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| Suzuki XL-7 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Suzuki (1998–2006) General Motors (2006–2009) |
| Production | 1998–2009 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size SUV (1998–2006) Mid-size crossover SUV (2006–2009) |
| Body style | 5-doorSUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (1998–2006) Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (2006–2009) Front-engine, four-wheel-drive (1998–2009) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Chevrolet Captiva Chevrolet Equinox (North America) |
TheSuzuki XL-7 (styled asXL7 for the second generation) is amid-size SUV sold bySuzuki from 1998 to 2009, over two generations. Slotted above theGrand Vitara in Suzuki's lineup, the XL-7 offered three-row seating. XL-7 stands for "Xtra Large 7-seater".
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Also called | Suzuki Grand Escudo (Japan) Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 Suzuki Grand Escudo XL-7 (Indonesia) Chevrolet Grand Vitara XL-7 |
| Production | 1998–2006 |
| Model years | 1999–2006 |
| Assembly | Japan:Iwata,Shizuoka (Iwata Plant) Indonesia:Bekasi (Suzuki Indonesia) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-sizeSUV |
| Layout | Front engine,rear-wheel drive /four-wheel drive |
| Related | Suzuki Escudo / Suzuki Vitara |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | |
| 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 Grand Vitara XL-7 or just XL-7 was a Suzuki design, had a body-on-frame construction, and was essentially a stretchedGrand Vitara. The North American version had a Suzuki-designed 2.5- or 2.7-literV6 engine, on arear-wheel drive-based platform with optionalfour-wheel drive. Beginning in 2003, European versions were also available with a 2.0-literPeugeot turbodiesel engine producing 109 PS (80 kW).[1]
A unique trait in the US market in this segment was that the XL-7 was available with a 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 was awarded theConsumers Digest "Best Buy" award. However, sales slowed as the vehicle aged relative to the competition.
In Thailand, the Grand Vitara XL-7 was Imported by Siam International Corporation Co. Ltd. on 2002.
In Indonesia, the Grand Escudo XL-7 was launched on July 19, 2003, at the 12thGaikindo Auto Expo.
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| Second generation (Suzuki XL7) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2006–2009 |
| Model years | 2007–2009 |
| Assembly | Canada:Ingersoll, Ontario (CAMI) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size crossover SUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive orall-wheel drive |
| Platform | GM Theta platform/GMT193 |
| Related | Chevrolet Equinox Pontiac Torrent Saturn Vue |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.6 LN36AV6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 5-speed automatic (2007-08) 6-speed automatic (2009) |
| 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 withGeneral 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 theChevrolet Equinox,Pontiac Torrent,Saturn Vue andOpel Antara but incorporated third-row seating exclusive to the Suzuki. The second generation model used a version of theGM High Feature engine – designatedN36A by Suzuki – built in Japan and shipped toCAMI Automotive inIngersoll, Ontario, Canada, where the XL7 was assembled alongside the Equinox and Torrent. Styling cues on the 2007 model include a chrome slotted grille and trapezoidal headlights. It no longer has the spare tire mounted on the rear door.
From its introduction in 2007 until its discontinuation in 2009, the second-generationSuzuki XL7 was available in five trim levels: Base (2007-08 only), Special (2007 only), Premium (2008-2009 only), Luxury (2007-2009), and Limited (2007-2009). Depending upon the trim level selected, both two-row, five-passenger seating and XL7 specific three-row, seven-passenger seating were available (the relatedChevrolet Equinox andPontiac Torrent did not offer third-row seating as an option). All XL7s came decently equipped, and depending upon the trim level selected, could be equipped with options such as a premium audio system with a subwoofer and an amplifier, faux wood interior trim, luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces with power-adjustable and heated dual front bucket seats, remote start, a security system, chrome-clad aluminum-alloy wheels, a power sunroof, aBluetooth hands-free phone system (2009 models only), a single-disc, CD/MP3 player audio system, a six-disc, in-dash CD/MP3 changer audio system, a touchscreenGPS navigation system withSiriusXM Nav Traffic,SiriusXMSatellite Radio, and a rear backup camera system, among other options. Unlike the relatedChevrolet Equinox andPontiac Torrent, theGeneral Motors (GM)OnStar in-vehicletelematics system was not available on the XL7.
All second-generation XL7s were powered by theGeneral Motors (GM)High-FeatureV6 producing 252 hp (188 kW) and 243 lb⋅ft (329 N⋅m) of torque. This was codedN36A by Suzuki. While 2007 and 2008 models used a five-speedautomatic transmission, 2009 models received a new six-speed automatic transmission. BothFront Wheel Drive (FWD) andAll Wheel Drive (AWD) models of the XL7 were available.
In May 2009, Suzuki halted production of the XL7 indefinitely due to low demand.[2] Through May 10, 2009,CAMI Automotive had only produced four XL7s for Suzuki after producing more than 12,000 units the previous year. While no direct replacement to the three-row XL7 was available (General Motors offered the largerBuick Enclave,Chevrolet Traverse, andGMC Acadia midsize three-row crossover SUV's), theChevrolet Equinox andGMC Terrain were considered the successors to the two-row XL7. The 2009 XL7 would be the final vehicle built byGeneral Motors (GM) in partnership withSuzuki Motors.
The second generation XL7 was also sold inLatin America,[3] theMiddle East,[4] etc.
| Calendar year | United States[5] |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 591 |
| 1999 | 35 |
| 2000 | 3 |
| 2001 | 25,096 |
| 2002 | 27,295 |
| 2003 | 22,560 |
| 2004 | 18,501 |
| 2005 | 15,472 |
| 2006 | 10,948 |
| 2007 | 23,176 |
| 2008 | 22,554 |
| 2009 | 4,357 |
| 2010 | 313 |
| 2011 | 48 |
| 2012 | 10 |
TheXL7 nameplate was revived in 2020 for acrossover-inspired derivative of thesecond-generation Ertigamulti-purpose vehicle (MPV).
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