2007 Suzuki XL7 AWD
Cute exterior, bright blue colour. Interior nice with wood trim, although
plastic quality appears so-so. Gauges are attractive, but cupholders and switchgear look cheap. Console located shifter is nice, but confusing to have window controls there too. Third row seating access difficult. Seats are comfortable with all the stuffing in the right places. Steering felt a bit light and loose. More sound and vibration than the others in segment, engine chuggy when pedal tromped. Engine response is good, and the automatic tranny shifts quickly and accurately. Suspension is tight. Fun to drive although less substantial feeling than others.
2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Exterior immediately invokes a smile. Inspired by the historic Landcruiser, it looks cartoon derived. Tester was black cherry with the trademark white
roof. Trendy gunslit windows and chunky lines similar to HH3. Fabulous interior -- nice use of materials, body coloured centre stack . Creative ergonomics with huge knobs (good for gloved hands). Gauges artistic and funky. Rugged, flat, rubber lined floor. Visibility poor thanks to huge C-pillar and high beltline. Side mirrors are enormous to compensate. Engine is noisy when pedal punched, but tranny shifts are excellent and well-matched to engine revs. Very tight and a bit rough riding, but feels well-screwed together and tough. Handling really good, no roll. A bit tail happy on gravel or washboard in 2WD. Steering is just right. Equipped with 4-Hi, 4-Lo and a locking differential button. Gobs of fun to drive!
TECH SPEC SUMMARY
Acura RDX Tech Package
Base price: 41,000$
Price as tested: 45,500
4 cyl. 2,3 liter turbocharged
240 hp
5 speed automatic
All wheel-drive
ABS, Traction control
Chevrolet Tahoe
Base price: 47,450$
Price as tested: 50,135$
5.3L V8
320hp
4 speed Automatic
All wheel drive
ABS, all speed traction control
Chrysler Aspen Limited
Base price: 49,995$
Price as tested: 55,835$
5.7L V8
335hp
5 speed automatic with overdrive
All wheel drive
ABS, traction control, limited slip diff.
Lincoln MKX
Base price: 44,399$
Price as tested: 50,799$
3.5L V6
265hp
6 speed automatic
All wheel drive
ABS, traction control
Suzuki XL7 AWD
Base price: 30,995$
Price as tested: 37,995$
3.6L V6
252hp
5 speed Automatic
All wheel drive
ABS
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Base price: 29,900$
Price as tested: 38,650$
4.0L V6
239hp
5 speed Automatic
All wheel drive
ABS, traction control, limited slip diff.
Cute exterior, bright blue colour. Interior nice with wood trim, although
 |
| (Photo: Suzuki) |
2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Exterior immediately invokes a smile. Inspired by the historic Landcruiser, it looks cartoon derived. Tester was black cherry with the trademark white
 |
| (Photo: Toyota) |
TECH SPEC SUMMARY
Acura RDX Tech Package
Base price: 41,000$
Price as tested: 45,500
4 cyl. 2,3 liter turbocharged
240 hp
5 speed automatic
All wheel-drive
ABS, Traction control
Chevrolet Tahoe
Base price: 47,450$
Price as tested: 50,135$
5.3L V8
320hp
4 speed Automatic
All wheel drive
ABS, all speed traction control
Chrysler Aspen Limited
Base price: 49,995$
Price as tested: 55,835$
5.7L V8
335hp
5 speed automatic with overdrive
All wheel drive
ABS, traction control, limited slip diff.
Lincoln MKX
Base price: 44,399$
Price as tested: 50,799$
3.5L V6
265hp
6 speed automatic
All wheel drive
ABS, traction control
Suzuki XL7 AWD
Base price: 30,995$
Price as tested: 37,995$
3.6L V6
252hp
5 speed Automatic
All wheel drive
ABS
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Base price: 29,900$
Price as tested: 38,650$
4.0L V6
239hp
5 speed Automatic
All wheel drive
ABS, traction control, limited slip diff.