Since 2000, when the current Grand Vitara-based XL-7 debuted, Suzuki sold one of the most affordable seven-passenger SUVs on the market, one that could really go off-roading if necessary. But squeezing so many seats into such a small and narrow vehicle with traditional ladder-frame construction meant significant packaging compromises, and while the XL-7 drew a small fan base to its biggest sport-ute, the vast majority of consumers ignored the uncomfortable, underpowered, and unloved model.

That might change in 2007. Suzuki debuted a new XL7 (now, hyphen-free!) at the 2006 New York Auto Show, and it’s bigger inside, more powerful under the hood, and available with more of the features today’s SUV buyer wants. It’s also a crossover SUV, but one that Suzuki insists will retain a modicum of off-roading capability. However, given the specifications, you’ll see that it’s hard to believe such a claim.

Based on the same platform as the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent, the 2007 Suzuki XL7 is exclusive to North America, and built in Canada. Longer than the current Ford Explorer and Toyota 4Runner, the Suzuki XL7 is offered in five- or seven-passenger configuration, with big gains made in terms of interior shoulder room and second-row leg room over the old XL-7. But, in a strange twist, third-row space for legs is actually down, and there wasn’t much in the original model. Nevertheless, Suzuki says the new XL7 is expected to compete against such vehicles as the Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, and Subaru B9 Tribeca when it goes on sale later this year.