In order to fit a full-size spare tire without robbing any of the SUVs cargo volume, Suzuki hung it on the rear door. No problem, other than

Open up a Grand Vitara rear door anywhere in North America and you'll be standing in the middle of the road when loading. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

making the side-swinging rear door a bit on the heavy side, right? Wrong. Where the Grand Vitara is problematic is if loading it while parallel parked on a busy street. Its configuration, with hinges on the passenger side, has been optimized for the Japanese market, making it ideal for Britain, parts of Africa, Australia, and any other markets that drive on the left side of the road. Open up a Grand Vitara rear door anywhere in North America and you'll be standing in the middle of the road when loading. This is not only awkward, but could be downright dangerous if the road you happen to be in the middle of is busy. The problem is exacerbated if the cargo you're carrying is heavy, large and otherwise

The 2006 Grand Vitara is so good in nearly every way, from driving dynamics on and off the road to build quality inside and out, few compact rivals can compare. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

difficult to manage. To me, such a system might just be a deal breaker, especially when other manufacturers offer easy to use liftgates, or in the case of the Jeep Liberty, hinges on the driver's side for a door that swings open from right to left. Suzuki isn't the only offender, mind you, with Toyota's RAV4, Honda's CR-V and Land Rover's Freelander equally inconvenient.

As much as it irks me that such an oversight was allowed to slip by on a vehicle that is otherwise so very well executed, I have to give the Grand Vitara a high overall score. It's so good in every other way, from driving dynamics on and off the road to build quality inside and out, few compact rivals can compare.

Specifications:

Price Range (MSRP): $24,495 - $33,495
Body Type: 5-door SUV, ladder frame integrated into unibody
Layout: front engine, 4WD
Engine: 185-hp, 184 lb-ft of torque, 2.7L, DOHC, 24-valve V6
Transmission: 5-spd man (optional 4-spd auto; optional 5-spd auto)
Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum, ABS, EBD and ESP
Curb Weight: N/A 
External Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,470 / 1,810 / 1,695 / 2,640 mm (176.0 / 71.3 / 66.7 / 103.9 in)
Seating Capacity: 5
Cargo Volume (60/40 split seatbacks up/folded): 691 / 1,951 L (24.4 / 68.9 cu ft)
Ground Clearance: 200 mm (7.9 in)
Towing Capacity: 1,260 kg (3,000 lbs)
Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 12.4 / 9.3 L/100 km (with optional 5-spd auto)
Warranty (mo/km): 36/80,000 comprehensive
Direct Competitors: Jeep Liberty, Kia Sorento, Nissan Xterra
Web Site: www.suzuki.ca