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Acceleration
"Adequate around town. Automatic transmission kicks down promptly for more power,
but highway passing or merging requires foot-to-the-floor effort. Carrying more
than two adults slows things down even more. Low-range gearing an off-road plus,
but most rivals offer AWD or more-convenient 4WD that can be left engaged on
dry pavement. Towing capacity is 3000 lb."
Value
"Prices are attractive, particularly when compared with other 7-passenger SUVs.
But XL-7 can't match the accommodations, on-road performance, and resale value
of top rivals either. Basically, it's a mediocre midsize SUV with a cramped,
available 3rd-row seat its one asset."
Ride
"Sharp bumps--small or large--result in more harshness than in most rivals, and
even freeway travel can get bouncy."
Economy
Test 4WD models averaged 13.6-15.4 mpg in all-city driving. XL-7 uses regular-grade fuel.
Noise
"Wearing except in gentle driving, with marked highway wind roar and much tire
drone on most surfaces. Engine strained and noisy in the high-rpm operation required
for best performance."
Comfort - Front
"Fine head clearance for 6-footers, but leg space only adequate. Narrow cabin
limits hip and shoulder room. Seats nicely firm, but some testers say cushions
too short for good leg support. Step-in a bit high, though class normal. Visibility
OK, better with 3rd-row-seat headrests removed."
Comfort - Rear
"Good head room in 2nd row, but seat is hard, too narrow for three adults, and
offers little leg room unless you take advantage of its ability to slide rearward
a few inches. Door thresholds narrow enough to trip feet. Third row accommodates
kids, but squeezes their legs unless 2nd row is pushed forward, and entry/exit
is awkward."
Controls
"Basically clear, simple, handy, especially three large climate controls that
make the automatic climate system among easiest to adjust manually. Cabin materials
and finish impress and are on par with the better Japanese brands."
Cargo Room
"A bit narrower than other midsize SUVs. Volume class average with both rear
seats down, only grocery-bag space behind 50/50 3rd-row seat. Folding the 60/40
2nd-row seat is an ordeal of cryptic diagrams and puzzling levers. Cargo door
swings open from streetside. Several handy interior cubbies for small stuff,
though door map pockets hard to access."
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