Review: 2007 Suzuki XL7 AWD
12/08/2006
Shahed Hussain
Some may remember the original Suzuki XL7, which was a stretched version of the Grand Vitara compact SUV. Although Suzuki claimed the XL7 would carry seven passengers, at least two of those passengers would be very unhappy in the cramped 3rd row seats. With its solid rear axle, the XL7 handled like a truck, but without the towing and cargo capacity in exchange. Suzuki was clearly aware of the deficiencies of the first generation XL7; so it took advantage of its GM partnership to select a more suitable platform for the XL7 replacement. The 2007 XL7 boasts better passenger accommodations, a larger 3.6L V-6, and a more comfortable ride, all of which should enhance its appeal to midsize SUV customers.
The XL7 shares its platform with the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent SUVs. Despite the unique front fascia and diamond-shaped headlights, the XL7 reveals its GM lineage once you take a close look at its profile, which resembles an extended Equinox, with taillights cribbed from the VUE. Bold fender flares add some visual bulk and aggressiveness to the XL7, which is far more masculine than its timid looking predecessor. A set of stainless steel dual exhaust tips peek through the rear bumper valance, even on the base XL7. The Limited also gets small fog lights nestled in the lower front bumper. Alloy wheels are standard: 16-inch on the base XL7, 17-inch on the Limited and Luxury. Optional chrome plated wheels are included as part of the Platinum Touring Package (XL7 Luxury only). Tire choices are all-season P235/65R17 (base XL7) or P235/60R17 (Luxury and Limited).
Step inside the XL7, and you see an expanse of drab gray interior plastics, relieved by aluminum painted strips that span the dashboard and doors. The optional beige interior is more attractive, but is only available with leather seats (XL7 Luxury and Limited). Trim fits and interior material quality are certainly acceptable, but not class leading. Knobs and switchgear have a substantial and durable feel, but are clearly sourced from GM. Luxury and Limited trim levels swap the simulated aluminum for wood grain trim instead, which actually adds some sorely needed texture to the interior. Overall, the base XL7 interior is somewhat spartan and bland. We suspect that the uniformly light gray and black plastics in our test vehicle may have negatively affected our impressions. If your budget allows, the Luxury or Limited models may be a worthwhile choice for the upgraded interior materials, as well as the more attractive beige trim.
Although the front seats are comfortable, the driver's seat fabric was already distorted from use. With a test vehicle that had less than 2,000 miles on it, this defect is somewhat disappointing. The leather upholstered seats may prove more durable. Grab the steering wheel and your hands feel textured soft plastic, not leather. Between the 8,000 RPM tachometer and 120-MPH speedometer is a useful information display that shows tire pressure, fuel mileage, as well as other vehicle data. On the center console are easily gripped round HVAC controls that don't distract from the task of driving. Power window switches are also on the center console, which is a less convenient location than the driver's door armrest. The standard 6-speaker CD audio system cranks out excellent sound, with clear treble and reasonably tight bass. An optional rear seat DVD entertainment system, with an upgraded 7-speaker MP3/XM Satellite audio system is available on the Luxury and Limited models. The XL7 Limited offers an optional navigation system, but this requires deletion of the standard rear seat DVD entertainment system (available as option on the Luxury). We are puzzled as to why the navigation system cannot coexist with the rear seat DVD entertainment system.
Rear accommodations in the 2nd row seats are roomy, with ample headroom. Unfortunately, the hard, flat 2nd row seat cushions are extremely uncomfortable after just a few minutes. Unlucky passengers seated in the center position will find back support severely lacking. The 3rd row seats are best suited for small children, and reduce cargo room to almost nothing. Climbing over the 2nd row into the cramped 3rd row is inconvenient, even when the 2nd row seats are folded. Both the 2nd row and 3rd row seats fold down to haul large cargo. We would suggest passing on the 3rd row seat option unless you absolutely need to haul extra kids often. With its uncomfortable rear seat accommodations, the XL7 suffers in comparison to other SUVs in its class such as the Mazda CX-7, although the CX-7 is not nearly as roomy.
On a more positive note, the XL7 takes good care of rear passengers when it comes to ventilation. Roof vents for the 2nd row and 3rd passengers assure cool or warm air as required. Console controls behind the front seats allow rear passengers to tailor the temperature to their needs.
Suzuki borrowed the GM designed 252-bhp 3.6L V-6, and coupled it to an Aisin 5-speed automatic. The transmission has a manual mode which is handy when you want pass traffic on the highway, although flooring the throttle will cause it to downshift with little delay. Left to its own devices, the transmission shifts seamlessly and without a fuss. At idle, noticeable low frequency engine vibration makes its way to the steering wheel when the transmission is in "Drive". The V-6 has reasonable torque below 2,000 RPM as well as decent midrange punch. Below 4,000 RPM the engine is reasonably quiet and subdued, but at full throttle it becomes increasingly loud and raucous until its 6,500 RPM redline. Nonetheless, the gutsy V-6 is a huge improvement over the undersized 2.7L engine in the original XL7.
Lightly loaded, the XL7 is nimble and quick, but a full load of passengers or cargo may be a different story. We didn't load up the XL7, so we can't attest to its cargo hauling capabilities. Towing capacity is a reasonable 3,500 lbs., but the XL7 isn't intended for heavy-duty towing.
The XL7 will cruise quietly at 85-90 MPH, but requires minor steering corrections to maintain its line. The all-season P235/65R16 tires are probably responsible for the somewhat vague steering response. Suspension tuning is clearly biased towards a comfortable ride. Around curves, the XL7 consistently exhibits moderate understeer at normal speeds, although we didn't really push the handling limits on public roads. Front and rear ant-roll bars prevent the XL7 from wallowing around a corner or over bumpy roads. Seven passenger models get Nivomat self-leveling dampers to minimize suspension squat when loaded. Four-wheel disc brakes with standard ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) maximize stopping power. Brake pedal feel is slightly spongy, but no worse than other vehicles in its class. Traction control, combined with AWD, keeps the XL7 from spinning its wheels in rain or light snow. The XL7 won't thrill you with its reflexes, but neither will it surprise you with tricky handling.
The XL7 stands out for its value-oriented pricing. For instance, a base XL7 FWD starts out at just under $23,000, which is certainly competitive for a V-6 equipped SUV. Electronically controlled AWD is a $1,600 option on all models. The midlevel Luxury trim level, starting at $24,599, adds 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats and steering wheel trim, heated front seats, and a power driver's seat. We think that the XL7 Luxury model is a worthwhile upgrade which adds just enough extra equipment to get away from the vaguely "stripper" feel of the base XL7. While the XL7 Limited (starting just under $28,000) is even better equipped, it starts to intrude in the same price range as the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander, which are acknowledged benchmarks in this segment.
Suzuki cleverly leveraged GM's available vehicle platforms to design the new XL7, which is a vast improvement over its undersized and underpowered predecessor. In the interim, the car based SUV market has become intensely competitive, with all major manufacturers vying for a slice of this expanding segment. Does the XL7 have what it takes to stand out? We think so, but we would recommend that potential customers consider the Luxury trim package, which offers good value for money. Aside from the uncomfortable 2nd row seats, the XL7 offers excellent value for money, and is worth putting on your shopping list if you are in the market for a midsize SUV.