Suzuki XL7 vs. Mercury Mariner Review

Utility
The Suzuki XL-7 will quite certainly prove handier than the Mercury Mariner for those of you with frequent kid-cargo.

Performance
As far as horsepower, the Suzuki XL-7 packs quite a wallop and will knock the Mercury Mariner down a few rungs. However, note that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.

Dimensions
The Mercury's tank is roughly the same size as the Suzuki XL-7's, though the Suzuki XL-7's is somewhat bigger. The Mercury Mariner and the Suzuki XL-7 compete for the same parking spaces. The Mercury Mariner's shorter wheelbase will likely give a sprier feel in daily traffic. On the other hand, the Suzuki is likely to have a smoother, more stable ride.

Convenience
You'll most definitely take the Mercury Mariner for a fill-up about as often as the Suzuki XL-7.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs about the same to get the Suzuki XL-7 to the dealership as the Mariner. The XL-7 doesn't pale in comparison to the Mercury Mariner with respect to fuel economy. There isn't much of a difference in gas mileage here, but if you must know, the Suzuki XL-7 is somewhat more economical than the Mercury Mariner. The Mercury Mariner isn't much less expensive than the Suzuki XL-7 regarding MSRP.

Handling
With its tighter turning radius, the Mercury Mariner is very likely nimbler than the Suzuki XL-7, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the other hand, remember that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain
The Suzuki has a more massive engine than the Mercury Mariner. Remember that smaller engines are often cheaper to fix, but a smaller engine usually has to work a little harder. Torque equals pickup, and the Suzuki XL-7 will have picked up and gone by the time the Mercury Mariner finally gets moving. The Mercury Mariner could learn a lesson or two from the Suzuki XL-7 regarding torque.

Comfort
While the front cabin in the Suzuki XL-7 offers a bit more head room than the Mercury Mariner, there honestly isn't much of a difference. The XL-7 offers more head- and leg-room to your passengers than the Mercury Mariner does.

Overview
The Mercury and the Suzuki have the same basic after-sale protection.