Americans buy vehicles for numerous reasons: style, prestige, durability, and value are several key selling points for most people. The 2007 Suzuki XL7 offers little along these lines. It’s got a terrific seven-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and, according to Suzuki, won’t top $29,000 with every option checked off, so value is likely this SUVs strongest trait. Aside from several odd trapezoidal design cues, the XL7 is stylish enough when stacked up against the competition but nothing special. And while the old XL-7 proved to be a durable if unrefined little ‘ute, the new XL7 is using GM running gear and technology, which translates to a big, fat question mark when it comes to longevity. Prestige? Zero. Since we’re not huge fans of the Chevy Equinox and Pontiac Torrent, two models that haven’t exactly set the sales charts afire, we hope for Suzuki’s sake that this exclusive 3.6-liter V6, coupled with whatever changes have been made to the chassis, are enough to differentiate the new XL7 from its GM cousins, if not the pack.

Photos by Ron Perry and courtesy of Suzuki