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2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Full Review
Date Published: 7/15/08
Also in the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review:
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2.
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5.
6.
Suzuki Grand Vitara Full Review
7.
8.
2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review
Suzuki redesigns the smaller of its two SUVs for 2006, giving it more room, more power, and more safety features. Grand Vitara gains 6 inches in wheelbase and rear-seat leg room, and is 11 inches longer overall than the 1999-2005 version. It seats five and retains a side-hinged cargo door. Base, Premium, Xsport, and Luxury models are offered. A 185-hp V6 is the only engine; it replaces a 165-hp V6. A 5-speed automatic transmission is available on all models. A 5-speed manual is available for base and Premium. All Grand Vitaras are available with rear-wheel drive. Base and Premium are available with all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Available for Xsport and Luxury models is Suzuki's 4-Mode AWD that includes a locking center differential and low-range gearing. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Also standard are power windows/locks/mirrors and split folding rear seat. Heated front seats, leather upholstery, and sunroof are exclusive to luxury models, where they're standard.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles.
Our Best Buys include Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.
Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.
Our Best Buys include Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner. Our Recommended picks are Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Liberty, Kia Sportage, and Subaru Forester.
Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Rav4 are new or significantly redesigned.
News
This SUV has just been redesigned, so near-term changes should be few and minor.
2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Maneuverability | Rear visibility |
| Cargo room | Acceleration |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Adequate around town. Highway passing can take patience, especially with automatic transmission, which downshifts readily, but has no excess of power to draw upon. Test AWD Luxury did 9.0 sec 0-60 mph, unimpressive for a V6 compact SUV. Manual-transmission doesn't change gears smoothly when rushed. Towing capacity is 3000 lb.
| AWD Premium, man. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Adequate around town. Highway passing can take patience, especially with automatic transmission, which downshifts readily, but has no excess of power to draw upon. Test AWD Luxury did 9.0 sec 0-60 mph, unimpressive for a V6 compact SUV. Manual-transmission doesn't change gears smoothly when rushed. Towing capacity is 3000 lb.
Fuel Economy
Extended-use AWD Luxury with automatic transmission averaging 18.7 mpg over its first 11,551 miles. Another test AWD Luxury averaged 14.8 mpg in mostly city driving that included gas-eating acceleration tests. Grand Vitara uses regular-grade fuel.
| AWD Premium, man. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Extended-use AWD Luxury with automatic transmission averaging 18.7 mpg over its first 11,551 miles. Another test AWD Luxury averaged 14.8 mpg in mostly city driving that included gas-eating acceleration tests. Grand Vitara uses regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Firm but controlled over bumps, expansion joints, though some testers complain of too much jiggle on rippled surfaces. Little difference in ride quality between models with 16- and 17-inch tires.
| AWD Premium, man. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Firm but controlled over bumps, expansion joints, though some testers complain of too much jiggle on rippled surfaces. Little difference in ride quality between models with 16- and 17-inch tires.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Marked body lean, but good grip in fast corners. Nicely weighted, linear steering; impressive straightline stability. Tight turning radius, but wheels on AWD models bind when turned fully to either side. Good stopping power; brake pedal firm, easy to modulate. Kudos to Suzuki for making ABS, traction/antiskid control standard.
| AWD Premium, man. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
Marked body lean, but good grip in fast corners. Nicely weighted, linear steering; impressive straightline stability. Tight turning radius, but wheels on AWD models bind when turned fully to either side. Good stopping power; brake pedal firm, easy to modulate. Kudos to Suzuki for making ABS, traction/antiskid control standard.
Quietness
Moderate noise levels from tires, bumps; wind rush increases markedly at 65 mph. V6 whines loudly under acceleration, is audible even at cruise.
| AWD Premium, man. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Moderate noise levels from tires, bumps; wind rush increases markedly at 65 mph. V6 whines loudly under acceleration, is audible even at cruise.
Controls
Large, clear gauges. Audio, climate controls mounted high within easy reach; both feature large knobs, clearly marked buttons. Available keyless access and starting a nice amenity, through ignition switch has notchy movement. Cabin a smart blend of hard plastic surfaces, padded panels; nothing looks or feels cheap. Available leather upholstery particularly rich-feeling.
| AWD Premium, man. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Large, clear gauges. Audio, climate controls mounted high within easy reach; both feature large knobs, clearly marked buttons. Available keyless access and starting a nice amenity, through ignition switch has notchy movement. Cabin a smart blend of hard plastic surfaces, padded panels; nothing looks or feels cheap. Available leather upholstery particularly rich-feeling.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Some drivers say leather-upholstered seats have a too-firm cushion, insufficient lumbar support. Cloth seats softer but still need more lumbar support. Plenty of head room, adequate leg room, reasonable step-in height. Visibility hindered by thick rear roof pillars, too-tall front headrests; rear headrests retract below sight line.
| AWD Premium, man. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Some drivers say leather-upholstered seats have a too-firm cushion, insufficient lumbar support. Cloth seats softer but still need more lumbar support. Plenty of head room, adequate leg room, reasonable step-in height. Visibility hindered by thick rear roof pillars, too-tall front headrests; rear headrests retract below sight line.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Ample head and toe room. Leg room adequate for adults, even with front seats well back. Seat cushion hard and flat, but seatbacks recline--a nice touch. Exit hindered by narrow door opening.
| AWD Premium, man. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.6 |
Ample head and toe room. Leg room adequate for adults, even with front seats well back. Seat cushion hard and flat, but seatbacks recline--a nice touch. Exit hindered by narrow door opening.
Cargo Room
Good space behind rear seat. Rear seatbacks fold easily without removing headrests, but lay flat only with seat cushion flipped forward, which shortens cargo deck. Curbside loading complicated by cargo door that opens from the right. Adequate passenger-compartment storage space.
| AWD Premium, man. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7.3 |
Good space behind rear seat. Rear seatbacks fold easily without removing headrests, but lay flat only with seat cushion flipped forward, which shortens cargo deck. Curbside loading complicated by cargo door that opens from the right. Adequate passenger-compartment storage space.
Value within Class
A vast improvement over the 1999-2005 version, the '06 Grand Vitara is among the stronger values in the compact-SUV class. Its engine could be smoother and stronger, but that deficit is balanced by a comprehensive list of standard safety features, competent road manners, adequate passenger space, and very competitive pricing.
| AWD Premium, man. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
A vast improvement over the 1999-2005 version, the '06 Grand Vitara is among the stronger values in the compact-SUV class. Its engine could be smoother and stronger, but that deficit is balanced by a comprehensive list of standard safety features, competent road manners, adequate passenger space, and very competitive pricing.
Total Score
| AWD Premium, man. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 52 | 52 | 52.5 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 29 | |
| Average Score | 52 | |
| High Score | 62 |
2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/27/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD Base 4-door wagon, manual | $18,999 | $18,239 | $595 |
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| 2WD Base 4-door wagon, automatic | $19,999 | $19,199 | $595 |
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| AWD Base 4-door wagon, manual | $20,199 | $19,391 | $595 |
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| AWD Base 4-door wagon, automatic | $21,199 | $20,351 | $595 |
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| 2WD Premium 4-door wagon, manual | $19,899 | $19,103 | $595 |
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| 2WD Premium 4-door wagon, automatic | $20,899 | $20,063 | $595 |
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| AWD Premium 4-door wagon, manual | $21,099 | $20,255 | $595 |
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| AWD Premium 4-door wagon, automatic | $22,099 | $21,215 | $595 |
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| 2WD Xsport 4-door wagon, automatic | $21,099 | $20,255 | $595 |
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| AWD Xsport 4-door wagon, automatic | $22,499 | $21,599 | $595 |
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| 2WD Luxury 4-door wagon, automatic | $22,999 | $22,079 | $595 |
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| AWD Luxury 4-door wagon, automatic | $24,399 | $23,423 | $595 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
2.7-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock brakes, antiskid system, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights, cargo cover, rear defogger, variable-intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Outside-mounted full-size spare tire, 225/70R16 tires, wheel covers, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, heated power mirrors.
Premium adds to Base:
Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, fog lights, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, heated power mirrors.
Xsport adds to Premium:
Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Keyless access and starting.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, locking center differential, heated power mirrors.
Luxury adds to Xsport:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, power sunroof, universal garage door opener.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
225/65R17 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, locking center differential.
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Suzuki Grand Vitara 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 176.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 71.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3582 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 68.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.7 /167 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 185 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 184 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 18/23 |
| 5-speed automatic | 19/23 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Suzuki Grand Vitara 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 7/100,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 3/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Suzuki Grand Vitara Full Review
7.
8.
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