2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

The Grand Vitara’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine boasts a peak of 162 pound-feet of torque. While it is more than adequately powerful for most driving situations, we found it had a poor reaction time when the gas pedal was floored with the vehicle at rest. It’s as if the computer for the engine (and/or transmission) is slow to acknowledge a sudden request for acceleration. For those who desire extra power, the Grand Vitara is available with a 230-horsepower double overhead cam V6. Rear-drive versions of the V6 get 18 mpg in the city driving cycle and a good 24 mpg on the highway.


The Grand Vitara is available in four trim levels: just-plain Grand Vitara, Premium, XSport and Luxury. The first two can be had with only the four-cylinder engine, while the XSport and Luxury are available with either engine. Suggested retail price for the Grand Vitara starts under $20,000 for a manual-transmission, two-wheel-drive model and can exceed $27,000 for a six-cylinder, four-wheel-drive Luxury level model. Our test vehicle was extremely well equipped, with everything from a six-CD sound system to a keyless entry and start system. Its total price was $22,613. Depending on model and trim level, available are 16-, 17- and 18-inch diameter wheels.

Interior Features

Our tester had very comfortable black fabric seats. The Grand Vitara has plenty of room for four trim adults, while a fifth could squeeze into the rear, center position for a short trip. However, tall front seat passengers severely limit the legroom for rear passengers and could restrict the rear positions to younger children.


Many road-trippers buy small SUVs to tow behind a motorhome. Both the rear- and four-wheel-drive versions of the Grand Vitara can be “flat towed,” dingy style, behind one of these land yachts without accumulating mileage on the odometer.


With the rear seat in the upright position, the Grand Vitara has a modest 24.4-cubic foot cargo capacity. However, the rear seat folds forward, in a 60/40 split, in an easy two-step process. With the rear folded up against the front, the Grand Vitara has a very useful 68.9-cubic foot carrying capacity: For gear-intensive adventures, Grand Vitara owners are limited to one friend, which is not necessarily a bad thing.