Based on the Suzuki Grand Vitara, the XL-7 seats up to seven passengers, with a tiny third-row bench as standard equipment. It's built on a longer wheelbase and features a more powerful V6 engine.

For 2002, the Suzuki XL-7 gets a significant power boost, a longer list of standard equipment, and interior improvements designed to enhance safety, convenience and comfort.

The 2002 Suzuki XL-7 offers a clean, uncluttered look. Because of its similarity to other small SUVs, however, the exterior of the XL-7 probably won't draw attention.

Six-spoke aluminum wheels on our Touring model were handsome and helped give the XL-7 a purposeful but not overly fancy appearance. Tinted glass and the rear spoiler on our test model were a nice touch. The rear door is hinged on one side and opens conventionally; it doesn't come with a liftgate that swings up like most SUVs. The spare tire is mounted outside, to save interior storage room; it adds to the XL-7's truck looks.

With a roomy front seat and an adjustable armrest, we found it easy to get comfortable behind the wheel. Like many SUVs, the XL-7 has a high, commanding view of the road. Analog gauges are straightforward, and most of the controls are intuitive and simple to use. Nothing about the cabin suggests ultra high-tech. Some of the plastic interior trim is below par, but the interior fabrics seem rich and durable.

One ergonomic glitch: The switch for the overhead light is located too close to the sunroof controls. When we were trying to find the light, we accidentally opened the sunroof one night after an all-day snowstorm. A lap full of snow is no way to kick-off an evening out on the town.

Large doors make getting in and out of the cabin easy. Installing a child safety seat in the second-row bench (which has fore and aft adjustments) was uncomplicated. Access to the third-row seats, however, is difficult if you're any age under 10. Some reports we've seen have suggested that the XL-7's rear-most seats are usable by adults. We think that only adults fewer than four feet tall would ride back there without vigorous protest, because there is scant legroom and only a very narrow cushion. In their defense, the third-row seats can be split and are easy to fold; but they aren't removable. With these seats stowed, storage space is very competitive with other models. However, if you plan on filling every one of the seven available seating positions, don't expect to find much space left for anything more than a lunch box.

There are two cupholders in the center console between the front seats and a number of bins and storage pockets sprinkled around the cabin to store maps and other odds and ends. One thoughtful touch: All XL-7s come with a first aid kit in the rear cargo area.

The rear cargo door swings open from the driver's side. That's not always convenient here in America. Pull up curbside at the airport and you'll have to walk around the door to load luggage.

For 2002, the XL-7 adds LATCH child safety seat anchors, a flat-floor cargo flap system, and new seat upholstery material.

With its stretched wheelbase, the Suzuki XL-7 offers a smoother ride than its sister ship Grand Vitara. But its driving characteristics are not even remotely related to those of a car. Minor bumps are soaked up readily, but big potholes will send shivers down your spine, as the XL-7's unsophisticated suspension and trucklike ladder-frame construction show their limitations. Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester and other car-based SUVs offer a smoother ride quality. The payoff for the Suzuki is its off-road capability.

Still, the XL-7 is a comfortable day-to-day vehicle. Our model was equipped with the automatic transmission, which helped this truck go about its business with little drama.

About 14 inches of snow provided an opportunity to check out the XL-7's four-wheel-drive capabilities. With all four wheels engaged and 7.5 inches of ground clearance, there wasn't one snowdrift or plowed-in driveway the XL-7 couldn't overcome. Stopping is required to activate the four-wheel traction. And there's a low-range set of gears for creeping up steep terrain.

Dry road handling was uneventful, and the XL-7 cornered without causing our hearts to skip a beat. We didn't push it too hard, though, since it is, after all, a truck and not a sports car. The XL-7 isn't our first choice for long Interstate trips because the ride is not very smooth and a good deal of wind noise creeps into the cabin. It's quieter and more comfortable than, say, a Jeep Wrangler, but that's not saying much.

The XL-7 is at its best when driving around town. Our Touring model was equipped with nearly every creature comfort you could think of (except heated seats, which we sorely missed during a winter storm). The stereo system had both a cassette player (great for listening to books on tape) and a CD player, which delivered pretty good fidelity.

For 2002, the 2.7-liter V6 engine produces 183 horsepower, 13 more than in 2001. Its power delivery was smooth and the XL-7 felt a little livelier than the Nissan Xterra but not as quick as the Ford Escape

Antilock brakes stopped the XL-7 well, as we discovered in heavy snow, rain and slush.

Suzuki's XL-7 is available in four trim levels: Standard, Plus, Touring, and Limited. All can be ordered with either two- or four-wheel drive.

Prices start at $19,599 for the rear-wheel-drive Standard model, which includes air conditioning, power windows, door locks, cruise control, and remote keyless entry.

Touring models add antilock brakes, alloy wheels, a premium stereo system, and a sunroof.

All models are powered by a 183-horsepower V6 and all trim lines but the Limited offer the choice of a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

For 2002, all four-wheel-drive XL-7 models get heated door mirrors. The Limited 4WD model also gets heated front seats. All Limited models get leather-covered steering wheels and shifter knobs and woodgrain trim for their center consoles.

For 2002, the XL-7 comes with Suzuki's 24-hour roadside assistance plan.

Suzuki has been building SUVs for the American market for a long time, and the inclusion of the third-row seat in the XL-7 makes a lot of sense. Without it, this would be just another SUV. The XL-7 is a decent alternative to a minivan or for a small family with a couple of kids who are too big for safety seats but not big enough to complain about being cramped in the way-back seats.

The XL-7's part-time four-wheel-drive system works well when traveling off road, but doesn't offer the handling benefits on slippery roads of a full-time all-wheel-drive system.

Suzuki's XL-7 has the looks and off-road capability of a genuine sport-utility. And it's available at a good price. It'll fit in your garage, and just may fit in your budget.