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:

• 

  First Impressions - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Subvet - August 14 - 4:40 pm

  I wanted to trade a Hemi V8 that I loved for a vehicle with an automatic transmission and better gas mileage. I knew Suzuki for their bikes but knew nothing about their automobiles. After doing some research I found that they have been faily well known overseas in quite a few countries. Anyway, I test drove a couple of different models and was there when the new Grand Vitara arrived. The changes and improvements are quite noticable so I purchased the luxury model. I am coming up to 1,000 miles and my first impressions are favorable. The truck has good looks, and decent pickup with the V6 motor. The luxury package makes the vehicle and it gets reasonable gas mileage. Do your research on some owners sites and go from there. Good Luck.

• 

  Excellent Compact SUV - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By TX SUZUKI - August 10 - 7:30 pm

  The Suzuki Grand Vitara is an excellent choice for a compact SUV. The V6 Luxury model has plenty of power and gets great gas milage. The interior is very nice with a great stock stereo and sound system. It is XM radio and MP3 player ready.

• 

  2007 Grand Vitara 5-speed - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Aly0705 - August 9 - 12:03 pm

  Ive only owned my Grand Vitara for two days, but love it! I have owned two Toyota Celicas, each for almost ten years, and was planning to buy a RAV4. Only the GV had a 5 speed manual available in the newer model, and the interior design and transmission far surpass the RAV4s. The speedometer in the RAV4 is on the left side of the main instrument cluster, which is unusual. The GV puts it in the center, with the tachometer to the left, and the gas/oil/temp gauge on the right. That is a much better design. The exterior styling is sexy, not cute. I hadnt known Suzuki made anything other than motorcycles and the Sidekick. Why isnt there more marketing/advertising for this amazing vehicle?

• 

  2010 Base Model Grand Vitara - 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By usps_merc - August 7 - 3:25 pm

  After 3 mo. & 2,700 mi., theres nothing to change my impression that this is a quality vehicle. It drives well, fairly quiet/comfortable, & getting 26.5mpg. The manual is easy to shift. Plenty of room & the side opening rear door is no problem. Too bad the nearest dealership is over 40 miles but no problems at all. Bought as used leftover from former Suzuki dealer with under 100 mi. on odometer. They lost books & nav but it was a steal. I dont miss the options I dont have.

• 

  Suzuki Has Really Improved - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By pastorbigc - July 30 - 6:13 pm

  I have driven in 2003, 2004, 2005 Grand Vitaras, but I got into the new body style and chassis and there were no comparison of how much better it rode. The power of the engine and the look inside and outside are extremely great. It has a little engine noise as you take off. Overall Im very pleased!

• 

  Awesome Test Drive - 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Peter from Montreal - July 6 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 GV is a great compact SUV, with plenty of power. Best power to weight ratio in its class. Best 4WD system in its class. Best price in its class. Ladder box frame. McPherson suspension. Value. Dont overpay for a CRV, RAV4, Tribute, Santa Fe, Liberty, Xterra, Escape or Vue. Best bang for the buck. Better interior than all of the above. Handles very nicely too. GREAT PRICE $$$ !!! Not suitable for families, serious towing or very long driving trips. Depreciates quickly. Requires rust proofing every year, or else may rust quickly. Sound system sucks. The wind noise gets loud at 120 km/h. The engine gets noisy at around 4000 RPM. ABS feels "soggy".

• 

  Great Compact SUV - 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Chris - June 12 - 4:20 pm

  After having the 2007 Grand Vitara for a month, I feel I can fully review this vehicle. It drives great and has a good jack-rabbit jump to it. Its interior is attractive. The comfort is A+. It handles great in the rain. I love the 4 wheel drive. The Grand Vitara does not sway in high winds (under 45 mph). It wont shake when going over 70 MPH. One plus is the vehicle warms very quickly in the cold morning and cold in the hot afternoon!

• 

  My Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury V6 4x4 rocks! - 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Mary Haran - June 4 - 2:46 pm

  I was a loyal Honda owner until I purchased this great little SUV. I have driven it 2,000 miles so far. The styling is excellent, the ride is great. The ride is stiff but very comfortable (hey it is a 4x4) and there is no sway when turning (by far better than any other test driven). The build quality seems excellent so far, it has great features for the money. I test drove Toyota, Honda, Kia and Hyundai and drove home a Suzuki. I turn heads everywhere I go and it seems to be a safe, solid vehicle. There are so many more standard options including safety and comfort options for the money spent. I have never had a Suzuki before but I think I am now a fan. Its reliability will be the test.

• 

  Satisfied after 6 years - 2002 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Mike - May 20 - 9:20 am

  I bought the Suzuki new in September 2002. I thought about buying a Jeep Wrangler but the Suzuki was less expensive and had more bells and whistles for the buck. After 96,000 miles it is still tight and runs well. I got 24 mpg on the hiway this summer. Best of all its paid for!

• 

  Solid Rear Wheel Drive SUV - 2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara
  By Gk. - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Very solid feel & ride. I have owned 3 XL-7s & this is my 3rd Grand Vitara & you can tell Suzuki has improved the interior noise greatly. I love sitting up high in the drivers seat & the leather seems to be a better quality than before. Smooth V-6. Suzuki needs to step it up a little to keep up with other makes that retail for less money that have auto windows up/down, power drivers/passengers seats, larger console & a larger screen navigation unit that is built into the dash. The biggest downfall to the Suzukis is the resale values. A loaded 2010 GV with very few miles can be purchased used for $18,000. The 0% interest, quality & styling keeps bringing me back to the Grand Vitaras.