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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Suzuki XL7

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Want to save money? Check out the 2008 Suzuki XL7

Overview

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2009 Suzuki XL7 Review

By KBB.com Editors

In 2007 Suzuki introduced two timely new vehicles, including the crossover XL7, and celebrated a marked increase in sales. The current fluctuation in fuel costs and slow down in big SUV sales actually bodes well for Suzuki, as many Americans are looking to move to smaller, more fuel-efficient versions of their big SUVs. Crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) like the 2009 XL7 are built on car-like unibodies and have some attributes of both minivans and SUVs. The sleek XL7 joins the crossover segment as a modern, style-conscious seven-passenger vehicle with optional all-wheel drive and excellent fuel economy. There are three trim levels: Premium, Luxury and Limited.

You'll Like This Car If...

You'll like the 2009 Suzuki XL7 if you enjoy a mobile lifestyle, want flexible seating, need plenty of horsepower and torque for towing light-to-moderate loads, such as jet skis, and don't want to break the family budget. For weekend off-roaders who find gravel roads exhilarating, the XL7 all-wheel-drive can deliver power to all four wheels full-time.

You May Not Like This Car If...

You may not like the limited rear view through the tailgate window and, if you need to tow bigger loads, you'll have to look somewhere else.

What's New for 2009

A new six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode helps improve both fuel economy and performance. The Base trim is dropped from the lineup.

Driving the XL7

Driving Impressions The sedan-like quality of driving the 2009 Suzuki XL7 is evident from the start, and it's easy to forget there is space for six passengers. Steering is responsive, even on...

unpaved roads. Driving on a patch of severe washboard road there was, naturally, some shake and vibration but the XL7 Limited we tested ran straight and sure, thanks in part to the self-leveling rear shock absorbers. The handling is easy and precise, with minimal body lean, and braking is strong and responsive. The manumatic, which allows the driver to manually shift up or down by tapping the shifter, is an excellent, easily-operated assist system and welcome on steep hills. Despite its size and heft, the XL7 provides a fairly quiet ride with barely discernable wind noise but some noticeable engine roar inside the cabin. The all-wheel-drive system in its three modes – two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive Lock – operates effortlessly.

Favorite Features

Heated Seats
Cool weather means cold seats, but from a distance of 200 yards they can be warmed up in advance using the XL7's remote start, which automatically starts the engine and warms up the heater when the outside temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

Manumatic
Automatic transmissions are way ahead of manuals in popularity, but appropriate shifting with the manumatic can enhance control and, on downhill runs, save brake wear, as well.

2009 Suzuki XL7 Details

Interior

As plush as its price allows, the interior is entry-level luxury. Spacious, comfortable second-row seats recline and flip down. The front passenger seat, and the third-row seat, both fold flat to provide extra cargo space. Tall passengers will appreciate the headroom, but riders in the third row may find the legroom restrictive. For road warriors, the four 12-volt power outlets provide power for electronic devices and the cockpit-style dash is compact and friendly. Door openings are wide, even for entering the third row. Fully equipped, with a functional cabin to suit most needs, the XL7 offers three trim levels, all of which offer seven-passenger seating.

Exterior

With a styling combination of SUV and station wagon, the sleek 2009 Suzuki XL7 has a balanced exterior with triangular headlamps among its most noticeable features. Clean lines and muscular wheel arches identify the XL7 with the midsize crossover segment. Integrated roof racks, a high-rise tailgate and a dignified grille add up to an attractive vehicle.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

An emphasis on protective features defines the front-wheel-drive XL7 as a vehicle for individuals who are concerned about family safety. Front and side-curtain airbags for all rows lead the list, along with a rollover sensor, electronic stability control with traction control and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. Premium trims include front and rear air conditioning controls, automatic transmission with manumatic shift, remote entry, a self-leveling suspension, cruise control and four 12-volt outlets. The Luxury trim adds leather seating, heated front seats and a power sunroof, while the Limited receives DVD navigation, a Pioneer audio system with seven speakers, remote start and 17-inch chrome wheels.

Optional Equipment

Options include all-wheel drive, which adds heated side mirrors to any model. Limited models offer a DVD entertainment system in lieu of the power sunroof.

Under the Hood

The engine on all three models is a 3.6-liter V6 designed by General Motors and built by Suzuki in Japan, matched to a six-speed automatic/manumatic transmission that provides all the driving modes most drivers will ever need.

3.6-liter V6
252 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
243 lb.-ft. torque @ 2300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 (FWD), 16/23 (AWD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Suzuki XL7 vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2009 Suzuki XL7 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 134 Ratings for the 2007 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.6/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

8.8/10

Great SUV and CHEAP!

By llosaw (VT) on Saturday, May 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "great price luxurious"

Cons: "3rd row set up"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"We bought our XL7 used with only 30k miles on it and we LOVE IT!! the only complaint I have is the way the 3rd row seating is set up. Like many SUV's with 3rd row it does not have the split captains chairs for easy access to the 3rd row. and with a car seat in the back it makes almost impossible to get into the 3rd row easily. otherwise this vehicle is a great option and is reasonably priced."

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Great vehicle for an incredible price when used.

By Chaz (NY) on Saturday, March 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great price and vaule used! Fits in our Garage."

Cons: "Not much..."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Best kept secret! A 3 row SUV that fits in our garage! Our XL7 is white. We always get compliments on how nice looking it is. Very peppy accelleration. Gas mileage in the real world is exactly as rated. Even with Ethanol. We bought this vehicle very well "loaded" with 4000 miles for $16,000. Low resale mean low cost to us. We never planned on flipping it. Not having ever owned a suzuki/gm product we can honestly say we love it. Very comfortable on long trips. The third seat is tight as expected BUT super convenient to have. Excellent cargo space. Is it perfect? Does it have the best of materials… no but very acceptable. Best of all it fits on our garage and we do not need to fold our mirrors in! You cannot beat the value!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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good family car

By neveragain (OR) on Tuesday, July 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 89,000

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 3/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "level ride system"

Cons: "expensive parts when something does go wrong"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 3

"its comfortable for long trips and the level ride system helps on the gas. It is/was a great car. loved the color and the overall proformance on the road. Only problem is the parts are expensive if/when they need replaced and the labor is extremely extensive."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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I like the dual ac...my son likes the back cold

By krissy on Saturday, March 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "nice car"

Cons: "personally did not like color I bought"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Disappointed that Suzuki quit making this model, not interested in their current line. If looking for used car I have owned 2 XL7's (2004 model and 2007 model). Great vehicles."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Safety rating super-outstanding value for price

By CS (CA) on Thursday, March 15, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Easy to drive, lots of room, great value"

Cons: "Third row seat is a little tight"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This SUV has everything a luxury car would have but only costs half as much, leather, all power, heated seats. This is an outstanding ride at any price. Drives nice with great gas mileage for a mid-size SUV. With third row seat big enough for the entire family."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Great family SUV

By huey (TN) on Saturday, February 11, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 88,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "resumeablly priced, axceptable gas mileage"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have owned my XL7 for 3 years now and I love the ride and layout of the interior. I do like the fact that the electronics in the vehicle are GM and the workings of the back seat folding down system is easy and reliable. Add the towing capacity and the vehicle is perfect for the outdoors type of family. Seeing that this vehicle was a rental before I acquired it the mechanics on the XL7 has been flawless with the exception of the driver window motor going out. I would expect that being a rental. Great job on the all around workings on this XL7. The manual transmission is a very fun feature...love it!"

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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See all 134 reviews