| Traveling east from Sacramento on either | | | | |
| Interstate 80 or 50, the capital of | | | | So, too, are the XL-7's controls and |
| California extends into ever-expanding | | | | materials, and the vehicle's cargo space is |
| suburbs. Sierra Nevada foothill communities | | | | generous, if not less-than simply designed |
| soon follow and then respectively the | | | | and orchestrated via confusing levers. |
| well-known gambling and recreation meccas of | | | | |
| Reno, Nev., and Lake Tahoe, Calif. | | | | Like other Suzuki models, the XL 7's |
| | | | instrumentation is simple and nicely |
| Busier freeways exist, but both Northern | | | | designed. Large control dials offer ease of |
| California thoroughfares have their share of | | | | use and the console materials are attractive, |
| hectic commuter traffic and every other | | | | even the faux wood trim. Likewise, Suzuki |
| conceivable transportation concern. | | | | has some innovative ideas for storage |
| | | | cubicles and the cargo areas for groceries, |
| Both freeways therefore provide perfect | | | | sports equipment and the like is on par with |
| arenas for vehicle testing, particularly the | | | | the available other vehicles in its |
| consistent, steady ascents into the foothills | | | | category. Seating is comfortable, and from |
| and toward ski resort elevations. There's | | | | driver's perspective vision is good and |
| nothing too steep, but the steady grades can | | | | without blind spots. |
| abruptly help showcase a vehicle's power | | | | |
| strengths or weaknesses. | | | | As a 4-WD drive vehicle, Suzuki offers a |
| | | | push-button, part-time system. It's |
| In my recent test drive of the 2005 Suzuki | | | | convenient and has a low-gear ratio. Unlike |
| XL-7, the new midsize SUV offered by the | | | | other manufacturers, however, the Suzuki 4-WD |
| Japanese manufacturer, the latter applied. | | | | option should not be left engaged in dry |
| | | | pavement. |
| The XL-7 has its share of attractive | | | | |
| features, including a good price point and | | | | The XL-7 is Suzuki's offering against the |
| plenty of impressive standard features. But | | | | Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy and Toyota |
| acceleration and overall engine performance | | | | Highlander. All are higher priced and have |
| is not the vehicle's strong suit. | | | | established niches in the resale market. The |
| | | | Suzuki doesn't have any history - yet. The |
| On out-of-town journeys on both Interstate 50 | | | | XL-7 doesn't get high marks in ride quality, |
| and 80, the XL-7 was noticeable sluggish on | | | | and it certainly isn't quiet on the road, |
| the steady climbs out of the flatlands. The | | | | either. The manufacturer claims 17 mpg gallon |
| XL-7 has a 5-speed automatic transmission and | | | | in city driving, but the Consumer Guide |
| 2.7-liter, 24-valve, 185-horsepower, V6 | | | | testers documented a city average between |
| engine. Yet, even on solo treks into moderate | | | | 13.6 and 15.4 mpg. |
| elevation locales, in highway passing | | | | |
| situations, or in other needed acceleration | | | | There's nothing wrong with a manufacturer |
| scenarios, a foot-to-the-floor effort was | | | | having pride its brand name, either. But the |
| required. | | | | "S" insignia on the front grill is |
| | | | particularly large, and it can't help remind |
| The XL-7, however, should not be dismissed | | | | one of the Superman "S." In short, it's just |
| It's been introduced as an extended version | | | | too large. |
| of Suzuki's compact Grand Vitara, with a | | | | |
| 2.9-inch longer wheelbase, 22.9 inches of | | | | Beyond cosmetics, however, the XL-7 has offer |
| added length and the aforementioned larger | | | | a good supply of standard features for its |
| engine. | | | | price. But it's not the best choice in its |
| | | | class and won't be until it at least gets |
| Nearly a dozen model options are available, | | | | more horsepower. |
| from base model, 2WD, LX-4-door wagon with | | | | |
| manual transmission ($19,499) to the 4-WD EX | | | | Safety features -Driver and front-seat |
| wagon with automatic transmission and | | | | passenger front and side airbags, Antilock |
| third-row seat ($26,899). My test vehicle | | | | brakes; 24-hour roadside assistance. |
| was the 4-WD EX-wagon with automatic | | | | |
| transmission. With standard features | | | | Fuel Mileage (manufacturer estimates) -17 mpg |
| including heated front seats, leather front | | | | (city), 22 mpg (highway). |
| and rear seats, 6-disc CD and AM/FM audio | | | | |
| system with seven speakers, 16-alloy wheels, | | | | Warranty - Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 |
| power-tilted sun and moonroof and Suzuki's | | | | miles; Powertrain 7 years/100,000 miles; |
| 7-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the | | | | Corrosion, 3 years/unlimited miles. |
| $26,394.00 price point is appealing. | | | | |