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Suzuki’s XL7 has grown into a seven-seat SUV with a 252-horsepower V-6 engine. That’s a long way from the previous model, and it shows that Suzuki is serious about taking on its rivals.

The XL7 shares its chassis with the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent. GM and Suzuki have a long-standing partnership, and it continues even though GM reduced its ownership stake in Suzuki last year.

Suzuki stretched the Equinox platform to create space for a third-row seat. The wheelbase is 112.4 inches, and overall length is greater than that of either the Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander.

The XL7 comes in four trim levels. The Special and Limited have standard seven-passenger seating, while the other two come with five-passenger seating standard and seven-passenger optional.

Prices for the four trim levels begin at $22,999 and top out at $32,384. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. The test vehicle was a front-wheel-drive Limited with a sticker price of $30,149.

Standard features include remote keyless entry; power windows, door locks and mirrors; tilt steering wheel; cruise control; trip computer with driver information center; auto headlamps; roof rails; alloy wheels; privacy glass; satin silver interior trim; overhead storage compartment; air conditioning with automatic climate control; and AM/FM/CD stereo system with six speakers. Seven-passenger models have a load-leveling rear suspension, under-floor storage in the rear cargo area and rear air conditioning.

Front, side and side-curtain airbags are fitted to all models, along with anti-lock brakes and vehicle stability control with rollover sensors.

Suzuki gave the XL7 a beefy stance to emphasize its size. The bulging fender flares accent the large wheels and break up the smooth lines. V-shaped headlamp lenses that create a distinctive face flank the grille.

Inside, the XL7’s cabin is more handsome than the interior of the Equinox or the Torrent. The Suzuki’s instrument panel has wood-grain trim and pebbled textures that reflect GM’s current styling themes, yet they are unique to the Suzuki.

The Limited’s gauge package is quite stylish, and the steering wheel has fingertip controls for cruise and audio. The touch-screen navigation system is part of a $2,200 Platinum touring option that also includes a power sunroof and 17-inch chrome wheels.

The XL7’s long wheelbase provides good legroom in the first two rows of seats. The third seat, which splits 50/50 and folds into the floor when not in use, is small and best used by kids.

Folding the front passenger seat forward gives space that is long enough for a ladder, pieces of wood or, as Suzuki says, even a small kayak.

The cargo area’s under-floor storage space is handy for small items that you want to keep out of sight.

The 3.6-liter V-6 is similar to the one used in the Saturn Aura and GMC Acadia. Variable valve timing broadens the power band, and the 252 horsepower pushes the XL7 to 60 miles per hour in about eight seconds. That’s snappy for a midsize SUV. This engine tends to sound a bit asthmatic under full throttle, but performance is not affected.

The test vehicle’s soft ride was comfortable, but a tighter suspension would give carlike handling.

Price The base price of the test car was $27,949. Options included the Platinum package with navigation system, power sunroof and 17-inch chrome wheels. The sticker price was $30,149.

Warranty Three years or 36,000 miles, with a seven-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.