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

Summary

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

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:2WD: XL-7 ($19,599), Plus (21,099), Touring ($23,599), Limited ($25,099)
4WD: XL-7 ($20,799), Plus ($22,299), Touring ($23,799), Limited ($25,999)

Engines:183-hp 2.7-liter dohc 24v V6

Transmissions:5-speed manual (not available in Limited); 4-speed automatic

Safety equipment (standard):dual airbags, three-point front and rear outboard seat belts, two-point rear center belt. LATCH child safety seat anchors; ABS standard on Touring and Limited models

Standard equipment:air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, power door locks, cloth upholstery, remote keyless entry, cruise control, rear window wiper/washer, third-row seating; Touring adds antilock brakes, rear air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette/CD, aluminum alloy wheels, fog lights, power glass moonroof, rear spoiler