2006 Suzuki XL.7 4WD 3-Row

(Photos: Suzuki) The Grand Vitara XL.7 is no exception. The strut-type front suspension and five-link rear suspension are unusually sophisticated for a full-frame truck. Maybe that's why the handling is sharper and the ride is less truck-like than we've come to expect in small SUVs. The driveline is also more upscale than the truck's $25,000 price would suggest, with a five-speed automatic transmission and a pushbutton operated two-speed transfer case.  Unfortunately, we couldn't escape the feeling that the XL.7 could use more power and more brakes. The 2.7-liter V6 makes 185 horsepower and 184 ft.-lbs. of torque, and compared with the competition, this is not a lot of power for a 3,800-pound vehicle. Power and torque peak at 6,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm respectively, so hills and highway driving required lots of revs. We often had to flog the engine to keep up in urban highway traffic.  The disc/drum brakes also felt like they were working hard all the time. With the transmission switch in the "Power" mode and only two people aboard, around-town driving was OK, but it felt as though neither the engine nor the brakes have enough in reserve for a fully-loaded vehicle. All that said, loading up is one of this vehicle's strong suits. With its third row of forward-facing seats, which seems to be a critical feature in today's SUV market, it can hold seven people, as long as the two in back are small. With all seats upright, the cargo area is just deep enough to hold seven grocery bags perfectly across the back.  The floor panel is actually a lid that lifts up to reveal a very handy compartmented tray. With the two rear seats folded down, the cargo area can easily hold luggage for four people. When all four rear seats are folded, the cargo area expands to more than 4 feet in length, and though the cargo floor is not flat, large bulky items are easy to load because the rear door opens from the side. To view the XL.7's
 specifications,
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Like all of today's Suzuki models, comfort and convenience features abound. Cup holders, storage compartments, power outlets and armrests are everywhere. Climate control and rear air conditioning are standard, and the standard audio system is ready for MP3, WMA and XM satellite radio. There are steering wheel controls for the audio system, but they're not really any more convenient to use than the dashboard dials. 

Intermittent wipers and a tilt wheel also are standard, but the XL.7 has a flaw that we've noticed on many newer cars: The gauges are electronic and illuminated whenever the key is on. With daytime running lights, it's easy to forget to turn on the headlights at night, in which case there will be no rear lights.

Under the hood is the aforementioned V6 with belt-driven double overhead cam (DOHC) four-valve heads and a dual-tract intake manifold sporting a cable-operated throttle. The EGR valve and some of the major connectors are buried between the engine and firewall, but all the other service items and test ports are readily accessible. 

Overall, the engine compartment is simple and tidy and gives the impression that, with proper service, the drivetrain should easily outlast the seven-year/100,000-mile warranty. While we had the vehicle, the Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) warning light came on. None of the tires had the same pressure, but the maximum difference between them was only six psi. This is impressive performance for a system that uses wheel speed sensors instead of direct measurement. With all the tires inflated to 35 psi, ride and handling were noticeably improved.

On paper, the Suzuki is a mid-pack performer in its class. It's built on a full frame, so off-road and snow-belt performance will be better than car-based mini-SUVs, but there are other more powerful full-frame "trucklets" in this class, too. 

The third row of seats is for small people only, but it's a feature most competitors don't have. Power is marginal, but the two-speed transfer case and advanced suspension are noticeable advantages. In the end, we think utility and good handling are this truck's strongest points.