2005 Suzuki XL-7: Road Test
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2005 Suzuki XL-7 ▼
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- MSRP: $20,399 -$27,799
- Invoice: $19,379 -$26,409
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Our road test for the 2005 Suzuki XL-7 includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Suzuki XL-7 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Suzuki XL-7, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Suzuki XL-7 help you decide if a 2005 Suzuki XL-7 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD LX III, man. | 4WD EX III, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4.9 |
Adequate around town. Automatic transmission kicks down promptly for more power, but highway passing or merging requires foot-to-the-floor effort. Carrying more than two adults slows things down even more. Low-range gearing an off-road plus, but most rivals offer AWD or more-convenient 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD LX III, man. | 4WD EX III, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.9 |
Test 4WD EXs with automatic transmission averaged 13.6-15.4 mpg in all-city driving. XL-7 uses regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD LX III, man. | 4WD EX III, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.1 |
Sharp bumps--small or large--result in more harshness than in most rivals, and even freeway travel can get bouncy.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD LX III, man. | 4WD EX III, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.8 |
Good low-speed control. But as cornering speed exceeds moderate, noseplow, tire scrub, and body lean become pronounced. Crosswinds and bumps can disturb XL-7's line of travel. Steering rather numb. Even with ABS, brake feel and performance mediocre.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD LX III, man. | 4WD EX III, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.8 |
Wearing except in gentle driving, with marked highway wind roar and much tire drone on most surfaces. Engine strained and noisy in the high-rpm operation required for best performance.
CONTROLS
| 4WD LX III, man. | 4WD EX III, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Basically clear, simple, handy, especially three large climate controls that make the automatic climate system among easiest to adjust manually. Cabin materials and finish impress and are on par with the better Japanese brands.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD LX III, man. | 4WD EX III, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6.7 |
Fine head clearance for 6-footers, but leg space only adequate. Narrow cabin limits hip and shoulder room. Seats nicely firm, but some testers say cushions too short for good leg support. Step-up a bit high, though class normal. Visibility OK, better with 3rd-row-seat headrests removed.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD LX III, man. | 4WD EX III, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6.2 |
Good head room in 2nd row, but seat is hard, too narrow for three adults, and offers little leg room unless you take advantage of its ability to slide rearward a few inches. Door thresholds narrow enough to trip feet. Third row accommodates kids, but squeezes their legs unless 2nd row is pushed forward, and entry/exit is awkward.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD LX III, man. | 4WD EX III, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7.8 |
A bit narrower than other midsize SUVs. Volume class-average with both rear seats down. Only grocery-bag space behind 50/50 3rd-row seat. Folding the 60/40 2nd-row seat is an ordeal of cryptic diagrams and puzzling levers. Cargo door swings open from streetside. Several handy interior cubbies for small stuff, though door map pockets hard to access.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD LX III, man. | 4WD EX III, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.6 |
Prices are attractive, particularly when compared to other 7-passenger SUVs. But XL-7 can't match the accommodations or on-road performance of top rivals, and can't match their resale value, either. Basically, it's a mediocre compact SUV stretched to become a mediocre midsize SUV with a cramped, available 3rd-row seat its one asset.
Total Score
| 4WD LX III, man. | 4WD EX III, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 42 | 41 | 55.1 |
Total Score: 42
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