2002 Suzuki XL-7

Suzuki created the small sport-utility market in this country about 16 years ago with its cute, rugged Samurai and still is best known in America for its sport-utility vehicles. The small Samurai really was meant for third-world countries and thus couldn't compete well with newer, more sophisticated small sport-utes later offered by other Japanese automakers. However, Suzuki regrouped and has come a long way since the Samurai was sold.

For instance, its mid-size XL-7 is far more sophisticated and designed for a much larger audience. The XL-7 is one of the most comfortable sport-utes, although its body-on-frame construction makes it more rugged than car-based sport-utes from automakers such as Honda and Toyota. Car-based sport-utes generally are more comfortable.

The XL-7 comes with rear-drive or a four-wheel-drive system meant for use only on slippery surfaces.
The four-wheel drive is engaged with a console-mounted lever, whereas rivals offer a more handy dashboard switch. Still, the XL-7 has low-range gearing for serious off-road travel.

The XL-7 is derived from Suzuki's smaller Grand Vitara sport-ute and comes in a variety of trim levels. They range from Standard to Limited Edition, with base prices going from $19,599 to $25,999. That makes the XL-7 affordable for a mid-size sport-ute with a third row seat, which is standard in all by the base model.

All XL-7s are very well-equipped, and the top-line Limited Edition model even has leather upholstery. New standard features include heated front seats for the Limited Edition, while the base model gets an AM/FM audio system with in-dash CD player.

Four-wheel-drive models now are equipped with heated door mirrors, and all models have the new LATCH rear child-seat system with upper and lower anchors and tethers. The new XL-7 is basically unchanged because it was introduced late last year.
However, horsepower of its reworked 2.7-liter V-6 has been increased from 170 to 183.

The V-6 provides lively performance, although it's noisy during hard acceleration and revs at a rather high 3,050 rpm at 70 mph with the available, responsive four-speed automatic transmission. A larger V-6 would allow more relaxed operation, but probably would lower fuel economy.

A five-speed manual gearbox is available, and fuel economy is in the high teens in the city and in the low 20s on the highway with either manual or automatic transmission. But a manual transmission seems out of place in the XL-7 because this is a family vehicle meant to be a substitute for a minivan in some cases. It's also an alternative to larger, less-nimble and more fuel-thirsty sport-utilities.

The steering is precise with good road feel, but has a rather stiff feel that takes getting used to. Handling is above-average for a sport-ute. The ride is generally smooth, but large dips sometimes cause it to become bouncy. Most people buy a vehicle such as the XL-7 for its roominess.

This Suzuki seats up to seven with the third-row seat and five with the front buckets and second-row bench seat. While the third-row seat no longer is in the Standard model, it remains in the mid-range Plus and higher-line Touring and Limited models. However, that seat is best suited to children and isn't especially easy to reach.

The XL-7 has a low floor, so only a little extra effort is needed to get in and out. Large outside door handles are easy to grip. But the available running boards get in the way if you have large shoe sizes. Rear doors are long, but have narrow openings that can make it hard to climb in and out.

A driver sits high in a supportive seat, with a commanding view of the road. Controls are nicely sized, and gauges can be easily read. The cupholders get a good rating, but door map pockets are small.
Rear windows lower all the way, but the outside mounted spare tire and rear headrests partly block vision.

The XL-7 shines in the cargo area, although there is only room for items such as grocery bags with the third seat in place. However, the backs of the second and third seats flip forward to provide a flat cargo floor and impressive cargo room.

Also, both second and third row seats are split 60/40 to accommodate irregular-shaped objects.
The cargo door opens toward the curb, making curbside loading more difficult.

On the other hand, it can be argued that a shopper finds it more convenient to plunk groceries in the cargo area and then proceed immediately to the driver's door. The XL-7 offers a good blend of utility, comfort and performance. Compared to it, the Suzuki Samurai looks like something from World War II.

2002 SUZUKI XL-7

Prices

$19,599-$25,999

Likes

More power. Decent handling. Rugged. Comfortable. Third-row seat. Cargo capacity.

Dislikes

Rather stiff steering. Occasional bouncy ride. Narrow rear door openings.