Car Review of the 2004 Suzuki XL-7 4WD EX Mid-Size Sport Utility Vehicle

Base MSRP Range: $19,499 - $26,899

Base Invoice Range: $18,329 - $25,285

MSRP As Tested: $25,399

Versions: LX, EX

Vehicle Category: Mid-Size SUV

Engine Location: Front Engine

Drive Wheels: Rear-Wheel Drive , Optional All Wheel Drive .

Engine As Tested: 2.7-liter, Dual Overhead Cam, 24-valves, V-6, 185 -horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 184 lb-ft torque at 4,000 rpm.

Transmission As Tested: 5-Speed Automatic.

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 17/22.

Standard Safety Features: Driver and front passenger airbags, ">Antilock Brake System

Competition: Jeep Liberty, Ford Explorer, Chevy Trailblazer, Dodge Durango, GMC Envoy, Toyota Higlander.

Review

When it comes to material possessions, Suzuki is all about instant gratification. They outfit their vehicles with equipment that’s often found on more expensive models or is bundled into high dollar option packages. And then, they top it all by sticking an economical price tag on the car. They did this with the Suzuki Verona, which we test-drove earlier this year, and they did it again with the 2004 Suzuki XL-7, this week’s vehicle.

In fact, our XL-7 EX arrived fully loaded - with no options attached. It had heated seats, leather upholstery, a tilt steering wheel with remote audio controls, remote keyless entry, power-everything, 16-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof and, located all the way to the back, nestled close to the tailgate, was something a little out of the ordinary for this segment.

Scooch over a little, will ya?

Count them: one, two … three? One perk that the XL-7 EX has over its competitors is its third-row seat, giving it the capability of accommodating up to seven passengers versus five in comparable vehicles, like the Honda CRV and Ford Escape. In fact, this feature doesn’t typically list as an option until you move out of the compact market and into the gargantuan SUV segment.

It’s an interesting concept, almost contradictory: a compact SUV with third-row seating. Which brings us to our observation: the fact that you can escort seven people around town for only 25 grand is quite appealing; however, you’ll want to make sure that the third rowers are little people as it’s a tight squeeze back there. You’ll also want to minimize the amount of stuff they bring - cargo space is limited to 6.6 cubic feet (with all seatbacks raised).

On the flip side, kick out your passengers, fold down the third and second rows and you’ll be eyeing a more attractive cargo carrying capability: 72 cubic feet. The good news is that (with all seats down) you’ll be able to carry more gear, like mountain bikes, backpacks and ice chests. The bad news is you won’t have anyone to ride the trails with.

Four trims to maximize versatility

Want to have your cake and eat it too? Then, drop down three trim levels to the base model, the LX 2WD, which comes with only a second row and a base MSRP of $19,849. You’ll have more cargo space plus a cheaper monthly note. With this trim you’ll receive power door locks, mirrors and windows; remote keyless entry; cruise control; automatic climate control; steering wheel mounted controls (not usually found on base models) and daytime running lights.

Jump to the XL-7 LX 4WD and you’ll add the two-person, third-row seat and rear climate control. The third trim is the EX 2WD. It includes all of the LX equipment (except the third row), as well as 16-inch alloy wheels, running boards, ABS, leather seating, heated mirrors, power sunroof and six-disc CD changer. Finally, there’s the EX 4WD, here the third-row seat reappears as standard along with all the other goodies of the EX 2WD.

Only one way to go

Regardless if you opt for a 2WD or 4WD XL-7, there’s only one engine mated to every XL-7 that rolls off the assembly line in Iwata, Japan: a 2.7-liter V6 engine, which produces 185 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 184 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm.

LX engines can be matched with either a five-speed manual or the optional five-speed automatic transmission. The EX models are available only with automatic.

New for 2004

The XL-7 is still considered a newbie in the SUV market, as it was recently introduced in 2001. Consequently, for its three-year anniversary only minor tweaking was made.

Up front, the grille became bolder, the headlights grew larger and thick fog lamps were implanted into the bumper, all adding to the XL-7’s rugged, utilitarian persona. Inside, the cabin was given a simple, clean appearance. The knobs are within easy reach, and the instrument panel is straightforward.

Safety matters

The XL-7 received the highest overall rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s 40 mph crash test, and comes standard with an antilock brake system and dual-stage front airbags (deploy at different rates depending upon the severity of the crash). Side airbags are not available at this time.

The Suzuki XL-7 is for consumers who need an extra third-row to transport their family around town, but don’t want to pay the big dollars (in both price and fuel consumption) that are attached to larger sport utility vehicles. It’s also for the individual who may not need all three rows, but who wants her vehicle to be decked out with heated seats, remote audio controls and leather upholstery without sinking into a black hole of debt.

Ratings (1-10)

• Style: 7
• Performance: 7
• Price: 6
• Handling: 7
• Ride: 7
• Comfort: 8
• Quality: 7
• Overall: 7

More Data

Where Built: Lansing, Michigan

Major Options: Anti-lock Brakes.

Seating: 7

Number of Rows: 3

Length in Inches: 164.5

Warranties: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 7 years/100,000 miles extended powertrain, 3 years/36,000 miles free roadside assistance, 3 years/unlimited miles corrosion protection.

Weight in Pounds: 3,726

Cargo Capacity in Pounds: 882-893

Gross Maximum Vehicle Weight in Pounds: 3,990-4,123

Towing Capacity in Pounds: 3,000

Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 16.9

Destination Charge: $500