Technical

There is but one engine for the Grand Vitara. It is a 2.7L V6 that puts out 185 hp and 184 lb/ft of torque. This engine is also found in the XL7, Suzuki's largest ever SUV. All Grand Vitaras are equipped with an AWD drivetrain. The JLX w/leather features a low and high range 4WD system. Transmission selections are between a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic. Brakes consist of front discs and rear drums. Steering is power assisted rack and pinion and the suspension is fully independent.

On the road

The V6 is smooth and refined but not necessarily mind blowing. I managed an average of 13L / 100 km over my 1,100 km test. The transmission helps tremendously with confident shifting and reasonable gearing. The brake pedal is solid and response is very good. In fact, the brakes are so surprisingly good that the very-inadequate-for-winter Yokohama Geolandar tires would constantly lock-up prior to the ABS kicking in. Steering is precise for a truck and offers positive feedback. The turning circle is tight at 11 meters.

The ride is well sorted out and handling is leaps and bounds beyond the old model. I would go so far as to say that Suzuki threw in a little dose of sport into the suspension and transformed a once poor road driving vehicle into one of the better behaved compact SUVs.

A quick dip in heavy snow proved to me that the 2-speed center-locking differential can do the job. The Grand Vitara, once again, was betrayed by its tires. The Yokohamas are fine for regular driving, however to get the most out of the truck's hardware, the proper tires will be required. Another slight aggravation is the fact that the ESP (stability control) cannot be fully deactivated. By depressing the large dash-mounted button for a few seconds, it will turn off. However, as of 30 km/h, it reactivates itself.

Comparison

I thought it would be a good idea to compare the Hyundai Tucson and the Grand Vitara. To begin with, both are value leaders. They equally offer an enormous amount of equipment and versatility for your hard-earned dollar. The Tucson may be a little smaller overall but it has many things going for it. The first of which is the amazing 5-year A to Z warranty, and the available 4-cylinder for those that are more interested in fuel consumption. The Grand Vitara on the other hand, is the real off-roader of the two. It has a more sophisticated 4WD system and is simply better looking inside and out. If you need an urban SUV, get the Tucson. If you are a hunter, get the Grand Vitara.

Safety

The truck has standard dual front, side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, traction and stability control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. Nor the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) or the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) have yet rated the Grand Vitara.