Suzuki XL7

Base Price: $23,249

As Tested: $23,249

Engine: 3.6L V-6 252hp

Transmission: 5spd Auto

Suspension: MacPherson front & multi-

                      link rear                      

Brakes: ABS w/EBD

Mileage: 16city / 22hwy

Let’s get this out of the way right now, the gas mileage is terrible. I can’t give you any reasons for it but when comparing this vehicle with others in its class, they ALL are disappointing.

That being said, the rest of this review is pretty positive. There’s a lot to like about the Premium 5 passenger XL7 such as all the standard features it comes with.

I’ll get in to the features in just a bit but first, handling and performance.

Naturally I drove up MLK Hwy 24’s S-turns and at 45mph, this semi-crossover XL7 was pretty much a breeze to drive. It took all the turns equally well when accelerating and decelerating with the automatic transmission gliding through the gear changes as smooth as can be.

When accelerating coming out of a turn, the XL7 responds with a surge of power but not so much so as to jerk you back in your seat.

Also, the suspension provides for a nice feel when making the turns, it’s not too soft, there’s not too much lean going in to them. It’s not a firm, more rigid, suspension as some of the other crossover vehicles or SUVs have, but it’s also not a sloppy, dipping, suspension either.

On I-25 at 55mph, give it gas and push it to the passing gear, you’ll feel a very comforting surge in power that takes you to adequate high speeds in no time. In other words, it has plenty of get up and go, even from a dead stop.

I like the electronic stability program system married to the traction control system along with the tire pressure monitoring system.

Interior comfort was well appointed such as air cond. with micro-filtration, pqr windows, locks & mirrors, CD/AM/FM/MP3 audio w/aux. Jack, rear privacy glass, roof rack rails, fold-flat front pass. seat, auto headlamp control, and remote keyless entry w/alarm.

More standard features include panic brake assist, vehicle immobilizer driver info center, daytime running lights, and more.

Another feature that I like is that I sat in every row of seats and guess what, there was room for my legs, my knees didn’t knock the seatback of those in front of me even when I positioned the driver’s seat to my sizing of 6’1”.

As I always say, please shop and compare especially in a price class that has a number of vehicles to choose from.

Suzuki makes a darn good, dependable vehicle. It’s just a shame that the gas mileage is so poor.