Period: Price:
30+ day: 55€
15-29 days: 60€
7-14 days: 63€
2-6 days: 65€
Deposit: 100-500€
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a small SUV that attempts to deliver the often mutually exclusive attributes of off-road ability and on-road comfort. In its first generation, the Grand Vitara featured a trucklike chassis, V6 power and low-range gearing. The new model has a similar powertrain but features a body structure that blends car and truck chassis designs.
Due to a variety of shortcomings, the original Grand Vitara did not achieve a great deal of success in the U.S. marketplace. The current model is greatly improved, however, and would be a good choice for a consumer interested in a comfortable and affordable compact SUV that can be used for typical daily urban purposes in addition to occasional recreational jaunts on dirt trails.
Current Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Suzuki Grand Vitara has seating for five passengers, available V6 power, a long list of standard features and available four-wheel drive with low-range gearing.
There are five styles available for the Suzuki Grand Vitara: Base, Premium, Premium Special Edition, XSport and Limited. Even base and Premium models are pretty well equipped with features like automatic climate control, full power accessories, a removable Garmin navigation unit and side and side-curtain airbags. The Premium Special Edition adds expanded navigation services (real-time traffic, movie times, low price fuel finder and weather) and an upgraded audio system. The XSport has a few additional items including keyless startup, while the top-line Limited has luxurious upgrades like leather seating and heated front seats.
Under the hood, the Grand Vitara’s base 2.4-liter inline-4 produces 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque and can be paired with either a five-speed manual transmission (on Base and Premium trims only) or a four-speed automatic (standard on XSport and Luxury models). The 3.2-liter V6 — available on XSport and Luxury only — makes 230 hp and 213 lb-ft of torque, and comes standard with a five-speed automatic transmission.
Like most other compact SUVs, the Grand Vitara features a carlike unibody chassis for improved body rigidity, handling and safety. Suzuki has attempted to differentiate it, however, by incorporating a ladder frame design into the unibody structure. The company says this enhances the vehicle’s off-road and towing abilities. In editorial reviews, this Suzuki SUV has earned favorable commentary for its long list of standard features, attractive price and above-average abilities when taken off-pavement.
Used Suzuki Grand Vitara Models
The present second-generation Suzuki Grand Vitara debuted for the 2006 model year with one engine — a 2.7-liter V6 engine that was capable of 185 hp. Changes were minimal until 2009, when a comprehensive midcycle update brought a base four-cylinder engine and a much more powerful 3.2-liter V6. Other changes included some redesigned interior controls and a new grille and front bumper design. Prior to 2010, the Limited trim was known as Luxury. Other changes for that year included the addition of the Premium Special Edition and standard navigation for all models.
The first-generation Suzuki Grand Vitara debuted for the 1999 model year and lasted through 2005. It served as a replacement for the Sidekick, Suzuki’s previous compact SUV. There was also a “regular” Vitara — the difference between the two was that the Grand Vitara came with a V6 engine and more standard equipment and was available as a four-door body style only.
In its first year, the Grand Vitara was the only small SUV for the U.S. market equipped with a V6 engine. Upon release, this 2.5-liter V6 made 155 hp. Other distinct design elements included a trucklike chassis and low-range gearing on four-wheel-drive models. The main trim levels were either two-wheel-drive JS or four-wheel-drive JLX. There were also “plus” versions that came standard with antilock brakes and alloy wheels. In 2000, a plush Limited model was released that featured, among other luxuries, leather seating. In 2002 the V6 gained 10 more hp, and in 2003 Suzuki simplified the trim levels to be known simply as 2WD and 4WD.
Though many of its specs looked good on paper, this Suzuki Grand Vitara’s shortcomings quickly became apparent in editorial reviews. The V6′s output lagged behind many competitors’ four-cylinder engines; ride quality was poor over rough pavement; and the interior was short on comfort and space. For the most part, shoppers interested in a used SUV should look elsewhere.
