2008 Suzuki XL7 Review

Introduction
If Costco's Kirkland Signature brand were to sell a car it would probably be a lot like the 2008 Suzuki XL7. Like the many Kirkland items, the XL7 is bulk-sized, with lots of features at a low price and an overall quality that slightly trails that of big-name brands. While you may not strive to own a Kirkland product or a Suzuki, it's hard to argue with the family-friendly value that each provides.

The second-generation XL7 is the largest SUV Suzuki has ever produced, dipping generously into partner GM's parts bin to create a mostly unique end product. Under the skin is a stretched platform shared with the Chevy Equinox and Pontiac Torrent twins, but the XL7 boasts its own distinctive styling (check out those funky headlights) and a 3.6-liter V6 engine designed by General Motors, but built by Suzuki in Japan. Even though it's equipped with only five seats, the base XL7 provides more maximum cargo capacity than a Honda Pilot at a price that rivals the Honda CR-V. Other trims offer a fold-flat third-row seat that provides enough room for children and maintains the ample storage capacity.

But if price seems to be a running theme, that's no mistake. Considering that the 2008 Suzuki XL7 is priced similar to compact crossovers like the Toyota RAV4, the Suzuki's quality difference versus the big boys isn't large enough to completely disregard the significant discount it provides. Whether you're buying a 3-liter tub of Kirkland cashews or a $26,000 SUV, value is difficult to ignore.

Powertrains and Performance
The 2008 XL7 features a 3.6-liter V6 that delivers 252 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. It is connected to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. All trim levels are available with all-wheel drive except the base model, which is front-drive only. In performance testing a FWD XL7 went to 60 mph in a tidy 8.2 seconds. Fuel economy estimates for 2008 are 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models, while all-wheel-drive versions rate practically the same, dropping the city rating by only 1 mpg. These figures are on par with other vehicles in the class.

© Source: edmunds
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