New 2009 Suzuki XL7

As the flagship Suzuki SUV, the 2009 Suzuki XL7 offers excellent passenger room, robust engine performance, futuristic styling and an enticing array of amenities.

The XL7 is available as a seven-passenger model in three trim levels – Premium, Luxury, and Limited. The five-passenger Base model has been dropped for 2009. All models are available with optional electronically-controlled all-wheel drive to optimize handling and vehicle control on a variety of road surfaces. The XL7 comes with one engine only — a 3.6-liter, 252-horsepower V-6 engine with Variable Valve Timing and 243 lb.-ft. of torque — which supplies ample acceleration and good towing ability. It’s mated to a standard six-speed automatic transmission with manumatic shift mode that lets you shift through the gears without a clutch pedal.

All models feature an available self-leveling rear suspension that smoothes out the ride and soaks up bumps easily. The XL7gets 16-17 MPG in the city and 23-24 MPG on the highway and competes with the Honda Pilot, Subaru Tribeca and Toyota Highlander.

Available amenities include a Rear Vision Camera with in-mirror display that shows what’s behind the vehicle as you drive in reverse. Limited models have an optional DVD navigation system with an LCD display. This system features touch screen plus voice prompt commands to help guide you on your journey. An optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system with wireless headphones and dual-media capability offers hours of entertainment for rear passengers. Rear air conditioning with second-row controls, a 50/50 split fold-flat third-row seat to maximize cargo flexibility, leather interior and a sunroof come standard.

The XL7 features a 5-star safety rating for front- and side-impact crash ratings and comes standard with advanced dual-stage front airbags, side-curtain airbags for all rows, and front/rear side impact door beams to protect passengers in a collision. A standard Electronic Stability Program with a Traction Control System assists with balancing the vehicle during evasive maneuvers and helps to prevent wheel spin on slippery surfaces. A standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution offers excellent stopping power and minimizes wheel lockup under hard braking. On Limited models, standard front fog lamps enhance visibility and nighttime illumination.

The 2009 Suzuki XL7 features copious amounts of interior space, off-road capability, ample power and a plethora of high-tech gadgetry that is sure to please.