Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2006 Suzuki XL-7 Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2006 Suzuki XL-7 Review:
2006 Suzuki XL-7 Review
Suzuki's midsize SUV is built on a truck-type platform and has a side-hinged rear cargo door. Base and Premium models are offered. XL-7 has seating for five with a split folding 2nd-row seat, or seven with an available split folding 3rd-row seat. A 185-hp V6 with 5-speed automatic transmission is the only powertrain. XL-7 offers rear-wheel drive or 4WD that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but has low-range gearing. ABS is standard. No side airbags are available. Premiums include leather upholstery and sunroof.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.
New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
Our Best Buys include Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, Nissan Xterra, and Toyota 4Runner.
New or significantly redesigned models include Hummer H3, Jeep Commander, Pontiac Torrent, and Subaru B9 Tribeca.
News
A redesigned XL-7 bows for 2007 with a Suzuki-styled body over Chevrolet Equinox/Pontiac Torrent bones. Borrowing the General Motors Theta platform transforms a truck-type body-on-frame SUV into a unibody crossover that's slightly wider and taller but nearly 10 inches shorter on a 2-inch trimmer wheelbase. Like its GM cousins, the new XL-7 offers front-wheel drive or an AWD system that lacks low-range gears and powers the rear wheels only when the fronts lose grip. But instead of a 185-hp pushrod V6, the Suzuki gets GM's so-called "high feature" overhead-cam V6 with an estimated 250 hp. The only transmission is a five-speed automatic with manual shift gate. Suzuki says fuel economy hasn't suffered, quoting EPA city/highway mpg of 18/24 with 2WD and 17/23 with AWD. Rated towing capacity is 3500 lb, the same as Equinox/Torrent. The new XL-7 will offer Premium and uplevel Luxury models with seating for five or seven and standard ABS, stability/traction control and tire-pressure monitor. Seven-passenger models have a fold-in-floor 3rd-row seat. Premiums come on 16-inch wheels, Luxury models on 17s. Leather upholstery is standard for Luxury and available on Premium. Other options include sunroof, navigation system, and DVD entertainment. Sales start in the fourth quarter of 2006. Prices won't be announced until then, but Suzuki says MSRPs should run $23,000-$29,000, considerably above the outgoing XL-7. We'll have more details soon, so keep checking back with us.
Meantime, Suzuki says it will add a pickup truck in 2008, a first for this company in the U.S. market. It's believed to be a rebadged version of the Nissan Frontier, part of a new product-exchange deal between Suzuki and Nissan.
Meantime, Suzuki says it will add a pickup truck in 2008, a first for this company in the U.S. market. It's believed to be a rebadged version of the Nissan Frontier, part of a new product-exchange deal between Suzuki and Nissan.
2006 Suzuki XL-7 Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Cargo room | Acceleration |
| Steering/handling | |
| Noise | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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. Towing capacity is 3000 lb.
| 4WD 7-passenger w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
| 3 | 5 |
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. Towing capacity is 3000 lb.
Fuel Economy
Test 4WD models averaged 13.6-15.4 mpg in all-city driving. XL-7 uses regular-grade fuel.
| 4WD 7-passenger w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
| 4 | 3.8 |
Test 4WD models averaged 13.6-15.4 mpg in all-city driving. XL-7 uses regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Sharp bumps--small or large--result in more harshness than in most rivals, and even freeway travel can get bouncy.
| 4WD 7-passenger w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
| 3 | 5.4 |
Sharp bumps--small or large--result in more harshness than in most rivals, and even freeway travel can get bouncy.
Steering/Handling/Braking
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. Kudos for making ABS standard, though brake feel and performance are only mediocre.
| 4WD 7-passenger w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
| 3 | 4.1 |
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. Kudos for making ABS standard, though brake feel and performance are only mediocre.
Quietness
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.
| 4WD 7-passenger w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
| 3 | 5.2 |
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
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.
| 4WD 7-passenger w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
| 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)
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-in a bit high, though class normal. Visibility OK, better with 3rd-row-seat headrests removed.
| 4WD 7-passenger w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
| 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-in a bit high, though class normal. Visibility OK, better with 3rd-row-seat headrests removed.
Room/Comfort (rear)
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.
| 4WD 7-passenger w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
| 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
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.
| 4WD 7-passenger w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
| 9 | 8.3 |
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
Prices are attractive, particularly when compared with most other seven-passenger SUVs. But XL-7 can't match the accommodations, on-road performance, and resale value of top rivals. Basically, it's a mediocre midsize SUV with a cramped 3rd-row seat its one asset.
| 4WD 7-passenger w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
| 3 | 5.7 |
Prices are attractive, particularly when compared with most other seven-passenger SUVs. But XL-7 can't match the accommodations, on-road performance, and resale value of top rivals. Basically, it's a mediocre midsize SUV with a cramped 3rd-row seat its one asset.
Total Score
| 4WD 7-passenger w/Premium Pkg. | Class Average |
| 43 | 56.7 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 43 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 66 |
2006 Suzuki XL-7 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/20/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Base 5-passenger 4-door wagon | $21,999 | $21,119 | $595 |
|
|
|||
| 4WD Base 5-passenger 4-door wagon | $23,199 | $22,271 | $595 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Base 7-passenger 4-door wagon | $23,699 | $22,751 | $595 |
|
|
|||
| 4WD Base 7-passenger 4-door wagon | $24,899 | $23,903 | $595 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Premium 7-passenger 4-door wagon | $25,499 | $24,479 | $595 |
|
|
|||
| 4WD Premium 7-passenger 4-door wagon | $26,699 | $25,631 | $595 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.7-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front air conditioning w/automatic climate control, rear air conditioning (7-passenger), interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row split folding seat (7-passenger), heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights, cargo cover, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 235/60R16 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Premium adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear air conditioning, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 3rd-row split folding seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, running boards, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2006 Suzuki XL-7 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Suzuki XL-7 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 110.2 |
| Overall Length, in. | 187.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 68.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3759 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 72.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 31.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.7 /167 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 185 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 184 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed automatic | 17/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Suzuki XL-7 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 7/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 3/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2006 Suzuki XL-7 Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Roush
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
