While Suzuki has seen its share of criticism in the American market, much of the negativity spawned by utilitarian function - and form, the manufacturer best known for its lineup of compact, fuel-efficient cars can be proud of the all-new Suzuki XL7.
I think the XL7's new incarnation puts it in a legitimate breath along with Honda Pilot and Nissan Murano; good company for the midsize sport-utility vehicle category that speaks to Suzuki's improvements in the engineering and the overall quality of the new design.
For the record, I was not a huge fan, but definitely an admirer of the former XL-7. I thought, like the Grand Vitara, it was a vast stride forward for the Japanese brand and for the price of admission it delivered a lot of room and standard features. The new XL7 does all of that again for Suzuki while clearly pushing the vehicle into legitimate competition with some of the best brands in the industry.
The jump into the competitive classes comes in two waves: the new car-like ride, the former version was a truck platform and it felt every bit like it; the second, impressive gains in styling, which had been odd and conservative at best in the previous model.
Built alongside the Chevy Equinox and Pontiac Torrent in Canada, the XL7 doesn't really look like either of those GM cousins. To start, it is nine inches longer and that gives the interior some big advantages. Sporting the Japanese V6 the others do not offer, it is more powerful than the previous model and the ride is significantly smoother and more crossover than truck.
Exterior design cues are progressive and should be plenty to separate the XL7 from the more conservatively designed SUVs. I liked the long hood line and I felt the big fender flares gave XL7 an aggressive feel. I prefer monotone mouldings, so the black bumpers in front and back were easily the accent I least liked for the exterior.
I really like the exterior prominence of the wide D Pillar. And while its function is offset on the interior with virtually no window space for the third row, my thinking is that those passengers relegated to the furthest seating point likely have the least weight on their vote.
One of the most memorable features I liked about the first XL-7 was three rows of seating for seven passengers. This new version has three rows with even more room for adult-size seating in the third row. Most of the competition in this class cannot deliver on that claim.
I thought the interior flexibility was a huge upgrade from the past model. If you put rows two and three down, as well as the front passenger seat, there is big-time cargo capacity.
Up front, the driver has a highly functional dashboard array delivering easy-to-see gauges and easily reached control knobs and switches. I think the obvious upgrade in materials will pay dividends for the new XL7. Firstly, it is clearly not the lower cost materials Suzuki's have had in the past; secondly, it is with great attention to the smallest details that this interior makes you feel like you are in a much more expensive SUV. That feeling, while rare in occurance, is always deeply appreciated each month you write the check to the bank.
Engine and road noise is prevelant at times inside the cabin, but the interior noise in general is average for this class. If you have the radio playing or have conversations going on with any of the six passengers, there will be little recognition of outdoor elements.
The XL7's V6 delivers 252 horsepower, more than its GM siblings, and for the most part the ponies are mated well with the five-speed automatic transmission delivering a majority of smooth shifts and on-demand accelleration. I had some trepidation on a couple hard accellerations onto on-ramps for the Dan Ryan. The again, what sane person isn't experiencing some fear anywhere around that Roadway these days.
The XL7 is more crossover than off-road renegade, though there is an AWD option available. My front-drive tester was capable and comfortable in all pavement scenarios. I did not get the chance to try any off-road maneuvers.
Driving the XL7 takes some getting used to. While it is clearly no sedan, it handles much more like a raised wagon than a full-size SUV. I found parking at Target to be a challenge the first few times I tried to maneuver into a tight spot. Turning radius is gigantic and it gave me fits the first couple times.
Overall, I believe anyone looking at a competitively priced SUV with good road manners, 7-passenger capacity and tons of utility space must consider the XL7. If the base price of $22,899 is not enough to get your attention, then remember the Suzuki 100,000-mile, 7-year, fully-transferable, zero-deductable powertrain limited warranty is for real. As is the XL7.
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