Suzuki XL 7 Car Review and Specs | Suzuki XL 7 Car Wallpaper Pictures Pics

Sport-utility vehicles dream of climbing aspen-lined mountain trails, forging high-country streams and slogging through bumper-deep powder snow. However, they're more often stuck in the world of supermarket parking lots, middle-school pickup queues and home-improvement warehouse loading docks. Very few, in fact are capable of excelling in both roles. One that does is the 2004 Suzuki XL-7.

With its tough body-on-frame design, torquey V6 engine, generous ground clearance, and available electronically controlled push-button four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing, the Suzuki XL-7 successfully tackles the most rugged off-road path. Yet, the XL-7 offers available third-row seating for seven, a flexible and cavernous cargo area, top-rated crash protection and amenities rivaling some of the more expensive SUV's - all for a starting list price of $19,499 with the top trim level going for just $26,899.

For 2004, the XL-7 boasts a stylishly redesigned front grille, fog lamps, bumper, head and taillight design and a hard-type spare tire cover sure to bolster the appeal of Suzuki's popular flagship SUV even more. And the XL-7 also gets something this year that was, until fairly recently, only found in the more expensive SUVs and sports sedans: an optional five-speed automatic transmission that not only optimizes acceleration but improves fuel mileage as well. Other improvements include a "Drive-Select" push-button four-wheel-drive system with instrument panel indicator (four-wheel-drive models), advanced front passenger airbag system, a new panic button on the keyless remote entry and heated front seats (four-wheel-drive EX models). All trim levels are offered in three bold new exterior colors including Classic Red, Cosmic Blue Metallic and Azure Gray Metallic.

All XL-7 models feature a wide caliber of standard equipment typically reserved for "luxury" models such as 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, automatic climate control air conditioning, power windows, heated door mirrors, remote keyless entry, floor mats, a seven-speaker stereo system including powered subwoofer, cruise control and more. The final element in the XL-7 value story is the confidence of America's #1 Warranty. It's no wonder Consumers Digest called the Suzuki XL-7 a "Best Buy" in 2003!

Available seating for up to seven means the whole family can come

Designed with the family in mind, the XL-7 boasts the longest wheelbase and overall length in its class - translating directly into increased room for up to seven passengers. The most notable difference between the XL-7 and most other midsize SUVs is the available third row of seats. Indeed, some much larger SUVs can accommodate only five people. Extra-wide rear doors, up to a foot longer than many of its competitors, allow easy access to both the second and third row seats.

When not being used to haul an entire Little League infield (including pitcher and catcher), the 60/40 split-folding second and 50/50 split folding third row seats can be configured to carry cargo or a combination of cargo and people. This feature works especially well when hauling up to four people and long outdoor recreation toys, such as surfboards or fishing poles. The third row option also includes rear air conditioning with two overhead air ducts and control switches in both front and back for added passenger comfort (standard on LX III and EX III).

Without the third-row seat option there's a gargantuan 40.3 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second row seats or with the third row seat folded flat, there's 43.3 cubic feet of cargo room. With the second (and if applicable, third) row folded flat, the XL-7 has an incredible 75.1 cubic feet of cargo room. The second row seat slides forward and back, and the seatbacks offer a tilt adjustment for added functionality and space.

Beyond road's end: serious off-road ability

Many of today's SUVs, with their car-based unibody chassis and pavement-oriented all-wheel-drive, are overtaxed by anything much tougher than an unpaved soccer-field parking lot. Not so for the Suzuki XL-7: with its tough ladder-style frame and available two-range four-wheel drive, the XL-7 can take the family far off the beaten path, and bring them back home again in comfort. Four-wheel-drive versions enjoy a minimum ground clearance of 7.6 inches, with generous approach and departure angles of 28.5- and 23.4-degrees, respectively.

Serious off-roading requires low-range four-wheel-drive -- that's something the car-based SUVs that make up the bulk of the XL-7's competition lack. Indeed, many opponents have front-wheel drive with a lightweight rear axle grafted on. With the push of a button, the XL-7's rugged system can shift "on the fly" between two- and four-wheel-drive high range at up to 60 mph. Those who never dream of tackling a boulder-strewn trail or mud bog can choose the XL-7's two-wheel-drive system and gain fractionally better fuel mileage and a lower purchase price.

Like all four-wheel-drive Suzuki SUVs, the XL-7 is engineered for easy towing behind a recreational vehicle. There is nothing to disconnect and the vehicle does not accumulate odometer mileage while being towed.

Great standard equipment and ten model variations

The XL-7 tallies a long list of standard luxury features. The base level XL-7 is the LX, which offers either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, in rear-drive or four-wheel drive and in five- or seven-passenger configuration. Rear air conditioning is standard with the seven-passenger models.

Standard LX features include an in-dash CD player with seven speakers, including dash-mounted tweeters and an adjustable powered subwoofer below the driver's seat. Steering wheel-mounted controls let you tend to the audio system while keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. The automatic climate control air conditioning system with micron-air filtration system is perfect for those who love the environment but prefer to admire it from afar.

Other LX luxury standards include automatic lighting that switches on the XL-7's halogen headlamps, taillights and electroluminscent instrument cluster lights as you drive into a tunnel or as dusk begins to fall. Heated power outside rearview mirrors ensure visibility on frigid days. There's also a standard keyless remote entry system, aluminum alloy wheels, cruise control, power windows, floor mats and door locks. Four-wheel-drive LX models come with standard four wheel anti-lock braking system.

The upgrade to the EX trim level nets a six-disc in-dash CD changer, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, five-speed automatic transmission, leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel and transmission lever, four-wheel anti-lock braking system, front fog lamps and more. Four-wheel-drive EX models come with standard heated front seats. Seven passenger EX models come standard with side-step running boards.

Sophisticated, smooth power

While most of its competitors come standard with small four-cylinder engines, all XL-7s enjoy a potent 2.7-liter V6. The sophisticated all-aluminum, double overhead cam powerplant produces an impressive 185 horsepower and a generous 184 lb.-ft. of torque. That torque means that freeway merging is not a concern and off-road hill climbs are dispatched with minimal drama. The XL-7 can tow trailers weighing up to 3,000 pounds.

Some of Suzuki's most advanced technology ensures that the powerful XL-7 Suzuki engine is easy to live with. Each of the four valves in every cylinder are adjusted automatically by a system called Direct Drive Valvetrain (DDV). The dual-overhead-cams in each cylinder bank are driven by self-adjusting chains that run in a continuous oil bath and never require maintenance. With most competitors using wear-prone rubber belts to spin their cams, the XL-7's quiet chain drive cams are a significant advantage. There's also a direct-ignition system and high-voltage spark plug leads. A specially tuned variable induction system improves throttle response and overall engine efficiency on both low and high engine speeds. The engine rides on hydraulic mounts tuned to help cancel out engine noise and vibration to keep the passenger compartment quiet.

Two five speed transmissions: manual and automatic

Those who prefer to row their own gears are often ignored by other SUV makers, but the standard transmission on the XL-7 is a five-speed manual. The optional new five-speed automatic provides smoother, more fuel-efficient drivability and enables drivers to select "power mode," which allows the engine to rev higher between up shifts and downshift quicker when the accelerator is depressed. Normal mode helps maximize fuel economy. With its closely spaced gear ratios, the five-speed automatic improves responsiveness and acceleration while preserving fuel economy.

The two-wheel-drive XL-7 and all four-wheel-drive XL-7s return 17/22-mpg city/highway when equipped with the manual transmission. With the efficient optional five-speed automatic transmission (standard on the XL-7 EX), the rating is 18/22-mpg city/highway and17/22-mpg city/highway on four-wheel drives.

A tough and capable chassis

The XL-7's strong ladder-type, body-on-frame construction is designed to be equally adept on the highway and on natural terrain. In addition, specially engineered body mounts help keep road and powertrain noise and vibration from entering the passenger cabin. The XL-7's front suspension is a modified version of the proven MacPherson strut design. To allow plenty of steering for tight maneuvers and long wheel travel on big off-road bumps, Suzuki engineers mounted the springs and struts separately. A strut tower brace enhances the lateral load transfer and reduces body flex, which helps improve ride quality and dynamic stability. Rear suspension is a rugged solid axle located by a sophisticated five-link design for a smooth ride on-pavement with the sheer toughness needed during off-pavement excursions. All versions of the XL-7 are fitted with wide, low profile 235/60R16 all-season tires. Aluminum wheels are standard on all models.

Top-rated safety performance

In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) 40-mph frontal offset crash test, the XL-7 received the highest rating available. This is in part thanks to the XL-7's brawny ladder frame and its energy-absorbing crumple zones. The XL-7's A, B, and C pillars are constructed of high-tensile steel to form a steel-reinforced passenger cage, which helps protects occupants in collisions. Front seatbelt pretensioners elevate occupant safety by automatically taking the slack out of the belts a split-second after impact.

Suzuki's Open Road Promise: America's #1 Warranty

Like all 2004 Suzuki models, the XL-7 is covered by an unmatched warranty that's the cornerstone of Suzuki's Open Road Promise. All Suzuki vehicles boast a 100,000-mile/7-year powertrain limited warranty that's fully transferable to succeeding owners and free of deductibles for covered items. This is in addition to the 36,000-mile/3-year new-vehicle limited warranty. This powertrain warranty covers the engine, transaxle, transmission, front and/or rear drive system and transfer case (when so equipped). Although others offer longer powertrain warranties that may seem to challenge Suzuki's, the competitors' aren't fully transferable. The Suzuki powertrain limited warranty is designed to boost resale or trade-in value and underscores the corporation's confidence in its product quality.

Other components of Suzuki's Open Road Promise include an extensive three-year Roadside Assistance program and a Warranty Repair Courtesy Vehicle program. The Roadside Assistance program covers any new Suzuki vehicle during the 36,000-mile/3-year new-vehicle limited warranty period. Available services include tire changes, jump-starts, lockout service, mechanical first aid, and towing to the nearest Suzuki dealer or authorized service center. If a Suzuki dealer has to keep a vehicle overnight for certain repairs during the new-vehicle limited warranty period, the owner will be provided with a free rental car. The program is operated in partnership with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Since the beginning of the Open Road Promise last year, the program has notably boosted Suzuki's customer satisfaction ratings.

Contact

Hybrid Cars

Car Magazines

Latest Car News!

Login

Register

Home

Latest Car News

New Car Review Areas

General Car Topics

Suzuki XL 7 Review

View this Suzuki XL 7 Wallpaper Picture

View this Suzuki XL 7 Wallpaper Picture Gallery

View this Suzuki XL 7 Wallpaper Picture Gallery

Latest SUZUKI Headlines

Latest Car News