2008 Suzuki XL7 Review (continued)
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Walkaround

If there's one design element on the 2008 Suzuki XL7 that's going to cause controversy it has to be the large triangular front turn signals that are integrated into the headlights to match the style of the Suzuki badge. The edges of the turn signals wrap along the top of the pronounced front fender flare while the top side marks the edge of the hood, which covers the full width of the body ahead of the windshield.

Although the XL7 has the same wheelbase as the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent its overall length is nearly nine inches greater. Some of this increase in length is in the front, giving the vehicle an unusually long hood line.

The rear three-quarter view of the XL7 is the most awkward angle. It has a heavy D-pillar that slopes down from the roof line, leaving a relatively small third-row side window. The one-piece rear tailgate has an exceptionally curved window that tends to accentuate the bulk of the vehicle.

The front bumper is cleverly built in to the front valence with the center portion painted black to make it appear smaller. The rear bumper is also painted black, but it appears hefty.

The XL7 is built on a platform known as Theta that was designed for use as an SUV and is sold only in North America. All the vehicles are made in Canada at a factory that is jointly owned by Suzuki and General Motors.

Interior Features

Since a sport utility is supposed to provide utility, it's good to find Suzuki put plenty of thought into making the XL7 as versatile as possible while providing an inviting interior, especially in the top trim level.

In five-seat configuration, the XL7 provides a decent amount of interior space in both rows of seats. Indeed Suzuki claims the leg room in the second row of seats is the most generous in the segment.

There is plenty of cargo area behind the rear seats of the five-passenger models.

Getting in and out of the rear seats is easy, an added benefit to the XL7's long wheelbase. The rear wheel well is located behind the seats, allowing for a wide door opening with no intrusion from the wheelwell.

Those who opt for the third row of seats will find there is limited cargo space behind the rear seats when they are in use. However, they split in half and can be folded down to provide a flat surface for cargo carrying.

Compared to some third-row seats offered in other midsize SUVs, the XL7's are relatively comfortable. There is actually enough depth and leg room that a person nearing six foot can sit back there for more than just a few miles. However, because of the small rear side windows it's fairly claustrophobic sitting in the far rear. As with most SUVs, however, the seating is far from being as comfortable as that found in any minivan.

Naturally, the center row of seats fold down for cargo carrying. Unusually, the front passenger seat can also be folded down providing a really long, but far from flat, surface for carrying long pieces of lumber or a ladder or surfboard or what-have-you.

The dashboard is a relatively simple affair, with an easy to see instrument pod in front of the steering wheel containing three gauge clusters. The center stack has a high mounted gearshift lever with window switches mounted alongside. The climate control knobs are well located, as are the radio controls.

A rearview camera is offered on Limited models, and it's available with or without navigation. That's because instead of integrating with the navigation screen, the Suzuki camera uses new technology to display an image on an otherwise-invisible screen on the left side of the rearview mirror. According to Suzuki, this enables drivers to back up while looking where they would naturally look: at the mirror. The thinking is that this makes it easier for the driver to monitor the mirror itself, the view through the front windshield, and the view over his or her shoulder; all of which are more difficult to see while peering down at a display screen in the center stack. When the XL7 is in Park or Drive, the rearview display disappears, and the rearview mirror looks normal. The mirror display is not nearly as effective as the large dash-mounted displays, however, and we prefer the dash-mounted variety.

The previously optional remote starter is now standard on Limited models. The system operates from nearly 200 feet away, and not only starts the engine but also the climate control system and, if the outside temperature is below 41 degrees F, turns on the driver's seat heater as well.