2001 Suzuki XL-7 Review

LAS VEGAS--Will sport-utility madness ever end? A new sport-ute seemingly is introduced each month, with the latest being the Suzuki XL-7.

Suzuki actually created the small sport-ute market in this country about 15 years ago with its cute, rugged Samurai.

Since then, Suzuki has become one of the most proficient builders of high-value, technically advanced small sport-utes. Its U.S. arm--American Suzuki Motor Corp.--has registered significant annual sales increases.

The XL-7 is one of the most polished 2001 sport-utes. It recently was introduced to the media near here and goes on sale next month with rear or four-wheel drive.

The new model is longer, roomier and more powerful than Suzuki's largest sport-utility--the Grand Vitara, which arrived for 1999. The XL-7 offers the high seating of a sport-ute, with minivan versatility and carlike road manners.

The seven-passenger XL-7 has a V-6 and standard third-row seat, while rivals come only with a four-cylinder engine and two rows of seats. Suzuki says the XL-7 competes with popular smaller sport-utes such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and new Ford Escape, but it has the wheelbase and length to compete with heavier mid-size sport-utes, such as the Chevrolet Blazer and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Extra length translates to a roomier interior, smoother ride and greater stability during highway cruising. Still, the XL-7 is small enough to easily maneuver and park.

The Grand Vitara has a 2.5-liter, 155-horsepower V-6, while the XL-7 has a 2.7-liter, 170-horsepower version of that engine. It's sophisticated, with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder.

The XL-7 needs the extra power because it's about 400 pounds heavier than the Grand Vitara. The XL-7 weighs from 3,582 to 3,748 pounds, but

its V-6 provides lively acceleration, even during 65-75 mph passing maneuvers that cause smaller engines to fall on their faces.

Fuel economy is acceptable: an estimated 17-18 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway with either the manual or automatic transmission and rear- or four-wheel drive.

Base prices for the XL-7 range from $19,799 for the entry model with rear-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission to $24,499 for the four-wheel-drive upscale Touring model with a responsive four-speed automatic transmission. Prices haven't been released for the top-line Limited.

The XL-7 is well-equipped. For example, the entry model has both front and rear air conditioning. The Plus model adds items such as alloy wheels and AM/FM/CD. Move up to the Touring model and you get a sunroof and anti-lock brakes, which are optional for the Plus. The Limited provides upscale items like leather upholstery.

"About 70 percent of XL-7 buyers are expected to be women because it's a good substitute for a minivan, which has a `domesticated' image many women dislike," said Gary Anderson, sales vice president for American Suzuki.

The XL-7 also will be marketed as an alternative to larger, less-nimble and more fuel-thirsty sport-utes.

The XL-7 is based on the Grand Vitara chassis, which has a rigid truck frame that allows a solid feel on regular roads and off-road prowess.

Compared to the Grand Vitara, the XL-7 wheelbase has been stretched about 13 inches to 110.2 inches. The body length has been extended by nearly 20 inches to 183.7 inches.

The handsome XL-7 looks like a customized, stretched version of the Grand Vitara. The Grand Vitara has sportier styling, but American Suzuki said most buyers of the XL-7 will want its greater utility. Many are expected to be young famililes with small children.

The extra length of the XL-7 allows very long rear doors. Along with a sliding second-row seat, those doors help provide fairly easy access to the third-row seat, which is best suited to children.

It's pretty easy to get in and out of any XL-7 seat because it has a fairly low floor, and the big outside door handles easily can be gripped quickly.

Cargo room is marginal with the third-row seat in its normal position. But both rear seats split and fold so a variety of seating and cargo arrangements can be created. The rear door swings open toward the curb, which can complicate curbside loading.

Driving the XL-7 on challenging mountain roads near Las Vegas showed that this new sport-ute has quick steering and good stability, helped partly by a supple suspension and fairly large 16-inch wheels. The brake pedal feels a little soft but is easily modulated and stopping power is good. The four-wheel drive isn't for use on dry roads, but has low-range gearing for serious off-road motoring.

A driver faces easily read gauges and fairly smooth controls. The automatic transmission shifter gets in the way of some radio controls, but the front seats are very supportive. Rear windows roll all the way down to make it easier to grab food in drive-through lanes of fast-food restaurants.

The XL-7 is easily the best Suzuki sport-ute yet--and is a far cry from the pioneering Samurai.