The Suzuki XL-7 is Suzuki's mid-sized SUV, launched in 2001.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 3-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 competitors came out with SUVs with more features, lower prices, better fuel efficiency and more powerful engines, such as the Toyota Highlander, the Honda Pilot, and the Honda CR-V.
A unique trait in the U.S. market in this segment, the XL-7 was available with 5-speed manual transmission, in both 5-person and 7-person variants.
