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Suzuki Grand Vitara - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara ranks 12 out of 26 Affordable Compact SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 66 published reviews and test drives of the Suzuki Grand Vitara, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Grand Vitara stands out for its off-road performance, powerful engine options and roomy interior. However, it simply can't compete with top crossovers in its class due to a somewhat bumpy ride in around-town driving.

The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara is designed to excel at off-road driving, but its performance suffers on the pavement. Still, Suzuki gives the Grand Vitara an edge with its affordable price and category-leading warranty. "All 2009 Grand Vitaras -- which are built in Japan on a rugged unit-body chassis reinforced by a ladder-style frame -- are fitted with stability control and side-curtain airbags (with rollover sensors) as standard equipment, along with rear disc brakes," says Road and Track. "This makes Suzuki's already pleasant little crossover SUV that much better, that much more of a competitor for the Honda CR-V, the best-seller in the class and a front-driver at heart."

For this year, the Grand Vitara gets a new four-cylinder engine option and a more powerful V6. It also gets a revised exterior and more interior amenities. Even with the improvements, the Grand Vitara still falls in the bottom half of its class for fuel efficiency. For more efficient and smoother-riding options, consider the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

The Grand Vitara seats five and is available in several trims -- base, X Sport, and Luxury -- with either two-wheel or four-wheel drive.

• "Suzuki improves the already-likable Grand Vitara with significant powertrain additions and improvements for 2009. Add to that a comprehensive list of standard safety features, competent road manners, adequate passenger space, and laudable off-road ability when properly equipped, and Grand Vitara is one of the strongest values in the compact SUV class and an easy Best Buy." -- Consumer Guide
• "Grand Vitara is quite the little competitor equally at home whether on road or off. Styling has improved over the years and for 2009 Suzuki has made some significant enhancements to the powertrain." -- Gear Diary
• "The Vitara has good overall vision, a spacious cabin, and straightforward controls. Its side-hinged, rear cargo door provides quick and efficient access and the Suzuki has the feel of a multi-use ranch vehicle. Beyond its appealing price, it may not do anything as the best in its class. But it does most things well." -- The Weekly Driver
• "Suzuki's Grand Vitara wasn't thrilling to drive, but it's pleasant enough -- and pleasure becomes relative when price enters the mix. If you're part of a family of four that's looking for functionality AND great value, this SUV might just have you shouting for joy." -- Mother Proof
• "For a small ute, this one is not all that bad, although we wonder just how many folks have Suzuki on their radar screen." -- AutoWeek
• "The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara we recently had in for a test spin is one of the few capable compact offerings left for the U.S. market." -- Motor Trend

Grand-Vitara Performance - 7.2 (Good)

While most test drivers found the previous model's performance only adequate, this year's powertrain revisions should give the 2009 Grand Vitara a step up. "As before, a rear-drive Grand Vitara works well for those needing an economical good-climate city runabout, but there are now two 4wd systems available," says Road and Track. Read More

Grand-Vitara Exterior - 9.2 (Excellent)

Critics find the Grand Vitara's styling pleasant enough. Car and Driver says its "pugnacious styling looks tough enough to scare off most competitors, although the Dodge Nitro is likely to call its bluff and give it a swirly for trying." Regardless, reviewers say the Grand Vitara is more refined than previous models. Read More

Grand-Vitara Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)

The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara goes against the typical stereotypes by offering quality seldom seen in Suzuki's past efforts. "Step inside -- easily, thanks to the unibody construction -- and you enter a cabin that has gone from worst to near first," says Automobile Magazine. There's also an impressive level of standard features. Read More

Grand-Vitara Safety - 7.9 (Good)

The 2009 Grand Vitara earns relatively good scores government crash tests. It also boasts an impressive list of standard safety features. Read More

Grand-Vitara Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Suzuki provides a three-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty. Read More