2007 Suzuki XL7 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Suzuki replaces its homegrown midsize SUV for 2007 with a design borrowed from General Motors. XL7 adopts the car-type structure of the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent, but differs in styling and engine. The 2001-2006 XL7 used a truck-type design and a 185-hp V6. The '07 is about 10 inches longer, has a 252-hp V6, and seats up to seven. Equinox and Torrent have a 185-hp V6 and seat five. XL7 comes in base, Special, Luxury, and Limited trim, each with a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. A 5-speed automatic is the sole transmission. ABS, traction and an antiskid system are standard. Front side airbags are not available, but curtain side airbags that cover all seating rows and include rollover deployment are standard. Seven-seat versions have load-leveling suspension. A navigation system and DVD entertainment are available, but not together. Luxury models have leather upholstery and heated front seats.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.

Our Best Buy choice is the Honda Pilot. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Dodge Nitro, Ford Edge, GMC Acadia, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, Saturn Outlook, Suzuki XL-7, and Toyota FJ Cruiser.

News

The car-type XL7 is just out, so no major changes should occur soon. Meantime, a pickup truck is slated to join Suzuki's 2009 lineup, 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.

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2007 Suzuki XL7 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Ride/handling	Third-row room/comfort/access

Passenger and cargo room	Rear visibility

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		48
Average Score		61
High Score		69

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2007 Suzuki XL7 Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 12/06/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

2WD Base 5-passenger 4-door wagon	$22,899	$21,983	$635

AWD Base 5-passenger 4-door wagon	$24,499	$23,519	$635

2WD Base 7-passenger 4-door wagon	$24,249	$23,279	$635

AWD Base 7-passenger 4-door wagon	$25,849	$24,815	$635

2WD Special 7-passenger 4-door wagon	$25,749	$24,719	$635

AWD Special 7-passenger 4-door wagon	$27,349	$26,255	$635

2WD Luxury 5-passenger 4-door wagon	$24,599	$23,615	$635

AWD Luxury 5-passenger 4-door wagon	$26,199	$25,151	$635

2WD Luxury 7-passenger 4-door wagon	$25,949	$24,911	$635

AWD Luxury 7-passenger 4-door wagon	$27,549	$26,447	$635

2WD Limited 7-passenger 4-door wagon	$27,949	$26,831	$635

AWD Limited 7-passenger 4-door wagon	$29,549	$28,367	$635

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

3.6-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, 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, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row split folding seat (7-passenger), power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear privacy glass, roof rails.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Load-leveling suspension (7-passenger), 235/65R16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

Special adds to Base

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

Luxury adds to Special:

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

235/60R17 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

Limited adds to Luxury:

Comfort and Convenience Features

Rear air conditioning w/rear control, 3rd-row split folding seat, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, DVD entertainment system, remote engine start, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Fog lights.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Load-leveling suspension, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Platinum Touring Pkg.
Limited	$2,200	$2,112
Navigation system, power sunroof, chrome alloy wheels. Deletes DVD entertainment system.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
Special, Luxury	$800	$768


DVD entertainment system
Special, Luxury 7-passenger	$1,100	$1,056
NA w/power sunroof.

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2007 Suzuki XL7 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Suzuki XL7 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	112.4

Overall Length, in.	197.2

Overall Width, in.	72.2

Overall Height, in.	68.9

Curb Weight, lbs.	4049

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	95.2

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.6

Seating Capacity	7

Front Head Room, in.	41.3

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.2

Rear Head Room, in.	40.0

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.8

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V6

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.6 /217

Horsepower @ rpm.	252 @ 6500

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	243 @ 2300

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	17/23

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 XL7 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: Canada

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

Tester's Comments

(what's this?)

Vehicle Evaluated: Suzuki XL7 AWD Limited
Trim Level: Limited
Arrival Date: 11/02/2006
Engine: dohc V6
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
4WD/AWD: Yes
Base Price: $29,549
Price as Tested: $30,184
Mileage at Beginning of Test: 1567
Mileage at End of Test: 2092
Total Measured Miles:
Total Fuel Used: 31.664 gals.

Major Options: N/A

Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 16.58 mpg (what's this?)

Problems During Test: None

From The Back Seat
Chuck Giametta XL7 has above-average acceleration for a midsize SUV, but is subpar in most other ways. Engine and road noise are intrusive enough to spoil every drive. Ergonomics are sound, and the cabin is roomy for five adults, but interior materials are run-of-the-mill and prone to squeaks and rattles. Mid- and top-level versions are overpriced, making an AWD Base model the only XL7 worth considering.

Ed Piotrowski The previous-generation, truck-type XL7 deserved a better replacement than this. Suzuki had a chance to make lemonade out of the lemon that is GM's Theta platform and the sugar that is the high-feature 3.6-liter V6 engine. What we got instead is a sour, crass, unrefined SUV that drives bigger than it really is. At more than $30,000 for a loaded version, the only XL7 that even remotely makes sense is the Base model. For that money, Suzuki's own Grand Vitara is a far superior vehicle. If you need the size, a Ford Freestyle, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and now the new Saturn Outlook are smarter, more refined choices.

Kirk Bell We are far too positive in our CG says comments. GM needs to start over with the Theta platform. Use some of the engineering put into Sigma and come up with midsize crossover SUVs that are more carlike. Theta manages to drive like a bigger vehicle, all the while allowing a lot of noise into the cabin. I could't recommend this, or the Saturn Vue, Chevy Equinox, or Pontiac Torrent. If Ford Edge has these vehicles as competition, it's going to do well.

Rick Cotta Good power, reasonable economy, and decent room are pluses, but in too many ways, Suzuki's "big" SUV apple didn't fall quite far enough from the GM tree. Too much road rumble, too little suspension control, and alarmingly poor visibility are carried-over traits from GM's midsize utes, to which are added engine noise and interior materials that cry "cheap." And this Suzuki isn't. Our top-line $30,000 tester had a lot of nice features, but a similarly equipped, higher-rated Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot would only cost about 10% more.

< 2007 Suzuki XL7 Photos

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Also in the 2007 Suzuki XL7 Review:

Suzuki XL7

Suzuki XL7 Road Test

Suzuki XL7 Prices & Equipment

Suzuki XL7 Specs & Safety

Suzuki XL7 Photos

Suzuki XL7 Full Review

All Suzuki XL7s

All Suzukis