2009 Suzuki XL7

• Overall
• Prices
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Photos & Videos

Performance - What the Auto Press Says

Despite a noted improvement from previous years and a standard V6 engine, the XL7 still lags in handling and power delivery when compared to top cars in its class.

• "With no truck in its ancestry, the XL7 feels very much like a large modern front-wheel drive car, in particular today's equivalent to the station wagon of the past. Its fully-independent MacPherson strut front, multilink rear suspension is tuned moderately firmly, and, with the relatively long wheelbase, gives a smooth, comfortable ride." -- The Auto Channel
• "True to its soft-roader aspirations, the XL7 rides comfortably but carries an expected amount of body roll and numb steering." -- Car and Driver
• "While the all-wheel drive system greatly enhances traction, it's not suited for off-road use. If you're looking for a SUV with off-road capabilities, try Suzuki's Grand Vitara." -- Daily Southtown
• "The XL7 is lacking when it comes to performance. Despite a new six-speed automatic transmission and a 252-horsepower V-6 engine, the gas pedal seemed to have two settings, slow and haul-booty, with no comfortable middle ground. The noise coming from under the hood was more clattery and hollow than full-bodied and powerful-sounding. Gas mileage was average at best, getting 16/23 mpg city/highway." -- Mother Proof

Acceleration and Power

The XL7 comes with a 252-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine. For 2009, a six-speed automatic transmission replaces the five-speed automatic. According to the EPA, the 2WD model nets 17/24 mpg city/highway, while the AWD model nets 16/23.

• "XL7 has ample power from any speed, with little difference between 2WD and AWD versions. The ultra-smooth 5-speed automatic transmission kicks down promptly for swift passing, and it always seems to be in the right gear. Its manual shift gate is helpful in mountain driving." -- Consumer Guide
• "It's no Hayabusa, but the 3.6-liter V6's 252 horsepower (at 6400 rpm) and 243 lb-ft of torque (at a nice, low 2300 rpm) and five-speed automatic transmission with manual mode have no problems moving the XL7 quickly." -- The Auto Channel
• "There's just one engine, a 252-horsepower V-6, which has decent power but is loud and clunky compared with some of the better engines available." -- U.S. News
• "The XL7's V-6 delivers 252 horsepower, more than its GM siblings, and for the most part the ponies are mated well with the five-speed automatic transmission delivering a majority of smooth shifts and on-demand acceleration." --Chicago Sun Times

Handling and Braking

The XL7 receives mixed reviews on handling and ride quality. Among test drivers' complaints are long braking distances and numb steering.

• "XL7's comfort-biased suspension means marked body lean that demands slow speeds when entering corners. The steering has a numb, artificial feel. A wide turning circle complicates close-quarters maneuvering. The brakes have good stopping control, but some testers would like a firmer pedal feel." -- Consumer Guide
• "The new rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel independent suspension give the 2007 XL7 a smooth, car-like ride." -- BusinessWeek
• "On our track, the XL-7 felt solid and far more nimble than its predecessor. Understeer was surprisingly mild, but there was a fair amount of body sway. But despite that tendency to rock and roll, we found the XL-7's overall behavior to be confident and easy to handle. Stops averaged a slightly long 133 feet from 60 to 0 but were straight and true." -- Motor Week