2005 Suzuki XL-7

BREA, Calif. (September 20, 2004) - Some SÚVs seem to have their hearts set on smooth highways and sunny weather, rather than rugged mountain byways and unpredictable climate conditions. Suzuki's XL-7 takes a more versatile approach. With its genuine body-on-frame design, standard high-torque V6, generous ground clearance and available electronically controlled push-button four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing, the Suzuki XL-7 earns membership in an esteemed group of true off-highway capable machines.

Yet for all its rough and ready capability, the XL-7 has a well-developed soft side: It has a quiet, roomy cabin and a smooth around-town ride; there's also available third-row seating for seven, a flexible and cavernous cargo area, top-rated crash protection and upscale amenities rivaling some much more expensive SÚVs.

As Suzuki's popular flagship SÚV, the XL-7 boasts a stylish front grille, fog lamps (EX models), distinctive head and taillight design and even a hard spare tire cover - this year with a chromed 'S' badge - designating the Suzuki brand. The XL-7 also has an optional five-speed automatic transmission to optimize acceleration, smooth shifting and improve fuel mileage. Other advanced features include a 'Drive-Select' push-button four-wheel-drive system with instrument panel indicator (on four-wheel-drive models), advanced front passenger airbag system with a 'passenger airbag off' indicator, a panic button on the keyless remote entry and heated front seats (on four-wheel-drive EX models). All trim levels are offered in eye-catching exterior colors including Cosmic Blue Metallic, White Pearl, Classic Red Pearl, Cool Beige Metallic, Black Onyx, Silky Silver Metallic and Azure Gray Metallic.

Each XL-7 model features a wide range of standard equipment that's normally equated with 'luxury' models. This includes 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, automatic climate control, front and rear power windows with illuminated driver 'auto-down' window switch, heated power side mirrors, remote keyless entry, floor mats, seven-speaker audio system including two tweeters and powered subwoofer, cruise control, and more. But there's more to it than that - the Suzuki XL-7 value story also delivers the confidence of America's #1 Warranty. It's no wonder that Consumers Digest called the XL-7 a 'Best Buy' in 2004. If anything, in 2005, the XL-7 is even more formidable.

Available third-row seating makes room for seven

Spacious passenger accommodations were among the primary goals for the XL-7's designers. Thus, the XL-7 offers a generous wheelbase and overall length, which translates directly into increased room for up to seven passengers. One of the most important differences between the XL-7 and most other SÚVs in its class is the available third row of seats (designated as III in model listings). In fact, some much bigger SÚVs can still accommodate only five people. The XL-7 also has extra-wide rear doors that allow easy access to second- and third-row seats.

When not being used to move family, friends or sports teams, the XL-7's 60/40 split-folding second-row seats and 50/50 split-folding third-row seats on seven-passenger models can be arranged to haul cargo - or a combination of cargo and people. This flexibility works especially well when there's a need to carry up to four people and long equipment such as skis, surfboards or fishing tackle. And for comfort, the second-row seats slides forward and backward, and the seatbacks offer a tilt adjustment for added functionality. The third row option also includes rear air conditioning with two overhead air ducts and control switches in both front and rear (standard on LX III and EX III).

The LX III model has 43.3 cubic feet of cargo room available behind the second row seats (with optional third-row seat folded). Even more impressive: 75.1 cubic feet of cargo room is available when both the second-row and optional third-row seats are folded.

The fun begins when the road ends

Thanks to its sturdy ladder-style frame and available two-range four-wheel-drive system, the XL-7 can take families off the beaten path and bring them home again in comfort even when the going gets really tough. Credit the four-wheel-drive versions with this minimum ground clearance of 7.6 inches and useful 28.5-degree approach and 23.4-degree departure angles, which allow them to negotiate terrain that might strand many car-based SÚVs.

The available low-range four-wheel-drive system is the key to the XL-7's do-it-all capability. The push of a button shifts the XL-7 'on the fly' between two- and four-wheel-drive high range at straight-line speeds of up to 60 mph, offering the further capabilities of low-range gears when the terrain is especially steep, rough or muddy.

Drivers that never intend to tackle rocky trails or muddy bogs can choose a Suzuki XL-7 with two-wheel drive. They'll gain a lower purchase price as a result, without sacrificing the inherent ruggedness of the XL-7's real SÚV design.

Like all Suzuki SÚVs, the XL-7 is engineered for easy towing behind recreational vehicles (four-wheel-drive models only). There is nothing to disconnect and the vehicle does not accumulate odometer mileage while being towed.

Style is standard in two model grades

Buyers get a long list of standard uplevel features no matter which XL-7 model is selected. Standard LX features include an in-dash CD player with seven speakers, including dash-mounted tweeters and an adjustable power subwoofer below the driver's seat. A steering wheel with integrated controls allows drivers to adjust the audio system while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road. The automatic climate control system with micron air-filtration system is perfect for those who love the great outdoors - but not pollen or particulate pollutants.

Other LX luxury standards include automatic lighting that switches on the XL-7's halogen headlamps, taillights and electroluminescent instrument cluster as dusk begins to fall (or as you enter a tunnel or parking garage). Heated, power side mirrors ensure visibility on frigid days. There's also a standard keyless remote entry system, aluminum alloy wheels, cruise control, floor mats, power windows and door locks with front central door lock switches. Four-wheel-drive LX models come with a standard four-wheel anti-lock brake system.

The base XL-7 LX also offers a choice between a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, rear-drive or four-wheel drive, and five- or seven-passenger seating. Rear air conditioning is standard with the seven-passenger models.

Standard upgrades for the EX trim level include a six-disc in-dash CD changer, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, five-speed automatic transmission, leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel and transmission lever, four-wheel anti-lock brake system, front fog lamps and more. All four-wheel-drive EX models have standard heated front seats, while seven-passenger EX models come with side-step running boards.

Standard V6 for smooth, sophisticated power

Every XL-7 has a 2.7-liter V6 engine, providing a distinct advantage compared to the smaller four-cylinder engines that are standard in many competitors' models. The sophisticated all-aluminum, double overhead cam powerplant produces an impressive 185 horsepower and a strong 184 lb.-ft. of torque. The high torque output makes it possible to tow up to 3,000 pounds.

The use of advanced technology means that the XL-7 engine is as easy to live with as it is powerful. The dual overhead camshafts are driven by self-adjusting chains that run in a continuous oil bath and never require maintenance. A specially tuned variable induction system improves throttle response and overall engine efficiency. Finally, the engine rides on hydraulic mounts tuned to help cancel out engine noise and vibration and keep the passenger compartment quiet.

Choose from two great five-speed transmissions

Únlike some SÚVs, the XL-7 gives buyers a choice between a responsive five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, or an optional five-speed automatic. Compared to typical four-speed automatics, the five-speed automatic provides smoother operation, better acceleration and more fuel-efficient drivability. Drivers can select a 'power mode,' which allows the engine to rev higher between upshifts. Alternatively, 'normal mode' helps maximize fuel economy with lower engine speeds used for shift points. But either way, the closely spaced gear ratios help the automatic improve responsiveness and acceleration, while preserving fuel economy.

The two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive XL-7s return 17/22-mpg city/highway when equipped with manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) With the efficient optional five-speed automatic transmission (standard on the XL-7 EX), the rating is 18/22-mpg city/highway and 17/22-mpg city/highway on four-wheel-drive versions.

Body-on-frame construction means rugged performance

Although the XL-7's ladder-type, body-on-frame construction was born to challenge difficult natural terrain, it is equally at home on the highway. That's because its specially engineered body mounts help keep road and powertrain noise and vibration from entering the passenger cabin.

The XL-7's front suspension is the proven MacPherson strut design. To combine long wheel travel for off-road maneuvering and plenty of steering lock for tight maneuvers, Suzuki engineers took the additional step of mounting the system's springs and struts separately. A strut-tower brace reduces body flex under extreme conditions to help improve ride quality.

In the rear, a rugged solid axle is located by a sophisticated five-link design for the sheer toughness needed during off-pavement excursions, combined with a smooth ride on the pavement. Every XL-7 comes with 235/60R16 all-season tires. Aluminum alloy wheels are likewise standard on all models.

Advanced safety engineering

The XL-7 received the highest rating possible in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) 40-mph frontal offset crash test. In part, this is due to its brawny ladder frame and energy-absorbing crumple zones. Also, the XL-7's A, B, and C pillars are constructed of high-tensile steel to form a steel-reinforced passenger cage that helps protect occupants in a collision. Front seatbelt pretensioners improve occupant safety by automatically taking the slack out of the belts a split-second after impact and second-row child seat LATCH system and tether anchors, as well as rear-door child safety locks, help protect children.

A new tire pressure monitoring system, with a telltale light in the instrument cluster, further improves safety for 2005 by alerting the driver when tire pressure becomes critically low.

America's #1 Warranty

Like all 2005 Suzuki models, the XL-7 is covered by an unmatched warranty. All Suzuki vehicles boast a 100,000-mile/7-year powertrain limited warranty that's fully transferable to succeeding owners and free of deductibles for covered items. This is on top of 36,000-mile/3-year new-vehicle limited warranty. The 100,000-mile/7-year powertrain limited warranty covers the engine, transaxle, transmission, front and/or rear drive system and transfer case (when so equipped). The Suzuki powertrain limited warranty is designed to boost resale or trade-in value and underscores the corporation's confidence in its product quality.

Other components of Suzuki's commitment to customer satisfaction include an extensive three-year Roadside Assistance Program and a Warranty Repair Courtesy Vehicle Program. The Roadside Assistance Program covers any new Suzuki vehicle during the 36,000-mile/3-year new-vehicle limited warranty period. Available services include tire changes, jump-starts, lockout service, mechanical first aid and towing to the nearest Suzuki dealer or service center. If a Suzuki dealer has to keep a vehicle overnight for certain repairs during the new-vehicle limited warranty period, the owner will be provided with a free Enterprise rental car for up to five days.

Source - Suzuki