Suzuki XL7 AWD 2007

The VIPS Scale -  Value - Image - Performance - Safety

VALUE:  Base price for the limited 7 passenger model, $29, 549.  Suzuki tries hard to keep the MSRP under 30K.  Let's look at what you get for your money.  A 7-passenger Sport Utility that competes very well with other higher-priced Midsize SUV's in it's class, the Honda Pilot, Hundai Santa Fe and the Toyota Highlander.  Suzuki calls it a "luxury" SUV, but that's a bit of a stretch.  The ride is OK, but it's a little too "trucky" to be considered a "luxury" ride.  The XL7 comes in both the 5 passenger and 7 passenger configurations.  The difference is an added 3rd row of seats.  The 2nd and 3rd rows are stepped, similar to theatre seating.  It's a nice touch, but doesn't make up for the fact that the 3rd row is not comfortable for anyone other than small children.  There's just not enough room to make it a pleasant ride for adults.  The 3rd row does fold down for added storage space, so that's a nice option.  The XL7 is easy to get into and out of and has a large side-opening cargo door.  Other than the 3rd row, the interior of the XL7 is comfortable and roomy, more so that the Suzuki Grand Vitara.  The interior is pretty average. The leather is standard, as are heated front seats, front and rear climate control, a premium audio system and 6-way power driver seat.  It comes with a 7 year, 100 thousand mile powertrain warranty, better than both the Pilot and Highlander.  The model I tested had Suzuki's Platinum Touring Package, which included a touch-screen navigation system, power sunroof, chrome wheels and satellite radio and added another 22 hundred dollars to the base price.  Mileage, simply put, is crummy.  17 mpg in the city, 23 on the highway.  In real-life, you'll probably get less.  Overall, for 30K, I expected more.

IMAGE:  I liked the looks, but some people I asked didn't care much for the front grill and headlight arrangement.  The roofline and the backsloping roof give it more of a station-wagon look.  Overall, in the style department,  I think it competes with most other SUV Crossovers on the market.  The XL7 looks good whether you're dressed up for a night on the town...or dressed down for a day at the beach or the mountains.  You can load up your golfing buddies or it can be a mommy-van to round up the kids at school.

PERFORMANCE:  The XL7 has a strong engine, 3.6L V6 with 252 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque.  One of my biggest complaints about it's little brother, the Grand Vitara, is a lack of guts, especially driving in the mountains.  That's not the case with the XL7, which responds nicely and has plenty of acceleration.  On the road, the ride quality is good.  My only beef is engine noise. 

SAFETY: Advanced front airbags are standard.  Side curtain airbags are standard in all 3 rows.  Front visibility is good, but rear visibility is a problem.  The two back pillars are so wide they create a couple of blind spots.

 The XL7 is not a bad vehicle, but there are a few nagging problems.  Suzuki is trying hard, but could do better.  For 30K, so could you.