XL7 improves on itself

Comments

April 27, 2007

By Dan Lyons Motor Matters

Suzuki rolled out a fresh version of its flagship Sport Utility Vehicle for 2007. The new XL7 takes its place at the top of a seven-model lineup. First appearing in 2000, the XL7 is the largest offering from a company best known for small cars.

The midsize crossover is distinctly bigger than last year's version. By the numbers, the 2007 is 2.1 inches wider and a whopping 9.8 inches longer. The additions outside pay dividends in increased passenger room and cargo space.

The difference is particularly noticeable in the second row, which now has adult-sized legroom to go with generous headroom. Third-row seating is available optionally on base XL7 and luxury trim levels. The top-line Limited gets row three for free. The rearmost seats are suitable for a pair of kids, bringing overall capacity to 6 or 7 people. The XL7's third row presents an "either/or" dilemma common in midsize SUVs and crossovers.

If you configure your vehicle for maximum passengers, there's not a lot of room left for cargo. In max-people mode, the Suzuki has 14 cubic feet of cargo volume. However, any time you've got less than a full load people-wise, cargo capacity improves rapidly. The third-row seat splits 50/50 and folds nearly flush with the floor. With two rows in place, you've got substantial storage behind (49.4 cubic feet), and that expands to 95 cubic feet behind row one. And up in the first row, it's a comfortable space, nicely appointed in Luxury trim models.

Included in the list of standard features on the top-line XL7 is that saver of family vacations: a rear-seat DVD entertainment center. There are ample spots sprinkled around the cabin to stow small items. The layout of controls is easy to decipher and doesn't unduly distract from your driving. Visibility is good in all directions save the rear � view, where thick C- and D-pillars cut down on the driver's sight lines.

Moving from seeing to being seen, the XL7's makeover includes fresh sheet metal. The front view carries the distinctive, Suzuki style headlamps. The wedged, asymmetrical lights frame a three-bar grille, branded with the company's "S." The side view features a curving roofline with integrated rack. Wheel arches are cut high and flared over the tires. In all, the Suzuki has a big wagon look, with a dash of SUV.

The 2007 XL7 dispenses with the truck-based, rear-wheel drive platform of last year, in favor of a car-based chassis with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional and available on all three trim levels. Suzuki's AWD system works on demand, with no input required from the driver. I've driven both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive XL7's, and found the comparison between the two much the same as in other crossovers. If you live in a Snow Belt state, all-wheel drive makes a marked improvement in drivability on sloppy roads. A handful of electronic systems − Electronic Stability Program, Anti-Lock Brakes, and Traction Control − are along for the ride to help promote grip and prevent slip.

One area where the new XL7 has lost ground to the older version is noticeable only to outdoorsmen. Angles of approach and departure are lower on '07 models by 11 and 3.4 degrees respectively, meaning there's less clearance at the corners. But this should be a non-issue to most drivers, as the XL7 is not intended for off-roading.

Under the hood, the new XL7 gets a big power boost. The 3.6-liter V-6 makes 252 horsepower and 243 lb.-ft. of torque, up 36 percent and 32 percent respectively, over the former 2.7-liter engine. Though power is up, mileage is slightly better than last year. EPA rates an AWD XL7 at 17 miles per gallon city and 23 mpg highway, and I averaged 19.5 during my test drive. The six is smooth and quick enough to pull the XL7 from 0-60 mph in about 8 seconds. The engine is linked to a five-speed automatic transmission. The pairing worked well generally, except that gear changes tended to be sluggish when the engine was cold.

At first glance and first drive, it's hard to say whether it will be smooth sailing or rough waters ahead for Suzuki's new flagship. The 2007 XL7 is clearly a noticeable notch up in every dimension over the model it replaces. But, my top-line XL Limited had a sticker price of $29,549, and there are a whole lot of established, quality crossovers to choose from at that price point.