Promising XL7 Still has Some Kinks to Work Out

2009 Suzuki XL7 Luxury

model as tested $29,579

Test Drove 12/10/08 – 12/17/08
reviewed by Sherrice Gilsbach

Suzuki has a little more work to do on its 2009 XL7, but the SUV does have its good points. The interior is sleek and shiny, with supportive leather-trimmed seats. The third row is no joke, with full-size seats, cupholders and plenty of legroom. When the third row is folded down, the cargo space is simply amazing. At one point, I had to climb into the far reaches of the cargo area to adjust some of my more precious grocery bags. The exterior is cute, too, with large headlights and taillights for a unique look.

Here’s the “however”: The XL7 is lacking when it comes to performance. Despite a new six-speed automatic transmission and a 252-horsepower V-6 engine, the gas pedal seemed to have two settings, slow and haul-booty, with no comfortable middle ground. The noise coming from under the hood was more clattery and hollow than full-bodied and powerful-sounding. Gas mileage was average at best, getting 16/23 mpg city/highway. On the safety front, the XL7 didn’t score well in some crash tests, which is a deal-breaker as far as this mom is concerned.

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