  What's New for the 2004 Suzuki XL-7?
Suzuki infuses the XL-7 with several changes for 2004, extending the aging SUV’s life a few years. Power and torque from the 2.7-liter V6 are bumped slightly, raising them to 185 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft., respectively, while providing a 3,000-pound towing capacity. A new automatic transmission has five forward speeds rather than four, and there’s a new push-button, shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system available. Styling is revised with a new grille, redesigned bumper and freshened headlights up front. In back, the taillights are new and the spare tire cover is revised. Inside, a new front airbag system has been added. Outside, the Suzuki XL-7 can be painted Classic Red, Cosmic Blue or Azure Gray in addition to several colors carried over from last year. Two trim levels are offered, either with your choice of rear- or four-wheel-drive and five- or seven-passenger seating. Base LX includes a CD player, automatic climate control, heated exterior mirrors, remote keyless entry, alloy wheels, cruise control, power windows and door locks, and floor mats. Add 4WD and you get ABS standard. Add a third-row seat and rear air conditioning is included. The EX upgrades the buyer to a six-disc in-dash CD changer, a power sunroof, an automatic transmission, leather upholstery with heated front seats, fog lights and more. Advantages of the 2004 Suzuki XL-7:
- Seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- Plenty of standard equipment for the money
- True off-road capability
Objections to the 2004 Suzuki XL-7: - Optional third-row seat compromises cargo hauling capability
- Rough ride quality on pavement
- Could use 200 each of horsepower and torque
Editor's Advice:
Four primary reasons exist to select the 2004 Suzuki XL-7 over other midsize SUVs on the market. First, it is available with a third-row seat. Second, it possesses true off-road capability. Third, when fully equipped it undercuts intended competitors on price. Fourth, Suzuki offers one of the best powertrain warranties in the business. Trouble is, adults cannot use the third-row seat and it compromises maximum cargo capacity, so we’d skip that option. Plus, the ladder-frame construction and live rear axle that help make the Suzuki XL-7 adept off the beaten path makes for a rough ride on the paved roads where most people drive most of the time. Finally, many buyers are cross-shopping the Suzuki XL-7 with the Ford Escape, not the Ford Explorer, and price benefits begin to fade. Can’t argue with that warranty, though.
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