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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  Love My Suzuki - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By sheila - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with Purchase. Its just right for our little foursome family.

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  4th Suzuki SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By dsrtdawg - November 10 - 1:40 am

  Only wish mileage was closer to 30 mpg. Other than that love the car and its usuability. 1.5 ton towing capacity is great for hauling the ATVs.

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  Pleased in the Poconos - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By an - September 29 - 6:23 am

  I traded my 2000 Grand Vitara in for the 2007 4WD sport model, and have had it 7 months an I love it! It is a nice ride, and it feels safe and sturdy. I have had comments from backseat passengers how much room they have and how comfortable it is. Plenty of storage room behing the rear seat for groceries, luggage, etc. It is great in the snow, rear end does not slide like the 2000 model. My husband tried to do a "donut" in a parking lot to see what it would do, and the ESP kicked in, the gas cut off, and the car wouldnt let him do it! Love my sunroof, 6 CD changer, and Smart pass key. Just a great car in general.

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  Love My Car - 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Alycia - September 21 - 3:03 pm

  I never imagined loving my car this much! I absolutely LOVE my car. I would never have purchased a Grand Vitara if my sister didnt work for Suzuki. I was able to get a great deal on the car! I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a small SUV. It drives great & is extremely comfortable. The features are endless. I am 25 and live in O.C. & anyone who drives my car says the same thing. All my friends want one & the VP of my company said he was definitely going to look into Suzuki SUVs when they purchase their next car. I had never even driven a Suzuki until the day I got mine. I got it becasue of the deal & never imagined loving it this much.

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  A Spectacular Build Quality and Comfort - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By john bertini - August 21 - 8:50 pm

  Purchased the v6 2wd version limited all loaded except the 4wd, i must say it is a great build!, quiet and smooth ride on the highway, in town around 21 mpg highway about 26, the transmission is smooth shifting at any pedal response! loaded with features the price for this vehicle far surpasses the others in the SUV market bar far! Keep up the good quality build Suzuki it will catch on!.

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  Love It - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By KLFord - August 21 - 7:00 am

  I love my Grand Vitara. It came standard with all the features I need. It is stylish, comfortable and fun to drive. The 5 speed has tons of "get up and go" when needed.

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  Great Vehicle for the Family! - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Eric82 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle and am very satisfied with its performance. It is fairly spacious and provides easy access to spare tire, vehicle jack, and also has an electrical outlet in the inside rear of the cabin. Good purchase decision on my part!

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  Zero problems at 51k miles - 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Will_C - June 28 - 4:20 pm

  Has been an excellent Mini-ute. I have 51,000 miles on it and I have done nothing but oil changes and a new set of tires. I get 24 mpg on a trip and 18 mpg in town. Only problem is that they are made with very thin sheet metal. They dent VERY EASY but I have no rust on it at all.

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  I Just Love It - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By mutter - June 26 - 11:06 pm

  We just had another baby and needed a second vehicle with more room. After driving and purchasing the Grand Vitara it has become our first vehicle. We love the looks, performance, and the interior. We averaged around 21 mpg in every day driving. We just went on a 1,300 mile trip and averaged 24.5 mpg. Drive a 2006 Grand Vitara before you purchase anything else. We drove the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Explorer, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, and Jeep Liberty. The Suzuki was better tan all of them.

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  Love the Grand Vitara - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By James Erb - June 23 - 9:53 pm

  I purchased my Grand Vitara and immediately took it on a road trip from Colorado to Wisconsin. I found the vehicle pleasant and comfortable. I usually have to stop every couple of hours to stretch but in the Grand Vitara I was comfortable and relaxed for 5 hours at a stretch. I had no issues in the change of elevation or when the weather turned snowy while I was in Wisconsin. My return home was a battle of the driving through rain and sleet/snow and the Grand Vitara never missed a beat.