2007 Suzuki XL7: Road Test
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2007 Suzuki XL7 ▼
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- MSRP: $22,899 -$29,549
- Invoice: $21,983 -$28,367
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Our road test for the 2007 Suzuki XL7 includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Suzuki XL7 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Suzuki XL7, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Suzuki XL7 help you decide if a 2007 Suzuki XL7 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD Luxury 5-passenger | 2WD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Any XL7 has ample power from any speed. The smooth automatic transmission kicks down promptly for passing and always seems to be in the right gear. Its manual shift gate is helpful on hilly roads. XL7 clocks under 8 sec 0-60 mph, says Suzuki, which feels right to us. Towing capacity is 3500 lb.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD Luxury 5-passenger | 2WD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
A test 2WD XL7 averaged a thrifty 21.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. A test AWD averaged 16.6 mpg in mostly city work. XL7 uses regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD Luxury 5-passenger | 2WD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
The suspension smothers most small bumps reasonably well, but XL7 suffers from excessive float and wallow over even modest road imperfections. There's little apparent difference between 16- and 17-inch tires or with load-leveling suspension.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD Luxury 5-passenger | 2WD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
XL7's comfort-biased suspension means marked body lean that demands slow speeds when entering corners. The steering has a numb, artificial feel. A wide turning circle complicates close-quarters maneuvering. The brakes have good stopping control, but some testers would like firmer pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD Luxury 5-passenger | 2WD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
Unlike the similar engine in other GM vehicles, the XL7's V6 is coarse in acceleration and never quiets completely. Wind and road noise are well above class norms.
CONTROLS
| 2WD Luxury 5-passenger | 2WD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
XL7's modern dashboard has legible gauges and mostly handy controls. Some may dislike the power window switches arrayed around the center console shift lever. The optional navigation system takes some learning, and its screen may be a bit small. It doesn't incorporate any audio or climate functions, however.
DETAILS
| 2WD Luxury 5-passenger | 2WD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.5 |
Cabin materials and finish are just OK. Slightly odd texturing on lower dash and door panels gives the cabin a budget feel.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD Luxury 5-passenger | 2WD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Supportive, high-set seats give plenty of head and leg room. The steering wheel tilts but doesn't telescope, which may hinder drivers from finding an ideal position. The rear roofline and small back window impede vision astern and to right rear. XL7's high-riding stance doesn't help visibility, and it also compromises entry and exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD Luxury 5-passenger | 2WD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Second-row head room is adequate for six-footers. Leg room shrinks significantly with the front seat set far back, but the chair-height cushion and good underseat foot room compensate. There's not quite enough width for three grown-ups, though, and entry/exit is a bit steep. Third-row room is adequate for adults for shorter trips.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD Luxury 5-passenger | 2WD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Only grocery-bag space is available behind the 50/50 3rd-row seat, but that folds flat without removing the headrests. The 60/40 2nd-row seat tumbles forward with the headrests in place. Cargo volume is ample for the class in any configuration, but the liftgate lacks opening glass and could lift higher. Cabin storage includes undersize door pockets, smallish dashboard glovebox, and two roomy console bins.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD Luxury 5-passenger | 2WD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.9 |
The 2007 redesign improved on the trucky previous-generation XL7, but it still trails the competition for value and overall refinement. XL7 shines only for acceleration and transmission performance, but for ride, handling, and quietness, it falls far short of class leaders such as the Honda Pilot and Saturn Outlook.
Total Score
| 2WD Luxury 5-passenger | 2WD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger | AWD Limited 7-passenger w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 61.9 |
Total Score: 61
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