More power, more room, better warranty and less price.
In describing the 2008 Suzuki XL7, all of the above can be used when comparing it against the slew of available midsize crossover SUVs on the market.
Since its redesign for 2007, the XL7 not only stands as the flagship vehicle in Suzuki’s lineup, but it’s also one of the safest and least expensive crossovers from which to choose. Built in collaboration with General Motors alongside the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent, the 2008 Suzuki XL7 boasts unique looks, a roomy interior and one of the best warranties in the business.
Besides the Infiniti FX, the XL7 probably has the most unique exterior styling of any other crossover. From the front, the XL7’s large headlights jut deep into the front fascia, while the black insert helps to break up what would be a wide expanse of monochromatic plastic. Out back, the same treatment is used only reversed with a large black bumper and a silver-colored lower scuff plate. In profile, the XL7’s thick roofline and flared wheel opening give it a truck-like appearance, but the long hood and front overhang seem to draw attention away from these in an oddness only rhinoplasty could resolve. Overall, its proportions and design help make the XL7 look and feel bigger than it actually is.
Inside, is where the XL7’s size is even more deceiving. Occupants are treated to plush, comfortable seats courtesy of the XL7’s top-of-the-line Limited Package that includes from soft leather seating surfaces, power sunroof and a touch screen navigation system.
From the driver’s seat all the controls and buttons are easily reached, although the parking brake lever is awkwardly placed in a deep crevice between the driver’s seat and the center console. The instrument cluster features four chrome-ringed gauges – two large gauges for the speedometer and tachometer and two smaller gauges for engine temperature and fuel level – and a small digital display. The center stack stands out from the rest of the instrument panel on a large swathe of black plastic housing all of the vehicle controls, including power window switches, except for the steering-wheel mounted cruise control and redundant stereo controls.
Riding on the same wheelbase as its GM cousins, the XL7 uses an extra nine inches of overall length and a more upright D-pillar to accommodate the third row seats. Front and second-row seats are almost identical to the Equinox and Torrent, but the rear seat is where the extra length is evident. Surprisingly, the XL7 boasts five inches more third-row legroom than the full-size Chevrolet Tahoe, while still packing up to 14 cubic feet of cargo behind the seat.
Despite the extra length, the Suzuki XL7 is less than 200 pounds heavier than the Equinox and Torrent. This equates to handling and performance expected out of a compact crossover with interior space closer to a full size. The unibody construction of this second-generation XL7 delivers a smooth and comfortable ride.
Under the long hood sits a slightly detuned version of the engine found in the souped-up Equinox Sport and Torrent GXP. The 3.6-liter 24-valve DOHC V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT) is the only engine available in the XL7 and provides 252 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque (almost 70 horsepower and 30 lb-ft of torque over the base Equinox or Torrent). With a five-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, the XL7 gets an EPA estimated 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. The XL7 won’t win any drag races or fuel mileage competitions, but it offers more than enough power to merge into busy traffic or load up and head out of town.
When it comes to hauling, the XL7 is up to the task. With the second and third row seats folded flat and out of the way, up to 95.2 cubic feet of cargo space is available. If trailering is required, the XL7 Limited has a 3,500-pound towing capacity and the standard Nivomat® self-leveling rear suspension to help keep everything under control. For added assistance when hooking up to trailers, this XL7 came with the optional Rear Vision Camera. The camera’s display is cleverly integrated into the rearview mirror, but the fish-eyed view is not very helpful when backing the XL7 into a parking space. Instead, the camera acts more to prevent accidentally backing up into something and maybe making towing a bit easier.
The XL7 Limited could easily dip into the $30,000 range (especially with all-wheel drive), but our reasonably equipped XL7 Limited FWD left us more impressed than some comparable crossovers costing thousands of dollars more. The base MSRP of our test vehicle was $27,299, and with the optional Rear Vision Camera ($649), the as-tested price increased $27,948. Suzuki’s seven-year/100,000-mile fully transferable, zero-deductible warranty makes this deal even sweeter.
2008 Suzuki XL7 Pictures and Wallpapers
Review written by: Jeffrey N. Ross
All photos copyright Jeffrey N. Ross/Autotropolis.com © 2008