Overview & Reviews

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 current model is similar, 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 even if it lacks the refinement of its many compact SUV competitors, its rough-and-tumble nature makes it a good choice for those who like to escape the urban grind with adventures into the great outdoors.

Current Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Suzuki Grand Vitara has seating for five passengers, a long list of standard features and available four-wheel drive with low-range gearing.

There are four styles available for the Suzuki Grand Vitara: Base, Premium, Ultimate Adventure Edition 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 curtain airbags. The Ultimate Adventure Edition gets a few items that'll come in handy out in the wilderness like heated front seats, water-resistant upholstery and foglights, while the Limited gets luxurious upgrades like leather seating, keyless ignition/entry and a premium sound system. Bluetooth is optional on all but the base Grand Vitara.

Every Suzuki Grand Vitara is powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder that produces 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on base models, while all other versions get a four-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, but Premium models can also be had with a four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case. Limited models are offered with a four-mode 4WD system (4H, 4H Lock, 4L Lock and N) that allows the Grand Vitara to be flat-towed behind an RV without adding miles to the odometer.

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. Its slow acceleration, unimpressive fuel economy and general lack of refinement, however, make it less appealing than other compact crossovers.

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 that was capable of 185 hp. Changes were minimal until 2009, when a comprehensive midcycle update brought about the current four-cylinder engine and a much more powerful 3.2-liter V6. The V6 was available on XSport and Luxury trims and made 230 hp and 213 lb-ft of torque. Other changes included some redesigned interior controls and a new grille and front bumper design. Unfortunately, the V6 was discontinued after 2010, but finding a used example from its two years on the market would be a good idea. The Ultimate Adventure Edition was unavailable prior to 2012.

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.

User Reviews:

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  Great Car - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By eddie g - October 7 - 10:36 am

  Have driven a 1,000 miles in my Grand Vitara in three weeks. So far this good looking SUV has not had any problems.I recently drove it to Vermont from New York and averaged 25 mpg goind 60 mph. The only thing I dont like is the way the cruise control works it constantly floors the gas even at a slight upgrade. Other than that, this truck is excellent. I am glad that I bought it.

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  Great mid-size SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By KLS - October 4 - 10:43 am

  I drive mostly on the interstate and find the fuel mileage to run around 24 mpg, which is great, especially for a 4WD vehicle.

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  Suzuki Grand Vitara - Best SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Mike - September 16 - 1:13 am

  I just got the new Grand Vitara Luxury Edition on 12/20/05. I am very impressed with its handling and performance. The amenities inside are amazing! I got mine with all the toys! Leather, sunroof, 17 in. wheels, and Keyless entry. This truck has great handling, a wonderful appearance, and a quality interior. The Grand Vitaras luxury interior has tons of great standard stuff. Mine has a V6 engine and 4WD. It has a real truck / tank-like build and frame. My wife loves the keyless entry and nice looks. It has a smooth quiet ride and a neat power thrust button for automatics (puts sport back in SUV). The compact body is important if you live in upstate NY. As I street park in a big city like Albany. The off-road capabilities are useful for unplowed streets and deep potholes.

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  Good so far - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By MLZ - September 6 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought this vehicle with 27,000 km we have only been driving it for a short amount of time and have loved it so far. It drives well, it’s comfortable and versatile.

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  The Grodzuki - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By PetShpBoy - September 5 - 3:53 pm

  I wanted a small SUV - I test drove a CR-V but the seats were awful. I liked the looks of the Vitara (by the way I agree with the previous person, the worst part of this vehicle is the name - anything would be better). The vehicle is very comfortable and peppy. I has tons of standard equipment. I ended up trading my Toyota Tacoma for the Suzuki, until this point I had only bought Toyotas. So far I am ecstatic with my decision. I recently took a trip from Central PA to the Gulf Coast area traveling almost all of I-81. The vehcle was very comfortable. I got 23.5 mpg going down and got a little over 26 mpg coming back. My sister-in-law looked at it and traded her RAV4 for one a week later. WATCH OUT TOYOTA!

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  Best Damn Little SUV on the Road - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Bill M. - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Our Suzuki Grand Vatara has never had a warranty claim. Tires and brakes are the only extra maintance given to this Bullet Proof little Bulldog other than normal checks. My wife wanted a 4 door, Suv, Straight Stick sports car with a sun roof and Leather. She said, "No sidewinders please." The CV joints on her old Honda cost$750.00 replace, no more of that.

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  EXXXXXXCELENT - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Tom - August 17 - 11:13 pm

  Suzukis engineers have outdone themselves. The quality of craftmanship and the feel of my Grand Vitaras interior are ten times beter than that of Toyota or Honda. You will not be dissapointed with this vehicle. Its great inside out. If you are considering a small or medium size SUV you should definitely take a look at the new Grand Vitara.

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  Love the Vehicle - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Arnold Goodman - August 13 - 7:33 am

  Looks like an SUV yet drives like a car. Handles well in local traffic and on long rides. Driven to New York and back it was a pleasure. Opened the moon roof listened to the XM radio time, flew by. Height is great for seeing on the road, not too big so parking and maneuvering is great. People comment about the looks of the vehicle.

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  Good Buy so far - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By mike - August 3 - 11:56 pm

  I bought my suzuki with 18,000 miles already on it. The gas mileage is as stated if you drive 55mph or less, at 70mph it drops to 19/21 mpg. engine power is avg but the transmission seems weak. Interior is holding together well, so is exterior. 4-wheel alignment is a must as it comes from the factory way off. The brakes seem to fade away when slowing from high speeds. Undecided if i would buy another Suzuki or not, but i think a better vehicle would be much more expensive.

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  Hate my 2006 Grand Vitara 4x4 - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Dawn R - July 27 - 11:06 am

  In July 2007 I replaced my 2004 Ford Explorer for a 2006 Grand Vitara which has an auto 4x4 feature. This vehicle handles good on normal roads but when winter came it quickly changed. If I hit a patch of ice it swerves left to right. Had it checked out by the dealer--nothing wrong. Was told I must have driven too fast for conditions. How could that be when everyone was passing me? Handles well in snow and heavy snow but forget the ice or slick spots on freeway. If you stomp on it so the 4x4 kicks in it helps but when you let off it we start slipping again. I dont feel safe in this car. Ill be trading it off soon. Im going back to Ford.