The Morning Call and Mcall.com's view

In the grand pantheon of automotive nameplates, Suzuki isn’t one that immediately leaps to mind. Certainly, when it comes to trying to tackle the U.S. market, Suzuki’s offerings have always seemed a little small and a little out of touch.

While vehicles like the Sidekick, and its predecessor the Samurai, drop-kicked Suzuki’s growing following, Suzuki has been aiming to erase those bitter memories by refining, upgrading and growing the size of its sport utility vehicles.

That explains Suzuki adding the Grand Vitara to its Vitara line of small sport utility vehicles. Suzuki threw in a slightly more powerful V-6 and added a little more space. Still, this isn’t exactly the biggest sport utility in the world, especially in a country where sport utility vehicles can be the rolling equivalent of an M3 tank.

So it’s goodbye cute utes, hello brute utes.

Okay, so the new XL-7 isn’t exactly Suburban-sized, but it’s positively HUGE for a Suzuki. It’s about 183 inches long. The increase in size is no illusion — Suzuki added 12.6 inches to the wheelbase and 19 inches to the overall length of the vehicle. It’s also wider by 8 inches at the bottom of the vehicle and by 12 inches at the top. This translates into an interior that’s more usable and suitable for corn-fed Americans.

It lacks the cute funkiness of the smaller Vitara or Grand Vitara. Its conservative, almost bland lines give the truck a seriousness that its smaller siblings lack. But it was distinctive enough to turn the heads of most younger guys. So it doesn’t look like a wuss truck.

Like all trucks of this ilk, the XL-7 is available in rear-wheel or four-wheel-drive versions. The four-wheel-drive is part-time with shift-on-the-fly capability and a two-speed transfer case which includes a low range. When not in 4WD, the vehicle runs in rear-wheel-drive.

Of course, enlarging the size means adding weight which means more power is needed. While the other Vitaras get by with a four that is adequate or a slightly more powerful V-6, the XL’s motor is the best of the lot, as well as the largest, coming in at 2.7-liters. This double-overhead-cam mill produces 170 horsepower and 178 foot-pounds of torque. Power is fed through a five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic.

Power seemed sufficient for light hauling of people or cargo, with decent power off the line and at speed. Cornering seemed reasonably flat, with body lean coming on in plenty of time to signal limits of adhesion. The power rack-and-pinion steering was light, but returned some road feel and vibration. But the truck had a stout, sophisticated feel that smaller Vitaras lack. There was road and tire noise, as well as engine noise. These are constants in all Suzuki SUVs, there’s just less of it in the XL-7.

Ride comfort was good for the class. Handling was adept, making the vehicle feel maneuverable for an SUV, although it’ s still not as nimble as a car. But it was certainly the best Suzuki truck I’ve ever driven.

Front-disc/rear-drum brakes with anti-lock are standard, as are front air-bags.

Inside, the dash resembles that of its smaller stable-mates, with clear easy-to-read gauges consisting of the usual speed, tach, fuel and temperature. The radio and climate controls are easy to use. Dash materials seemed well assembled with hard plastic dominating the cabin.

The XL-7 has three rows of seats, unusual for its size. The front buckets have individual armrests and proved comfy, if a bit firm. The second row was comfortable for two, with good leg room. Like many second rows, the bench was a little low. The third row is best for children or masochistic adults.

Gas mileage was decent considering the larger size of the vehicle. The test vehicle got 18 mpg in combined city-highway driving.

Equipment levels are good for the price. The XK-7 Standard model $20,299 to start in 2WD) nets the buyer air-conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, cruise control, automatic lights, rear wiper and even a first aid kit. Popping for the Plus model ($21,799 for 2WD) adds rear-seat air-conditioning and an AM/FM/CD audio system. Step up to the test vehicle’s Touring trim level and anti-lock brakes, a power sunroof, fog lamps and rear spoiler help spoil the driver rotten.

As you might surmise, I was surprised at what a faithful, flexible servant this Suzuki turned out to be. If you think Suzuki only makes SUVs that start with a wind-up key, take a look at the XL-7.