The XL7 has been redesigned for 2007. Unlike the previous design, which was based on the body-on-frame Grand Vitara, the new XL7 is built on a General Motors unibody platform. The new XL7 features a GM-designed but Suzuki-assembled 3.6-liter V-6 with 5-speed automatic transmission, front- or all-wheel drive (AWD), a 4-wheel independent suspension, and optional seating for 7 passengers.

When the XL-7 made its debut in 2001 as Suzuki's first 7-passenger sport utility vehicle (SUV), it was essentially a stretched version of Suzuki's capable Grand Vitara, using traditional truck-style body-on-frame construction and rear- or 4-wheel-drive. That made the XL-7 a capable off-road vehicle, but off-road ability is not a strong selling point in today's compact SUV market. So, for 2007, the all-new XL7 (the hyphen has officially been dropped) has gone totally crossover.