Background:
Suzuki introduced the XL-7 sport utility in 2001 to complement its Grand Vitara sport utility which debuted in the 1999 model year. While Grand Vitara falls somewhere between a compact and mid-size SUV, the XL-7 adds 12.6 inches to the wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) and 19.1 inches in length, enabling it to be comfortably classified as a mid-size. The XL-7’s five-passenger Grand Vitara counterpart shares an automotive platform with the Chevrolet Tracker.
The four-door XL-7 sets itself apart from competition in several ways. Even though overall size is smaller than a mid-size Ford Explorer, XL-7 it is available with a third-row seat; a popular option in many full-size SUVs, but rare in mid-sized varieties.
Other attributes include a rear-wheel drivetrain and body-on-frame construction. Most compact and many mid-size offerings such as the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, Honda CR-V and Saturn VUE offer front-wheel drive with unibody construction utilized on most cars. Rear-wheel drive coupled with body-on-frame construction is the rugged, popular choice with a majority of pickup trucks and serious off-roading SUVs.
Changes to the XL-7 in 2003 are somewhat minor and include a new dashboard layout along with an improved sound system.
The Japan-built XL-7 is the largest SUV in the Suzuki lineup accompanied by the four-cylinder compact Vitara and aforementioned V-6 powered Grand Vitara. Rounding out the relatively low-priced lineup in 2003 are the underrated, subcompact Aero compact sedan and Aero SX crossover/wagon. In the 2004 model year, Suzuki adds two new economy sedans which made their debut at the Chicago Auto Show this past February: the compact Forenza and mid-size Verona, two Korean-built vehicles. Suzuki has been selling cars in the United States since 1985.
Engine/trim level:
One engine powers all XL-7 versions; a double overhead cam, 24-valve, 2.7-liter V-6 that generates 183 horsepower. This engine provides a bit more of an elevated punch than the 2.5-liter V-6 found in the Grand Vitara, but slightly less than a V-6 powered Ford Escape which cranks out 201 horses or a V-6 powered Highlander that offers 220 horses.
Two XL-7 trim levels are offered in 2003: the Touring edition comes standard with five-speed manual transmission while the upscale Limited offers four-speed automatic transmission standard. Both models come with the choice of two-wheel rear drive or four wheel drive. Suzuki has dropped “standard” and “plus” designations used in previous model years.
Fuel economy projections rate about the same no matter which transmission is selected or whether opting for rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. The XL-7 averages 17 miles in city travel and 20 m.p.g. highway. The fuel leader is a manual transmission, two wheel drive version which adds one more mile per gallon in city estimates. These figures are slightly less than what the competition offers. A six-cylinder all-wheel drive Ford Escape with manual transmission averages 18 m.p.g. in the city and 22 m.p.g. highway while the Toyota Highlander checks in at 18 m.p.g. city and 22 m.p.g. highway. The XL-7 tank holds 16.9 gallons of regular unleaded fuel.
Standard equipment:
Both trim levels include automatic climate control with air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, power locks, tilt steering wheel, power mirrors, power rack-and-pinion steering, rear window defroster and wiper and seven-speaker stereo with in-dash compact disc player.
Leather seating, sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel and six-disc in-dash CD come standard in Limited editions and are not available in Touring. Heated seats are optional only in four-wheel drive Limited editions.
Price:
Suzuki provided the Daily Herald with a top-of-the-line, four-wheel-drive Limited edition with a $24,799 starting price and a $26,299 bottom line. The lowest priced version is a two-wheel drive Touring with a $19,599 price tag; a four-wheel version starts at $20,799. A two-wheel drive Limited checks in at $23,599. Add $540 for destination charge.
By comparison, the lowest-price front-wheel-drive, 2003 V-6 Ford Escape checks in at $20,300 while a two-wheel, V-6 powered 2003 Toyota Highlander starts at $25,560.
Inside:
A key attribute to the XL-7 is optional third-row seating, but if utilized, patrons best be pre-teen size because leg room is definitely at a premium. Maneuvering into the third row requires one or both sides of the 60-40 split second row seats to slide forward on a floor track. When third-row seating is not in use, the 60-40 split back rests fold forward onto seat cushions, once backrests are unlocked via top-side pull tabs. Only problem is second-row seats do not slide forward with the same ease found in other competitors including the Toyota Highlander and RAV4. With the third seat up, XL-7 has 6.6 cubic feet of space, enough room for some grocery bags. Headroom, as with most Suzuki vehicles, is more-than-plentiful throughout the cabin.
Our test-car included four-wheel drive capabilities. The shift knob allowing transfer into and out of four-wheel drive is found between the front bucket seats in front of a single beverage holder and to the right of a hand-operated parking brake. An arm rest/storage bin resides in back. The four-speed automatic transmission is also in this region in front of the hand brake. Two additional side-by-side cup holders are in front of the shifter.
Headlights monitor from the left-side turn signal stalk while both front and rear windshield wipers activate from a right-side stalk. A square appendage controlling cruise control functions juts out from the steering wheel at the 5 o’clock position. At eight-o-clock, secondary radio frequencies and sound levels can be operated with left-hand tabs. Power window, mirror and lock functions for all four-doors are found on the driver’s door near the front of the arm rest.
The instrument panel has three large circular gauges with the center speedometer the most prominent. The stereo is atop the central dashboard with three easy-to-grab ventilation dials below controlling fan speed, direction and temperature. Wood grain trim surrounds the stereo.
Warranty:
Suzuki’s warranty is longer than what’s offered by most manufacturers. Suzuki’s seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty covers the engine, transaxle, transmission, transfer case and the rear-wheel drive system. It’s also free of deductibles. Unlike most other 10-year/100,000-mile extended warranties, Suzuki’s is transferable to a succeeding owner.
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 110.2 inches?
Overall length: 183.6 inches
Overall height: 68 inches
Overall width: 70.1 inches
Curb weight: 3,693 pounds
Note: Both five and seven-passenger version share the same exterior dimensions.
Outside:
Size-wise, XL-7’s 183.6 inch length places it between a 173-inch compact Ford Escape and 189.5-inch mid-size Ford Explorer. The rear hatch door, hinged at the right side, swings out, not up. A large, easy-to-grab handle is on the door’s far left side near where the license plate is found. The spare tire, mounted on the hatch door, is low enough as to not block sight lines when glancing into the rear view mirror. In front, traditional square headlamp housing surrounds a rectangular grille with the Suzuki “S” logo center stage.
Our Limited edition included running boards along the bottom, adding to the styling. However, the XL-7’s cabin is much closer to the ground than such full-size competitors as the Lincoln Navigator or Cadillac Escalade so the running boards are not as much in demand. Without using the running boards, the XL-7 requires a sit down, not a jump up motion.
The four passenger doors have strap-like door handles. Large rear doors swing open wide enough to allow access to the third row. The non-locking fuel door is on the passenger-side rear fender.
Safety features:
Both trim levels include: driver and front passenger air bags, daytime running lights, remote keyless entry and rear-door child locks. Head and side air bags are currently not offered. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes are optional in Touring, but standard in Limited.
Final thoughts:
The more rugged body-on-frame constructions contributes to a more rugged ride. Competitors including the Saturn VUE or Honda CR-V ride a bit smoother on pavement, but are not designed to travel off-road with the same assurance as XL-7. Towing capacity is 3,000 pounds, about a 1,000 pounds more than a compact-sized Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV-4. |