Suzuki XL7 Espanola NM

BY MICHAEL AUSTIN

The Suzuki XL7 used to carry the distinction of being the most affordable seven-passenger SUV on the market. But if you didn't need all seven seats, the truck-like ladder frame (shared with the Grand Vitara) and the solid rear axle made the more-car-like Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 a better choice. So for 2007 the XL7 rides on an all-new platform that's shared with the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent while the Grand Vitara still has its own rear- or all-wheel-drive chassis.

As the granddaddy of all Suzukis, the XL7 is the most powerful. The General Motors "high feature" 3.6-liter V-6—built by Suzuki under license from GM—mated to a five speed automatic transmission is the only powertrain, but it comes with an impressive 252 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. Two-wheel-drive models are propelled by the front wheels and all-wheel-drive is an option. The third row of seats is also optional, and adds load-leveling shocks to the independent rear suspension.

On the outside the XL7 has grown immensely. The overall length is up almost 10 inches to 197.2, which outstretches most mid-size SUVs. Width is up 2.1 inches, and the new XL7 is taller by almost an inch. Ground clearance has also improved, but the longer front and rear overhangs, which reduce approach and departure angles, give away the XL7's true nature as more of an all-weather people hauler than a true off-roader. But even if the XL7 is a thinly disguised minivan it makes a good effort to haul its occupants in comfort and safety. Front airbags and side curtain airbags are standard, as is ABS and stability control. The top-of-the-line Limited model comes with leather seats, wood trim, remote starter, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Our loaded test vehicle also had all-wheel drive and the Platinum package, which includes DVD navigation, power sunroof (which gets rid of the rear DVD entertainment) and chrome wheels.

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