2008 Suzuki XL-7 Review

A 3.6L, 24-valve V6, making 252 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, is standard on the XL7, along with a five-speed automatic. The engine is built by Suzuki in Japan and is designed for long maintenance intervals. It's also especially smooth, due to a double-isolated cradle system.

The XL7 comes in four different trim levels: base, Premium, Luxury, and Limited. All but the base model are offered with five-passenger or seven-passenger layouts; the latter adds a 50/50-split folding third-row seat. The base model comes only with front-wheel drive, but all other models are available with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive system uses a rear differential module to help send up to 50 percent of engine power to the rear wheels only when needed after front wheel slippage. With front-wheel drive, the XL7 has an EPA fuel economy rating of 16 mpg city, 22 highway.

Anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) are standard across the line, along with an electronic stability control system, which helps prevent the loss of control in a sudden evasive maneuver or on an especially slippery roadway. Rollover-sensing side curtain air bags and seat-mounted side air bags are also included. A four-wheel independent suspension also helps provide a smooth ride and very carlike handling. Seven-passenger models get Nivomat load-leveling shocks to maintain comfort and safety.

Due to the independent rear suspension, the XL7 has an unusually low, flat load floor, which also allows a more spacious third row than is typical for a vehicle this size. A 60/40-split reclining second-row seat tumbles forward and folds, while the available 50/50-split third-row seat can be folded flat into the floor. The front passenger seat also folds flat to allow especially long items such as surfboards or kayaks. All seven-passenger models also get underfloor storage and an auxiliary rear air conditioning system with separate fan controls.

Standard features on the base model include remote keyless entry, tilt steering, cruise control, roof rails, alloy wheels, automatic climate control, power windows, locks, and mirrors, and a six-speaker CD sound system. The Premium adds floor mats, a wood-trim appliqué, and larger 17-inch alloys, while the Luxury gets leather upholstery, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, a sunroof, six-disc changer, and leather steering wheel with integrated audio controls.

At the top of the line, the Limited brings chrome-finished wheels, fog lamps, silver-colored roof rack rails, a rear spoiler, remote engine start, and a Pioneer premium sound system with seven speakers. The remote start system that's now standard on the Limited not only turns on the engine from up to 60 yards away but also turns on the climate-control system and, when temperatures are below 41 degrees Fahrenheit, turns on the seat heater. A touch-screen navigation system and DVD entertainment systems are among the few options.
A more affordable base model is added to Suzuki's XL7 line, which had been completely redesigned for 2007. Meanwhile, the standard equipment list for Luxury and Limited models has been expanded. Top-of-the-line Limited models now come with a remote start system. Also for 2008, a rear-vision camera is-with a screen built into the rearview mirror-is available on Limited models. see less