdy great car for making long trips as a hospice nurse. Only one maintainence issue (brake line) in 10+ years!!!! Had to replace the CD player twice both under warranty! Overall excellent reliable easily maintained vehicle! Love! Lots of room and cargo space!!!!!!
4.88 out of 5 stars
First SUV
xl7, 10/27/2005
2006 Suzuki XL-7 4dr SUV w/3rd Row (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
I recently purchased my Suzuki XL-7 to pull my boat and move large items. I never owned an SUV before and was reluctant at first. However, after doing my research, I found the XL-7 to be the best buy on the market. It feels big yet is very responsive and easy to park in the city. It pulled my boat with plenty of power to spare. I love the fit and finish and it compared well to my Honda … when it comes to quality and workmanship. I love the XL-7, it surpassed my expectations hands down.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Flawless Reliability
studiocraft1, 06/24/2011
2005 Suzuki XL-7 EX III 4WD 4dr SUV (2.7L 6cyl 5A)
Bought this car w/25000 miles on it, it has been perfect.
I have Ex III model, all options ever made for this chassis.
4x4 is awesome, having the LOW range makes it a tru truck, that is why it rides a bit rough, don't care.
I get 20mpg in the city and about 23hiway.
How is that pooe mileage?
It does weigh 3700 lbs, I can tow my boat and quad, have no issue w/engine power, it is quick and … responsive.
Leather is nice, a bit cramped sometimes.
Now 78k, nothing done but tires, not even brakes!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2006 Suzuki XL-7, so we've included reviews for other years of the XL-7 since its last redesign.
2006 XL-7 Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,999 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $240/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 43.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the XL-7 include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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