A lower base price than the previous year, as well as a richer list of standard features, is a good continuation of what was a great start from the major 2006 redesign of the Suzuki XL7. The former body-over-frame SUV design was ditched in favor of a more refined unibody construction, which ensures it will thrive with its offering of spacious utility coupled with a low price tag.
The starting price of the XL7 is just $22,000. It is hard to believe that you might get the level of equipment Suzuki offers for the price. The XL7 comes loaded with features like a five-speed automatic transmission, power windows, locks and mirrors, remote keyless entry tilt steering wheel, cruise control, trip computer alloy wheels automatic climate control, CD stereo, and alarm with engine immobilizer.
This is a pretty staggering list of standard features for the price and Suzuki expects former small SUV consumers to flock to its XL7 for several reasons, most notably the seven-passenger capacity and the sheer volume of interior space. This would be the most obvious reason shoppers might choose an XL7 over a Toyota RAV4 or a Honda CR-V.
Suzuki offers four trim levels of the XL7: Base, Premium, Luxury and Limited. The base model has five-passenger seating while the Premium and Luxury levels are available in both five- and seven-passenger seating. My top-of-the-line Limited tester featured standard seven-passenger seating that really takes XL7 to another level.
The 3.6-liter V-6 (252 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque) delivered outstanding acceleration from dead stops while offering spirited power on demand while merging onto spirited traffic flow on I-55.
Power goes to the front wheels on two-wheel-drive models and to all four wheels when equipped with the available on-demand all-wheel-drive system. This system automatically delivers up to 50 percent of the engine's power to the rear wheels when front wheels lose traction while accelerating.
The Suzuki XL7 all-wheel-drive option does deliver additional traction, but it's not built for serious off-road use. However, the XL7 does excel with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, which makes it ideal for towing a small camper or ATV.
Seven-passenger models of the XL7 feature a load-leveling rear suspension and rear air conditioning with separate controls for the passengers. The reclining 60/40 split-folding second-row seats flip forward and fold while the available third-row features 50/50 split-folding seats that fold flat into the floor. The front passenger seat folds flat to deliver additional capacity for longer items.
I found the XL7's interior to be roomy and comfortable. While on the road, road noise is apparent, but not overwhelming. In this class and for this price, you have to accept that cheaper-looking accents will be prominent, and they are in the XL7. Of note: Seats deliver good positions with power settings for the driver and in the case of my tester, leather upholstery is slick on the surface but appreciated nonetheless.
At $27,299, my Limited tester included the aforementioned leather upholstery, auto dimming rear view mirror, remote engine start, front fog lamps, 17-inch chrome-plated alloy wheels, and a DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones.
There is little doubt that the XL7 isn't as refined as others in this segment, but shedding thousands of dollars from those same competitors' prices makes you think about value. For the crossover segment, this is one of those vehicles that make everyone in the class that much better. It costs thousands less than vehicles that deliver the same standard features. |
