Suzuki combines big and not-so-big with the redesigned-for-2007, V-6-powered XL7 sport utility vehicle. Classified by Suzuki as a mid-size, the five-door XL7 offers three rows of seats in most editions. Drivers also get to select front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The XL7 is the largest of three car-based sport utility vehicles in Suzuki's 2007 model line up. Also available is the five-passenger, V-6 powered Grand Vitara (redesigned in the 2006 model year) and all-new for 2007, compact, four-cylinder SX4. Starting at $14,999, it's one of the most affordable all-wheel-drive SUVs available.
All three are not designed for heavy off-road use. Instead of a ladder-on-frame truck design, they are built on a more car-like uni-body platform improving handling and fuel economy. With more room and a potent V-6 engine, the XL7 is designed with the needs of the North American market in mind. It's built in Ontario, Canada.
Trim toppings
Four trim levels are available with one powertrain; a 3.6-liter, double overhead cam V-6 engine cranking out 252 horsepower. This is a significant increase from 2006 when 185 horses were available from a 2.7-liter V-6 and enables the vehicle to travel from zero to 60 mph in less than eight seconds.
Fuel economy for all-wheel-drive editions is decent, checking in at 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. Front-wheel-drive editions increase mileage figures by one mpg in each category. Regular 87-octane gasoline is the recommended fuel of choice for the 18.6-gallon tank.
The engine is surprisingly quiet, yet provides good performance thanks, in part, to a stainless steel dual exhaust that emits quieter exhaust tones.
Four trim levels are offered. Base and Luxury trims offer the choice of two or three rows of seats. Special and Limited editions come with three rows standard. All come with the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Pricing starts at $22,999 for a front-wheel-drive base model.
Suzuki provided the Daily Herald with a top-line, all-wheel drive Limited edition starting at $29,549. The only options were an in-dash navigation system and power sunroof, bringing the bottom line to $31,749. Notable standard equipment in all models include air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, compact disc player, anti-lock brakes and side-curtain air bags for all three rows.
Size wise
Exterior dimensions are stretched in 2007. The vehicle is approximately 10 inches longer and two inches wider than 2006, enhancing interior leg room and cargo space. The vehicle now measures 197.2 inches in length. This compares to 178.8 inches in overall length Dodge offers in the all-new, five-passenger-exclusive mid-size Nitro (starting at $19,350 with manual transmission and available with the choice of two different V-6 engines). The XL7 exterior design is 'smoothly conservative' embracing round, not angled corners.
Inside look
Inside, the dashboard and instrument panel are well designed and easy to operate. Three easy-to-grab dials control ventilation functions, while the standard five-speed automatic transmission shift lever is below. Drivers also may shift manually thanks to the "manumatic" allowing manual control of shift points without a foot clutch.
Inline beverage holders and a molded pocket for cell phone storage also are nearby. Power mirrors are controlled by a small, circular control panel on the left side of the dashboard. The glove box is diminutive.
The one layout configuration drivers may have to get used to is that controls operating all four power windows surround the gear shift. Many vehicles place power window controls on the door.
The flat instrument panel has two large analog circular gauges: a left-side speedometer and right-side tachometer. A welcome addition to the instrument panel is the secondary gear shift indicator. A digital message center rests along the bottom.
Cruise control functions are on the left side of the steering wheel at 3 o'clock, while secondary stereo controls are found at 9 o'clock.
The XL7 test model featured a moon roof and still had ample head room throughout.
Rear side doors open wide enough with enough entry leg room making maneuvering in and out easy. Second-row seatbacks fold down with a 60/40 split once a latch on the seat top is lifted. The cushion and the entire unit than folds forward when entry to the third row is needed. Headrests do not need to be removed to fold down second- or third-row seats.
The third row is large enough to handle two adults for short trips. Leg room is not as plentiful as in the second row, but it's still usable. With third-row seating up or down, a covered, rectangular storage area sits below the floor at the rear of the cargo area.
Mild style
Outside, styling is more conservative than cutting edge. The hatch door, hinged at the top, lifts up far enough so someone 6-feet 2-inches tall can clear the door without bumping his head when loading groceries or other items. Large vertical tail lights flank the bottom portion of the door. The front grille incorporates vertical bars, a center Suzuki logo flanked by diamond-shaped headlight housing. The spare tire is stowed under the vehicle, not in the cargo area or mounted on the rear door.
The XL7 limited powertrain warranty is better than average and covers 100,000 miles or seven years (whichever comes first) and is a fully transferable warranty, increasing the vehicle's value at resale time. |