2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara: Road Test
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2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara ▼
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- MSRP: $18,399 -$22,599
- Invoice: $17,479 -$21,469
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Our road test for the 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara help you decide if a 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.3 |
V6 is no ball of fire, but automatic transmission is well-behaved.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.8 |
Test 4WD Grand Vitaras with automatic transmission averaged 17.9-20.7 mpg, slightly worse than the 4-cyl Honda CR-V but better than most larger 6-cyl 4WDs. Suzuki recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 4.5 |
Uncomfortably choppy on all but smooth surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.7 |
Dull steering, modest grip, and marked body lean in fast corners, mediocre crosswind resistance. Hard stops induce marked nosedive and some rear-wheel locking even with ABS. Suzuki's 4WD is less convenient than rival systems on-road, somewhat more capable off-road.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 4 |
Noise levels from all sources relatively high. V6 is disappointingly coarse and throbby.
CONTROLS
| 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 5.5 |
Adjusting low-set radio, climate controls means a long look from the road, and radio has annoyingly tiny buttons. Cabin a study in budget-grade plastics.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.7 |
Plenty of head room, adequate leg room, but hip and shoulder room tight. Reasonable step-in height. Rear visibility poor.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.5 |
OK head clearance but very little leg room. Seats hard and upright. Narrow rear doors impede entry.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.7 |
Limited even for a compact SUV. Curbside loading complicated by cargo doors that swing right instead of left.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 6 |
Grand Vitara is a distant also-ran among compact SUVs for the kind of driving most people do. Most every class rival is roomier, more pleasant, and commands higher resale value.
Total Score
| 4WD EX, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 33 | 50.7 |
Total Score: 33
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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