In December 2000, Suzuki, realizing that it was losing sales because it had no sport utility vehicle that could hold more than five people, introduced the XL-7. It was essentially a stretched Grand Vitara that had a little fold-up third seat in the back. But those sitting there — and the shorter they were, the better — found the ride to be a bit claustrophobic, because the tubular, capsule-shaped XL-7 was a temporary solution to a permanent problem.

Though Suzuki continually upgraded the XL-7 through the 2006 model year, only now does the company have a permanent solution: the all-new 2007 XL7, notable for many reasons other than Suzuki’s decision to drop the hyphen between XL and 7. The last version was essentially truck-based, but this new XL7 is based on the General Motors Theta platform, also the basis for the Chevrolet Equinox and its twin, the Pontiac Torrent.

But the Suzuki is better than those two vehicles: It’s larger — again, so it can have that third seat, as an option rather than standard equipment — and it’s powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 252 horsepower. The Equinox and Torrent have 3.4-liter V-6s, with 185 horses. With a five-speed automatic transmission, the new XL7 has plenty of muscle.

Though the Equinox and Torrent are 188.8 inches long, the Suzuki XL7 is 197.2 inches long. It’s also about 10 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the 2006 XL-7.

And the new XL7 no longer looks like a stretched version of anything. Corners are rounded, the profile handsome, the front and rear very un-Suzuki-looking. If anything, it looks like a larger version of the new Toyota RAV4.

Suzuki also was well-behind the curve on interior design, but it has caught up. Instruments and controls are simple and properly located. Front bucket seats are comfortable; the middle seats are fine for two adults, a little tight for three. And the rear fold-down third seat remains best left to kids. With that seat up, there isn’t much cargo space — Suzuki claims 14 square feet, but that seems generous.

The new engine and transmission are up to the task of hauling around the XL7, which weighs about 3,900 pounds in front-wheel-drive configuration, which the test vehicle was. The all-wheel-drive version weighs an extra 150 pounds. EPA-rated fuel mileage is 18 miles per gallon city, 24 mpg highway for the FWD model; the all-wheel-drive version gets one less mile per gallon. Either model can tow 3,500 pounds.

The biggest, and easily most pleasant, surprise is how well the XL7 rides. This is one of the most comfortable SUVs of any size and price. Hand-ling is good, but the softish springs that make for a good ride limit cornering a bit.

The XL7 starts at $22,899, but the test XL7 was a Limited model with an optional navigation system, raising the base price of $27,949 to $30,784, with freight. Most every feature you would want is there.

Improvements made to the XL7 and the company’s smaller SUV, the Grand Vitara, are downright stellar. Well done, Suzuki.