2005 suzuki xl-7 review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. Based on the suzuki grand vitara, the suzuki xl-7 is a decent alternative to a minivan or for a small family with a couple of kids who are too big for safety seats but not big enough to complain about being cramped in the way-back seats. The xl-7 seats up to seven passengers, with a tiny third-row bench as standard equipment. It's built on a longer wheelbase and features a more powerful v6 engine than the grand vitara. It is built on the chassis of a truck frame. Transmission options are either a five-speed automatic or five-speed manual. The suzuki xl-7 is a carryover from 2004.