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2007 Suzuki XL-7 Road Test

Welcome to the Big Leagues Suzuki

Take a close look at this new SUV. Is this the new face of Suzuki? It certainly is the new face of Suzukis 2007 XL-7, the largest, most powerful sport utility vehicle to ever wear the Japanese companys stylized S badge. But before you make your mind up about whether you like Suzukis radical design departure or not, lets find out a bit more about just what makes it tick.

Suzuki is unlike most other automakers in that it relies on a number of external partners to cooperatively develop and produce many of its vehicles. Its entry-level Canada-only Swift+, for instance, is the product of a unique relationship with General Motors, in which the two automakers purchased the assets of South Korean carmaker Daewoo, and formed GMDAT. A quick glance at a Swift+ and Chevrolet Aveo5

Is this the new face of Suzuki? (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

side-by-side and youll see that theyre identical other than a few minor trim pieces. You can guess which one outsells the other; yes, Chevys Aveo at about a five to one ratio. A similar story is true for Suzukis midsize Verona, identical to Chevys Canadian-only Epica although now discontinued, and the compact Forenza sedan and wagon, plus the attractive five-door version dubbed Reno, sold in Canada in bowtie guise as the Optra sedan, wagon and Optra5. Its a unique setup, between Chevrolet and Suzuki, but unfortunately for the smaller Japanese brand

Different for sure, but to most the new XL-7 certainly looks good. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

thats probably known best for its motorcycles, the heartbeat of America is the clear winner in sales tallies.

Outside of North America, mind you, Suzuki hasnt set itself so directly against such a formidable competitor. Certainly it faces many rivals in the subcompact and compact segments it normally targets, but due to developing its own proprietary product it can attract and retain customers based on the unique attributes of its distinct brand and models, not having a Goliath "partner" competing for the same consumers with the very same product after luring them to

From most angles its pretty hard to tell that this XL-7 starts life with GMs Equinox/Torrent underpinnings. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

their retail outlets via incentive driven ads.

Even in North America, Suzuki is trying to change this situation, however, with its latest SX4 compact crossover, not shared with Chevy or any other brand, paving the way for a more independent future. Its recently redesigned Grand Vitara is another example of just how good its in-house products are, a compact SUV thats considered by many to be one of the best 4x4-capable sport utility vehicles in its segment.

Its interesting, therefore, that Suzukis North American operations decided to once again rely on its relationship with GM when it

Headlights are radical, and separate it from any rival crossover. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

came time to reinvent a vehicle thats been based on the Vitara platform since its inception. The XL-7 was little more than a stretched and lowered Grand Vitara when it debuted, with Suzuki somehow managing to cram a rather tight but still functional third row in back for what might have been the worlds smallest seven-occupant SUV. It enjoyed a nice mid-cycle upgrade a couple of years back that made a big difference to interior design and the quality of materials used, but overall it was still the same Grand Vitara based XL-7.
The new model, introduced just north of Toronto at the picturesque Inn at Manitou, is loosely based off of the very popular Chevy Equinox and recently introduced

Its a no excuses sport ute. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Pontiac Torrent, although unlike the Sprint+ or Verona, youd be hard pressed to see any similarity between the XL-7 and either GM SUV at first glance. Most noticeable are its somewhat odd but nevertheless attractive multi-angular headlight clusters, followed by a tri-ribbed grille adorned with Suzukis big S at center, and just below that a racy black matte bumper dividing a painted side extension that houses circular driving lights at either side, and underneath a silver painted air splitter. This ability to visibly forge its own way, not only amid an onslaught of GM sport utes but also within the overcrowded midsize SUV segment, is critical to the XL-7s success.

Its longer dimensions - the XL-7 is stretched when compared

GMs 3.6L V6 is powerful at full throttle. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

to the equivalent GM models - has made for visual changes to the rear of the vehicle too, including a more vertically shaped liftgate - better for carrying cargo and necessary for its third row of seats - featuring an unorthodox curved rear window that goes further to separate the XL-7 from the masses. The taillights arent as radically drawn as the lenses up front, but still tie the entire design together quite nicely. Overall, from front to back its a crossover SUV that you wont have to make purchase excuses for, like, "It was such a steal that I couldnt pass it up," or "You wont believe how many years Im getting this thing at no interest". Yet, despite being made at the CAMI plant in Ingersol, Ontario, right next to the Equinox and Torrent, the XL-7 also doesnt carry that domestic stigma that is frowned upon in some circles

Yes thats me at the wheel and Ty in the passengers seat, enjoying the XL-7 at speed. (Photo: American Suzuki)

(the opposite in others) and often drives down resale values. After all, the sign of its imported pedigree is right up front and center, with the Suzuki belt buckle.

Ironically, where the Equinox and Torrent source their 3.4-liter V6 from China and/or Mexico (its a GM design mind you), the XL-7 uses one of GMs best engines, the 3.6-liter, 24-valve, DOHC V6 found in Cadillacs base CTS, Buicks top-line Allure and now, Saturns flagship Aura sedan, but its built in Japan in a Suzuki facility to the Japanese brands high tolerances and featuring a unique ECU. Its a great engine, and mated with GMs five-speed automatic gearbox with manual mode is as smooth as it is efficient; besting the old drivetrain with an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The engine makes a satisfying rasp as it pulls up to its 252 maximum horsepower, available at a

The XL-7 feels more capable the harder it gets pushed... to a limit. (Photo: American Suzuki)

spirited 6,400 rpm, while 243 lb-ft of torque comes on a lot sooner at 2,300 rpm. Compared to the old XL-7, at 183-horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, its a veritable supercar, but when put side by side with many in this class, its merely better than average; still a claim worth bragging about.

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