| provided by: |  |
Christopher Jackson | 9/6/2007 | Suzuki
How's this for a facelift? Suzuki's newest SUV is striking, thanks to an angular face that's likely to spread to the rest of the lineup. For 2007, Suzuki gets its first real mid-size SUV. The XL7 was introduced in 2001 as a long-wheelbase version of the compact Grand Vitara.
It was a nice enough sport-ute, but somewhat too narrow to compete with class leaders like the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander. Body-on-frame construction was off-road friendly, but the refinement was suburb-challenged.
No more. The XL7 is longer, larger and all-new, with three-row seating and enough of a wheelbase to make the third row a realistic size. Unibody construction makes for a more refined suspension, and the interior has been upgraded along with the exterior. Just like that, the XL7 seems to have discovered the key to merging into the mainstream.
The design is angular above all else. The XL7's styling was hinted at by Suzuki's Concept-X show car seen a couple of years ago, and it definitely stands out on the road. The striking tilted-rectangle headlamp units flank a broad, horizontal-bar grille, and the front end is distinguished by a lower grill that wraps up from underneath. A clamshell-style hoodline sweeps back into a fast, carlike greenhouse and a relatively clean side profile. It looks bulky from the rear, but the longer wheelbase goes well with the XL7's increased height. The tall rear section adds headroom for second and third-row passengers.
Step inside, and things look good. Wood and satin nickel trim on the dash give the XL7 a handsome, luxurious look, and the wider body offers a great deal more space than before. The third-row seats finally offer real knee room for real adult knees. The tall seating positions are comfortable front and rear, but this doesn't feel the least bit truckish. The XL7 seems fine-boned, if that term can be applied to a vehicle; the details of the dash and center stack are small and precise. Does it feel a bit familiar? That will be the General Motors DNA you're noticing; believe it or not, the XL7 rides on a stretched version of the platform that underpins the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent, and some of the interior layout reflects this. The XL7 is more nicely trimmed and outfitted than any of its siblings, however. Touch-screen navigation is available, as are heated seats, leather and a rear-seat DVD player.
The engine is unique to the XL7, a 3.6 liter DOHC V6 that's a big step up from the 2.7 V6 in the previous model. With 252 horsepower, the XL7 is no slugh, though power delivery is somewhat coarse, with a harsh note from the engine. It's not happy with hard acceleration, in spite of variable valve timing. On the other hand, fuel economy is above-average for a mid-size SUV, at 18/24 in two-wheel drive models. The five-speed automatic transmission works seamlessly. All-wheel drive is available, to tackle foul weather but probably not serious off-roading. The XL7 will tow up to 3500 pounds.
The unibody sits on a set of frame rails for improved strength but retains a carlike ride--this is considered a crossover vehicle, after all. MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear form a very sedan-like independent suspension. Nivomat self-leveling shocks are used in the new rear suspension, to keep the rear end level when loaded. The XL7 is very much the on-road component of the Suzuki SUV family; the off-roader is the Grand Vitara, these days. Rack and pinion steering keeps the XL7 responsive around town; standard anti-lock brakes and ESP stability control keep it pointed where you want it to go.
As a well-appointed, long-wheelbase Saturn VUE, the XL7 works. It's much more domesticated than any of Suzuki's previous sport-utes. Few other crossovers offer third-row seating, at least until the arrival of the minivan-sized luxury "X-overs" coming from Saturn, GMC and Buick later in '07.
The crossover segment is also notable for being (generally) more affordable than the SUVs, and the XL7 is no exception there either. Pricing starts at $22,899 for a five-passenger, two-wheel drive model. A well-equipped XL7 Luxury model with seven-passenger seating starts at $24,599 and our two-wheel drive Luxury tester came in at just over $28,000.
Specifications:
All specs are for the 2007 Suzuki XL7.
Length: 197.2 in.
Width: 72.2 in.
Height: 68.9 in.
Wheelbase: 112.4 in.
Curb weight: 3886 lb.
Towing capacity: 3500 lb.
Cargo space: 95.2 cu.ft. (all seats folded)
Base price: $24,599
Price as tested: $28,584
Engine: 3.6 liter DOHC 24-valve V6
Drivetrain: five-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 252 @ 6500
Torque: 243 @ 2300
Fuel capacity: 18.6 gal.
Est. mileage: 18/24
Continue to article on OnWheelsInc.com