For 2007, the Suzuki XL-7 has been fully redesigned. But it still bears the mark and build of a midsized sport utility vehicle. For power, it uses the 3.6 liter V6 engine which has been built in Japan by an American auto manufacturer, General Motors. However, this engine still has the Japanese touch for there are still a few changes and revisions that Suzuki has done to make it unique. But as a whole, it still is the very same engine that the Pontiac G6 uses. But think again, the Suzuki XL-7 is built in Canada.
So we can say that the Suzuki XL-7 is a vehicle built with the design from the Japanese but holds the wants and fancy of the American market. After all, sport utility vehicles are one of the most popular and most sought after vehicles by citizens of the United States.
With superbly crafted Suzuki auto parts to keep the vehicle in good conditions for years and through various roads and terrain, the Suzuki XL-7 is going to be an exceptional vehicle. For power, the engine can create 252 units of horsepower plus 243 pound feet of torque. And this is just the kind of power and vehicle that Americans are on the hunt for. The transmission is Japanese, though. The vehicle has been equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission which allows the vehicle to speed from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than eight seconds. It also has the right amount of power to tow equipment that could weight a maximum of 3500 pounds.
Its fuel efficiency is just around average for it makes sure that it is able to meet the standards of the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, or the US. Driving in the city is around 18 miles per gallon while you could achieve some 24 miles per gallon for highway travails. And these figures are surely an improvement over the previous Suzuki XL-7 model.
Busier freeways exist, but both Northern California thoroughfares have their share of hectic commuter traffic and every other conceivable transportation concern.
Both freeways therefore provide perfect arenas for vehicle testing, particularly the consistent, steady ascents into the foothills and toward ski resort elevations. There's nothing too steep, but the steady grades can abruptly help showcase a vehicle's power strengths or weaknesses.
In my recent test drive of the 2005 Suzuki XL-7, the new midsize SUV offered by the Japanese manufacturer, the latter applied.
The XL-7 has its share of attractive features, including a good price point and plenty of impressive standard features. But acceleration and overall engine performance is not the vehicle's strong suit.
On out-of-town journeys on both Interstate 50 and 80, the XL-7 was noticeable sluggish on the steady climbs out of the flatlands. The XL-7 has a 5-speed automatic transmission and 2.7-liter, 24-valve, 185-horsepower, V6 engine. Yet, even on solo treks into moderate elevation locales, in highway passing situations, or in other needed acceleration scenarios, a foot-to-the-floor effort was required.
The XL-7, however, should not be dismissed It's been introduced as an extended version of Suzuki's compact Grand Vitara, with a 2.9-inch longer wheelbase, 22.9 inches of added length and the aforementioned larger engine.
Nearly a dozen model options are available, from base model, 2WD, and LX-4-door wagon with manual transmission ($19,499) to the 4-WD EX wagon with automatic transmission and third-row seat ($26,899). My test vehicle was the 4-WD EX-wagon with automatic transmission. With standard features including heated front seats, leather front and rear seats, 6-disc CD and AM/FM audio system with seven speakers, 16-alloy wheels, power-tilted sun and moon roof and Suzuki's 7-year, 100,000-mile power train warranty, the $26,394.00 price point is appealing.
So, too, are the XL-7's controls and materials, and the vehicle's cargo space is generous, if not less-than simply designed and orchestrated via confusing levers.
Like other Suzuki models, the XL 7's instrumentation is simple and nicely designed. Large control dials offer ease of use and the console materials are attractive, even the faux wood trim. Likewise, Suzuki has some innovative ideas for storage cubicles and the cargo areas for groceries, sports equipment and the like is on par with the available other vehicles in its category. Seating is comfortable, and from driver's perspective vision is good and without blind spots.
As a 4-WD drive vehicle, Suzuki offers a push-button, part-time system. It's convenient and has a low-gear ratio. Unlike other manufacturers, however, the Suzuki 4-WD option should not be left engaged in dry pavement.
The XL-7 is Suzuki's offering against the Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy and Toyota Highlander. All are higher priced and have established niches in the resale market. The Suzuki doesn't have any history ? yet. The XL-7 doesn't get high marks in ride quality, and it certainly isn't quiet on the road, either. The manufacturer claims 17 mpg gallons in city driving, but the Consumer Guide testers documented a city average between 13.6 and 15.4 mpg.
There's nothing wrong with a manufacturer having pride its brand name, either. But the "S" insignia on the front grill is particularly large, and it can't help remind one of the Supermen "S." In short, it's just too large.
Beyond cosmetics, however, the XL-7 has offer a good supply of standard features for its price. But it's not the best choice in its class and won't be until it at least gets more horsepower.
Safety features ?Driver and front-seat passenger front and side airbags, Antilock brakes; 24-hour roadside assistance.
Both Joe Thompson & Chhabra are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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