Among other complaints was the limited room near the parking brake: on multiple occasions, a coat got stuck between the lever and the seat -- and when you try to pull the coat, you risk pulling the handbrake at the same time. What's more, the power controls for the driver's seat are hard to reach with the left hand due to the narrow gap between the seat and door panel. Also, the small rear window significantly reduces visibility.
According to one of our drivers, who travelled hundreds of kilometers as part of a road trip, access to the cargo area is easy despite the high threshold. However, you have to push the tailgate with your hands if you want it to lift higher up.
Maintenance and other observations
Since we tested not one but two XL7s, we found out that the squeaks and squeals of the first model were absent on the second model. As for fuel economy, our average dropped from 14.2 to 13.4 liters per 100 kilometers -- a minor though appreciated improvement.
The XL7 includes a maintenance reminder system, telling you when is the right time to visit your dealer for an oil change or other inspections. Throughout our road test with both vehicles, the system never warned us to have the XL7 checked out or repaired, even after thousands of kilometers. There were no mechanical breaks or failures to report about.
Conclusion
The Suzuki XL7 spent a lot of time with us and our selected test drivers. We found it roomy, powerful and comfortable. Moreover, it's reasonably priced considering the level of equipment.
Of course, there are flaws and shortcomings. The dashboard should be reconfigured and the navigation screen, relocated. Furthermore, the controls for power windows and rear window wiper could be more ergonomically positioned. Finally, rearward visibility is limited, although most rivals do not fare much better.
The Suzuki XL7 JLX AWD retails for $35,995 and you can either add a DVD entertainment system ($800) or a DVD navigation system ($2,000). That being said, base JX models boast a comprehensive list of features and start at $30,995.
photo:Philippe Champoux
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| The main thing that strikes you about the XL7 is the front-end styling. |
According to one of our drivers, who travelled hundreds of kilometers as part of a road trip, access to the cargo area is easy despite the high threshold. However, you have to push the tailgate with your hands if you want it to lift higher up.
Maintenance and other observations
Since we tested not one but two XL7s, we found out that the squeaks and squeals of the first model were absent on the second model. As for fuel economy, our average dropped from 14.2 to 13.4 liters per 100 kilometers -- a minor though appreciated improvement.
The XL7 includes a maintenance reminder system, telling you when is the right time to visit your dealer for an oil change or other inspections. Throughout our road test with both vehicles, the system never warned us to have the XL7 checked out or repaired, even after thousands of kilometers. There were no mechanical breaks or failures to report about.
Conclusion
The Suzuki XL7 spent a lot of time with us and our selected test drivers. We found it roomy, powerful and comfortable. Moreover, it's reasonably priced considering the level of equipment.
Of course, there are flaws and shortcomings. The dashboard should be reconfigured and the navigation screen, relocated. Furthermore, the controls for power windows and rear window wiper could be more ergonomically positioned. Finally, rearward visibility is limited, although most rivals do not fare much better.
The Suzuki XL7 JLX AWD retails for $35,995 and you can either add a DVD entertainment system ($800) or a DVD navigation system ($2,000). That being said, base JX models boast a comprehensive list of features and start at $30,995.
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| We never had to have it checked out or repaired. |
photo:Philippe Champoux
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