2008 Suzuki XL7: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2008 Suzuki XL7 is largely unchanged. This midsize crossover SUV seats up to seven and borrows its basic design from the Chevrolet Equinox. XL7 comes in base, Premium, Luxury, and Limited trims. All have a 252-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. Front-wheel drive is standard. All but the base are available with all-wheel drive. Five-passenger seating is standard on all but the Limited. A 3rd-row bench seat for seven-passenger capacity is standard on Limited and available on Premium and Luxury. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Seven-seat versions have a load-leveling suspension. The previously optional navigation system and sunroof are newly standard on the XL7 Limited. DVD entertainment is a no-cost option on the Limited, but it deletes both the navigation and sunroof.

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 choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.