Naturally, the center row of seats fold down for cargo carrying. Unusually, the front passenger seat can also be folded down providing a really long, but far from flat, surface for carrying long pieces of lumber or a ladder or surfboard or what-have-you.
The dashboard is a relatively simple affair, with an easy to see instrument pod in front of the steering wheel containing three gauge clusters. The center stack has a high mounted gearshift lever with window switches mounted alongside. The climate control knobs are well located, as are the radio controls.
A rearview camera is offered on Limited models, and it's available with or without navigation. That's because instead of integrating with the navigation screen, the Suzuki camera uses new technology to display an image on an otherwise-invisible screen on the left side of the rearview mirror. According to Suzuki, this enables drivers to back up while looking where they would naturally look: at the mirror. The thinking is that this makes it easier for the driver to monitor the mirror itself, the view through the front windshield, and the view over his or her shoulder; all of which are more difficult to see while peering down at a display screen in the center stack. When the XL7 is in Park or Drive, the rearview display disappears, and the rearview mirror looks normal. The mirror display is not nearly as effective as the large dash-mounted displays, however, and we prefer the dash-mounted variety.
The previously optional remote starter is now standard on Limited models. The system operates from nearly 200 feet away, and not only starts the engine but also the climate control system and, if the outside temperature is below 41 degrees F, turns on the driver's seat heater as well. Next Page