The original Suzuki XL7 seven-passenger SUV was a truck-based vehicle that offered value, but came up short on interior room and power.
Thankfully, Suzuki has redefined its XL7. Evolved from the Suzuki Concept-X, which debuted at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the all-new XL7 is bigger, bolder, and more powerful than the previous generation.
Featuring a lighter unibody chassis and moving into the crowded crossover SUV segment, the 2007 Suzuki XL7 offers available all-wheel drive and available seven-passenger seating.
The XL7 no longer delivers off-road capabilities, but it now provides a more sophisticated appeal and much-improved on-road driving traits.
The all-new XL7 features a modern, expressive design with Suzuki styling cues such as triangle-shaped turn lamps, bold three-bar grille with large Suzuki "S," muscular wheel arches, dual exhaust with chrome tips and integrated roof rack.
Sitting in XL7's engine bay is an all-new, more powerful 3.6-liter V6. It makes 252 horsepower (up 36% over last year) and is mated to a smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic.
Two-wheel-drive models power the front wheels while all-wheel-drive models feature an active, electronically-controlled rear differential that responds when needed.
Power from the new, larger and more powerful V6 is much appreciated. Those concerned about fuel economy should know that FWD XL7s are rated at 18/24 mpg city/highway and AWD models are rated at 17/23.
Towing capacity is rated at 3,500 pounds, making XL7 an ideal vehicle for towing a pop-up camper, ATVs, dirt bikes, or personal watercraft.
All 2007 Suzuki XL7s come standard with 4-wheel antilock brakes, electronic stability control, rollover sensing, and side curtain airbags.
The 2007 Suzuki XL7 is the largest, most comfortable Suzuki SUV ever built. Compared to last year's model, the 2007 XL7 is almost ten inches longer. That obviously translates to more cabin space.
There was plenty of room for me up front and in the middle row. I did venture back to the two third row seats in my tester, but they're better suited for small adults or kids.
The reclining 60/40 split-folding second-row seat tumbles and folds, and the 50/50 split-folding third-row seat can be folded flat into the floor for additional cargo carrying room.
While I felt pretty safe driving our XL7 tester, I didn't care for the hollow sound the doors made when closing them. Also, I would prefer having the master window switches on the doors instead of being located around the gear shifter.
On the plus side, the 2007 Suzuki XL7 comes nicely equipped and is a pleasure to drive. It can be had with seating for five or seven. Five-passenger XL7s are offered in base and Luxury trim levels, while seven-passenger models come in base, Luxury and Limited versions. Buyers have a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive on all trim levels.
Included on the base trim is a long list of standard features, including 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, a six-speaker CD stereo, cruise control and full power accessories. Starting price for the XL7 is $22,999.
Seven-passenger models add a load-leveling rear suspension, under-floor cargo storage and rear air-conditioning with separate controls.
The upscale Luxury ($24,599) trim level adds leather seating, 17-inch wheels, a power driver seat, heated front seats and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. Luxury models are also available with a sunroof, but only seven-passenger versions can be fitted with a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
The Limited ($27,949 - standard with seven-passenger seating) adds fog lamps, rear spoiler, upgraded roof rack, a DVD entertainment system, and premium audio system with satellite radio. The Limited's optional Platinum Touring Package ($2,200) adds 17-chrome wheels and a sunroof, but replaces the entertainment system with a DVD-based touch-screen navigation system. |
