Avg. Price Paid:$7,035 - $10,468
Original MSRP: $19,379 - $24,999
MPG: 18 City / 23 Hwy
Search Used Listings:

2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review

Review Last Updated: 5/2/08

These scores and this review are from when the car was new.

Scorecard

Overall: 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara U.S. News Best Cars 8.2
Critics' Rating: 8.7
Performance: 7.2
Interior: 8.0
Safety: 8.1
Reliability:
How we calculate scores
Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

  • Long list of standard features
  • Inexpensive compared to similar vehicles
  • Good off-road capability
  • On-road performance not as car-like as its competitors
  • Some cheap-looking interior materials

Research Other Years

The Grand Vitara offers standout off-road performance and a roomy interior, but provides a less comfortable ride in around-town driving than top crossovers in its class. If you're in the market for an affordable compact SUV, consider the highly-rated Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. For good off- and on-road performance, consider the Toyota FJ Cruiser.

Reviewers in general find the 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara to be a capable performer in the competitive compact SUV class. The Grand Vitara is designed to excel at all-terrain driving, and it does. However, it can't match the on-road performance, comfort or family-friendly options available with top compact SUVs. But Suzuki gives the Grand Vitara an edge on price, with the base model starting at less than $20,000, and with a class-leading warranty. If you want both on- and off-road performance in a small package, Kelley Blue Book praises the Grand Vitara for being "desirable as a small wagon or crossover SUV" in addition to "the perfect off-road companion." But Car and Driver warns that "it still hasn't reached the levels of refinement and sophistication of its competition."

Reviews are mixed on whether or not the 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara represents a good value. Edmunds writes, "Despite adding several thousand dollars to the cost, we think an optioned-up or top-of-the-line Suzuki Grand Vitara still offers an attractive value when compared with other competitors," and adds that it is "one of the better small SUVs available." The 2007 Grand Vitara is even a Consumer Guide "Best Buy." But Car and Driver disagrees, saying "in general, buyer discretion is advised. Although the Grand Vitara starts at a price below that of much of its competition, the gap is not so big that it isn't quickly closed once options pile up." IntelliChoice gives the 2007 Grand Vitara a value rating of "poor" (the lowest possible) for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared to other vehicles in its class.

Next Steps: Suzuki Grand Vitara