2008 Suzuki XL7 FWD
Suzuki has really grown up with the all-new 2008 XL7. It's the Japanese automaker's very first seven-passenger crossover. Crossovers are designed for families looking to get out of boring minivans and those gas guzzling, full-size SUVs and into a new and more economical ride. Another benefit is that Suzuki offers the XL7 in an all-wheel-drive version, making it a great mountain vehicle.
The new XL7 has been completely redesigned from the ground up. General Motors sells the same basic vehicle as the Chevrolet Equinox and the Pontiac Torrent, but the XL7 is the only one to get the 3.6-liter V6. Suzuki also lengthened the body of the XL7 about 9 in. so third-row seating could be added. The interior is very spacious-able to fit a growing family's needs and room for hauling extra loads if you fold down the third- and/or second-row seats. Passenger space is listed as 132.1 cu. ft. Cargo space is listed as 14 cu. ft. behind the third row and 95.2 cu. ft. behind the front row with the second and third folded.
After several trips to our local home improvement store hauling boxes of engineered hardwood floor for our home improvement project, Jeanie and I started to warm up to this new crossover. Our test vehicle was equipped with Suzuki's luxury package, so it also had heated seats, leather upholstery, rear a/c vents with separate controls, and a rear vision camera w/display. The third-row seat is a nice option but will be only for small kids. Grown-ups would not be comfortable for anything longer than a few mile trip in the far back row. Even so, it easily folds flat for those who seldom use a third row but want one just in case. Visibility up front is very good, but trying to see stuff behind the larger Suzuki is a challenge and the rear view camera is a beneficial option to see hidden objects hidden from the drivers view.
Under the hood, the V6 produces 252 hp at 6500 rpm and 243 lb.-ft. of torque at 2300 rpm. It offers decent power, but seemed to struggle a bit pulling I-70 with a load of boxes. I could notice the self-leveling rear suspension working which kept the tail from dragging when loaded down with our cargo. The vehicle's ride was stable, though it felt a little top-heavy on curves. I guess I've been spoiled test driving to many of those German sports cars.
The XL7 has great appeal as a practical family ride. The XL7 offers the room, and fuel economy (16mpg city/ 22mpg highway) most families are looking for and in a package that's relatively easy on the wallet ($27,835). After spending a week in the XL7, I was surprisingly impressed. It's a functional family crossover wagon with enough luxury at a bargain hunter's price.
Denis & his wife Jeanie own the Mountain Man Nut & Fruit store in Bergen Park.