The 2008 Suzuki XL7 Limited is a stylish and modern-looking crossover SUV built on a car platform, that anyone would be proud to drive. I really enjoyed driving the test model, (a beautiful Cranberry Metallic with beige leather seats and faux wood trim inside) around town last week. Starting with the unique front fascia—a three-bar grille framed by jewel-type headlamps with the Suzuki "S" badge as the centerpiece, the Suzuki XL7 draws a lot of second glances.
The XL7 is also a very comfortable passenger car, seating up to seven passengers thanks to the available third row seating, which offered plenty of legroom. It's also a great car for moving furniture or other items, as it handles heavy loads with ease thanks to the Nivomat self-leveling rear suspension that automatically adjusts for load weight. Towing capacity is rated at 1,600 kg, allowing drivers to pull their motorcycle or boat trailers with ease.
Just a few of the luxury items that were included on the Limited edition were navigation system, DVD entertainment system, rear vision camera (displayed on the rearview mirror so the driver doesn't have to look down), heated leather front seats, remote start (from as far away as 60 metres), chrome wheels, and a sunroof.
The Suzuki's engine is a 3.6L DOJC V6 with automatic transmission (and clutchless-manual capability) that delivers 252 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque for a smooth performance. The XL7 Limited also features 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, chrome twin tailpipes, and a roof rack as standard equipment. Electronically-controlled on-demand all-wheel drive is also available on all trim levels.
The XL7 received a five-star rating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) front impact and side impact crash tests. Drivers and passengers also enjoy a traction control system and electronic stability program, plus a standard tire pressure monitoring system that reports the status of each tire.
Especially reassuring to drivers is the fixed-ratio rack-and-pinion steering that is tuned for responsiveness and that great "on-center" or all-is-well feeling. The XL7 is also backed by a 160,000 km/7-year, fully transferable powertrain limited warranty.
The Suzuki XL7 Limited is priced at $27,299, which means it is less expensive than competitors such as the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. Gas mileage, which has become increasingly important with prices at the pump rising almost daily, is 14.7 L/100 km in town and 10.7 on the highway.
Jo Ann Holt is a columnist and car writer based in Dallas, Texas, and a member of the Texas Automobile Writers Association (TAWA).
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