DecodedCars2008 Suzuki XL-7
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- Xl7 4dr 4WD Jlx, Xl7 4dr 4WD Jx
- Engines
- 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 16 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 197.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,909–4,050 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 32 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Suzuki XL-7 is a SUV - offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 197 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,050 lb (Xl7 4dr 4WD Jlx).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), 5% worse than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 XL-7 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 XL-7 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xl7 4dr 4WD Jlx | 197.2 in | 72.4 in | 68.1 in | 112.6 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 4,050 lb | 54/46 |
| Xl7 4dr 4WD Jx | 197.2 in | 72.4 in | 68.1 in | 112.6 in | 61 / 61.8 in | 3,909 lb | 54/46 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XL7 FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Front-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -5% | $3,700 | 494 |
| XL7 AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | +3% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Suzuki XL-7 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Suzuki XL-7 (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 26 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 GMC Yukon | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Ford Expedition | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Suzuki XL-7.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Suzuki XL-7 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Suzuki XL-7 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 10 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 9 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Steering — 7 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 110,649 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Suzuki XL-7. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other XL-7 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Suzuki. How we calculate this →