Funny thing is, despite my tongue-in-cheek banter I still really like the XL-7. First and foremost, I like the room offered by the optional seven -- that's right, seven -- person interior available in its JLX Plus and Ltd trim packages. I also like the fact the XL-7 comes standard with ABS brakes. Additionally I like that the XL-7 comes standard with a 4X4 drivetrain.
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| First and foremost, I like the room offered by the optional seven person interior available in its JLX Plus and Ltd trim packages. (Photo: Suzuki) |
Things that don't thrill me are the aforementioned power output, a bit of body roll in the corners and gas consumption figures that aren't in line with a mid-size, Japanese-built SUV, at 13.6 L/100 km in the city and 9.8 on the highway. That said, despite the 'power' increase fuel economy did improve from last year's 13.8 / 10.9 rating, probably due to the all-new five-speed automatic transmission, up a cog from last year's four-speed unit.
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| I have to say I like the 2004 XL-7 for its value for money, its versatile seating arrangements and its long list of standard features. (Photo: Suzuki) |
For 2004, the XL-7 comes in four trim levels: JX, JLX, JLX Plus and JLX Limited. The base JX is the sole model to offer a five-speed manual transmission, though comes loaded with all the kind of creature comforts and luxury items one would expect to find in a vehicle well over the $27,495 MSRP - incidentally up $500 from last year. The automatic tranny adds $1,500.
To the JX's long list of standard features (such as air conditioning, remote keyless entry, power everything and side impact beams), the JLX ($30,595) adds a six CD stereo system, aluminum wheels, fog lamps, heated power mirrors, rear upper spoiler and power sunroof. The JLX Plus ($31,595) adds third row seats and rear air conditioning to the JLX package, while the top-of-the-line JLX Ltd ($34,095) adds body-side cladding, heated front seats, leather seats throughout and running boards to the Plus package.