2007-2008 Suzuki XL7: Road Test

Ample power is available from any speed, and there's little difference between 2WD and AWD models. The ultra-smooth automatic transmission kicks down promptly for swift passing, and always seems to be in the right gear. Its manual shift gate is helpful in mountain driving. Suzuki claimed that the XL7 accelerated to 60 mph in under 8.0 seconds, which sounds about right. Towing capacity is 3500 pounds. Fuel economy is a sore spot. A test AWD model averaged just 16.6 mpg. Each XL7 uses regular-grade fuel. Although the XL7 suspension smothers most small bumps reasonably well, it suffers from excessive floatiness and wallow over even modest road imperfections. Little difference is apparent between 16- and 17-inch tires, and with or without the load-leveling suspension. Suzuki's comfort-biased suspension leads to marked body lean that demands slowing down in corners. Steering has numb, artificial feel, plus a wide turning circle that restricts close-quarters maneuvering. Brakes offer good stopping control, but some testers would have liked a firmer pedal feel. Unlike similar engines in other GM vehicles, the XL7's V6 is coarse during acceleration, and never quiets completely. Wind and road noise are well above class norms. A modern car-like dashboard has legible gauges and mostly handy controls. On the other hand, some may dislike the power-window switches, arrayed around the shift lever in the center console. The optional navigation system demands some study, and its screen may be a bit small; but it controls no climate or audio functions--a big bonus. Cabin materials and finish are just adequate. Slightly odd texturing on the lower dashboard and door panels gives the cabin a low-budget feel. Supportive, high-set front seats provide adult-size headroom and leg space. The XL7's tilt steering wheel aids driver comfort, though it doesn't telescope. The rear roofline and small back window impede views astern and to the right rear. A high-riding stance doesn't help, and also compromises entry/exit compared to lower-riding rivals. Second-row headroom is six-footer adequate. Legroom shrinks significantly with front seats set far back, but the chair-height cushion and good underseat footroom compensate. Width isn't quite sufficient for three grown-ups, though, and entry/exit is a bit steep. Third-row space is adequate for adults, at least for shorter trips. Cargo volume is ample for the class in any configuration, but the liftgate lacks opening glass and could open higher. Only grocery-bag space is available behind the 50/50 third-row seat, but that seat folds flat without removing headrests. The 60/40 second-row seat tumbles forward with its headrests in place. Cabin storage consists of undersize door pockets, a smallish dashboard glovebox, and two roomy console bins.

Value for the Money
Suzuki's 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. For ride, handling, and quietness it falls far short of class leaders such as the Honda Pilot and Saturn Outlook.