So long, XL7; this was fun!
Our XL7 got a lot of mileage due to its great functionality, 7-passenger capacity and generous cargo room. Here are the comments made by our crew during the last stage of this long-term road test.
Please note that we had to trade vehicles for this test period, which is not the ideal way to perform such an evaluation. However, we noticed some pretty interesting things after the exchange. For instance, the second XL7 put at our disposal featured a navigation system, unlike the first one.
Nice truck
First of all, the main thing that strikes you about the XL7 is the front-end styling. During the last few weeks, most of us agreed that the nose of this Suzuki is nicely executed. According to a 30-something graphics designer, the diamond-shaped headlights are beautifully integrated to the front fascia. Conversely, another test driver found the overall exterior design rather bland. Either way, whether you like it or not, the fact is that Suzuki's XL7 is visually distinctive.
Seat comfort is worth mentioning, as is passenger room in the first two rows. On the other hand, the third-row bench is unsurprisingly tight. We applauded Suzuki for the interior fit and finish of the XL7, particularly with regards to the faux wood appliqués that enhance the luxury feel of the cockpit.
Based on the report cards of our test-drivers, one of whom was a single mom with three kids, the ride is smooth and the interior remains very quiet. Wind and body noise is minimal. Also, the XL7 is easy to park, although a shorter turning radius would have been greatly appreciated.
Once again, the engine got praise for its power and flexibility. The 5-speed autobox is pleasant and we definitely liked the effectiveness of the manual mode.
Ill-positioned navigation system
The stereo was the target of many critics, one of which is a poor sound quality (only one of our crew members made this comment, though). The position of the radio/touch-screen interface was unanimously criticized. The touch-screen is so low on the center stack that using the navigation system becomes dangerous. What good is it to have the directions to a certain place if you're constantly turning your eyes away from the road? The GPS in itself, however, proved functional and easy to understand.
Our XL7 got a lot of mileage due to its great functionality, 7-passenger capacity and generous cargo room. Here are the comments made by our crew during the last stage of this long-term road test.
Please note that we had to trade vehicles for this test period, which is not the ideal way to perform such an evaluation. However, we noticed some pretty interesting things after the exchange. For instance, the second XL7 put at our disposal featured a navigation system, unlike the first one.
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| The Suzuki XL7 is visually distinctive, whether you like it or not. |
Nice truck
First of all, the main thing that strikes you about the XL7 is the front-end styling. During the last few weeks, most of us agreed that the nose of this Suzuki is nicely executed. According to a 30-something graphics designer, the diamond-shaped headlights are beautifully integrated to the front fascia. Conversely, another test driver found the overall exterior design rather bland. Either way, whether you like it or not, the fact is that Suzuki's XL7 is visually distinctive.
Seat comfort is worth mentioning, as is passenger room in the first two rows. On the other hand, the third-row bench is unsurprisingly tight. We applauded Suzuki for the interior fit and finish of the XL7, particularly with regards to the faux wood appliqués that enhance the luxury feel of the cockpit.
Based on the report cards of our test-drivers, one of whom was a single mom with three kids, the ride is smooth and the interior remains very quiet. Wind and body noise is minimal. Also, the XL7 is easy to park, although a shorter turning radius would have been greatly appreciated.
Once again, the engine got praise for its power and flexibility. The 5-speed autobox is pleasant and we definitely liked the effectiveness of the manual mode.
Ill-positioned navigation system
The stereo was the target of many critics, one of which is a poor sound quality (only one of our crew members made this comment, though). The position of the radio/touch-screen interface was unanimously criticized. The touch-screen is so low on the center stack that using the navigation system becomes dangerous. What good is it to have the directions to a certain place if you're constantly turning your eyes away from the road? The GPS in itself, however, proved functional and easy to understand.
 |
| The diamond-shaped headlights are nicely integrated to the front fascia. |