2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Safety Review [ 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 59 Grand-Vitara reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The Grand Vitara boasts an impressive list of standard safety features. In addition, the 2008 model earned fairly good scores in government crash tests.
The Grand Vitara fared well on government crash tests, earning four out of five for protecting the driver and passenger in frontal collisions. The vehicle received five out of five stars for front and rear seat protection in side-impact tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also gave previous models a "Good" overall rating, the highest possible, for frontal impact tests.
Accident Avoidance
In general, reviewers were impressed with the Grand Vitara's electronic stability control system with anti-skid/traction control and four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake-force control, which New Car Test Drive calls "an impressive array of active safety features." Though Autoweb called some of the safety features "among the most advanced in the class" they also wrote "In an emergency maneuver I could easily see losing control due to the sensitivity of the steering and how the SUV counter reacts to quick input."
Crash Protection
In the event of an accident, passengers have the protection of front and rear curtain air bags, seat-mounted side-impact air bags for torso control and adjustable headrests. These, writes the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "help minimize the impact of trouble if it does arise."
