Acceleration is adequate around town, but highway passing can demand patience--especially with Suzuki's automatic transmission, which behaves well and downshifts readily but has no surplus of available power to draw upon. The manual transmission's shifter is notchy when rushed, smooth otherwise. The clutch is light and easy to modulate. A test AWD Luxury model took 9.0 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is unimpressive for a V6 compact SUV. Towing capacity is 3000 pounds. Fuel economy warrants no rewards. A test AWD Grand Vitara with automatic transmission averaged 19.8 mpg in mostly highway driving. In an extended-use trial, an AWD Luxury model with automatic averaged 18.8 mpg. Another one averaged only 14.8, but in mostly city driving that including gas-eating performance runs. Suzuki recommends regular-grade fuel. On the road, the Grand Vitara's ride is firm but controlled over bumps and expansion joints. Little difference in ride quality is evident between the standard 16-inch tires and optional 17s. Some testers have complained of excessive jiggle on rippled surfaces. Expect marked body lean, but good grip, in fast corners, coupled with impressive straightline stability. Nicely weighted steering is light and linear, with a tight turning radius. Wheels on AWD models may bind when turned fully to either side, however. Brakes are easy to modulate, with a firm pedal feel and good stopping power. Kudos to Suzuki for the standard ABS and antiskid/traction-control system. Wind, road, and bump noise are moderate, though wind rush, in particular, increases markedly at around 65 mph. The V6 engine whines loudly under acceleration, and is audible even while cruising. Dashboards hold large, clear gauges. Audio and climate controls are mounted high, within easy reach; both benefit from large knobs and clearly marked buttons. Available keyless access/starting is a welcome feature, but the ignition switch has notchy movement. The cabin is a smart blend of hard plastic surfaces and padded panels, but nothing looks or feels cheap. Door tops are padded, and available leather upholstery feels especially rich. Front occupants get plenty of headroom and adequate leg space. Some drivers have found that leather-upholstered seats have too-firm cushioning and insufficient lumbar support. Cloth seats are softer, but still short on lumbar support. Reasonable step-in height eases front entry/exit. Visibility is hindered by thick rear roof pillars and too-tall front headrests; rear headrests retract below sight lines. Backseat head and toe room are ample. Legroom is adequate for adults, even with front seats pushed well back. The rear seat cushion is hard and flat, but the seatbacks recline. Exit is hindered by narrow door openings. \Cargo space is good behind the rear seat and adequate within the passenger compartment. Rear seatbacks fold easily without removing the headrests, but don't lay flat unless the seat cushion is flipped forward, shortening the cargo deck. Curbside loading is hindered by cargo doors that open from the right instead of the left, and by lack of separate-opening glass.

Value for the Money
A big improvement over the prior model, Grand Vitara now challenges the best in this class. In fact, it's among the strongest values in the compact SUV group. The V6 could be smoother and stronger, but that demerit is easily offset by a comprehensive list of standard safety features, competent road manners, adequate passenger space, and competitive new-car pricing. Resale values are about average, which translates to few secondhand bargains, but prices well below some competitive import-brand models.