2009 Suzuki XL7

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Interior - What the Auto Press Says

For 2009, the standard XL7 seats seven passengers (a five-passenger model has been discontinued). As one of the larger offerings in the compact SUV class, the XL7 is spacious and comfortable -- even in the third row. However, interior fit and finish leaves something to be desired.  

• "Inside, the XL7 is stylish and functional." -- The Auto Channel
• "The cabin is spacious -- able to fit a week's worth of luggage or groceries, or more if you fold down the third- and/or second-row seats-but a bit narrow for its size." -- Popular Mechanics
• "XL7's interior feels roomy and comfortable. There are some cheap-looking surfaces, but that's expected at this price range." -- Daily Southtown
• "The interior in the XL7 was classy-looking." -- Mother Proof

Seating

The 2009 Suzuki XL7 boasts plenty of passenger space in three standard rows of seats.

• "Second-row headroom is six-footer adequate. Legroom shrinks significantly with the front seat set far back, but a chair-height cushion and good underseat foot room compensate. There's not quite enough width for three grown-ups, though, and entry and exit are a bit steep. "Third-row room is adequate for adults during shorter trips." -- Consumer Guide
• "The second row has plenty of room for two, and a center passenger is not out of the question thanks to the flat floor. Each part of the second-row seat flips and folds for third-row access. The two people sitting there should best be under 5-6." -- The Auto Channel
• "The third-row seat, while useful, is only for small kids. Grown-ups will have to be contortionists to sit in the way back. Even so, it easily folds flat for those who seldom use a way-back row but want one just in case." -- Popular Mechanics
• "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." -- Mother Proof 

Interior Features

Relative to its class, the XL7 comes with a utility-style cabin that values space and comfort over luxury or gadgetry.

• "XL7's modern dashboard has legible gauges and mostly handy controls. Some may dislike the power window switches arrayed around the center console shift lever." -- Consumer Guide
• "Some of the controls also are far from intuitive to use. The navigation system and radio, which are controlled by a combination of knobs and touch-screen commands, are hard to figure out without reading the owner's manual." -- BusinessWeek
• "Dashboard controls are basic and serviceable, with decent solidity. Four power outlets are standard, though you have to upgrade to the mid-level trim line to get power seats." -- U.S. News

Cargo

Cargo space for the XL7 is listed as 14 cubic feet behind the third row, 49.4 cubic feet behind the second row and 95.2 cubic feet behind the first row. These dimensions are ample for a compact SUV.

• "Cargo volume is ample for the class in any configuration, but XL7's liftgate lacks opening glass and could lift higher. Cabin storage includes undersized door pockets, a smallish dashboard glovebox, and two roomy console bins." -- Consumer Guide
• "Storage around the driver is limited to cup holders and a nook that might hold a very small cellphone, maybe. The main console storage bin, of course, provides sufficient room for normal detritus, but some stuff you want handier than that." -- USA Today
• "The base price...buys you a basic but sizable five-seater with all the typical power features, a V-6 engine, and a cargo area able to fit a week's worth of luggage or most of the household stuff you'd ever want to haul." -- U.S. News
• "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." -- Mother Proof