TCC Test: 2007 Suzuki XL-7

Your first thought when shopping a crossover might not be Suzuki. It's one of the few brands known more for its name than its vehicles (what exactly is a Forenza, anyway?). And even then, the Suzuki most of us know has two wheels and a 200-mph top end.

But that may change after a first drive of the new XL7. Suzuki doesn't have the cachet of a Honda or a Toyota , but its XL7 readily compares with the RAV4 and CR-V, and now offers seven-passenger seating, too. The sharply-dressed new XL7 is also a cheaper alternative to the coming class of crossovers that includes Ford's Edge and the Honda Pilot, as well as existing Subaru wagons.

The Car Connection

If it weren't for the Suzuki nameplat (and crappy advertising), the XL7 would do very well. It's a good $10K less than crossovers like the Pilot and Acadia, yet it does 98% of the same tasks.

If it weren't for the Suzuki nameplat (and crappy advertising), the XL7 would do very well.

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And if it wasn't crying.

This is an historic first. I actually agree with siegen. This XL7, especially in white, looks like a crying clown.

And if it wasn't crying.

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those things under the headlights look like makeup running