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2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara Full Review
Date Published: 3/26/08
Also in the 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review:
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Suzuki Grand Vitara Full Review
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2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review
All-wheel-drive base versions of Suzuki's compact SUV gain low-range gearing for 2007. Grand Vitara seats five and has a side-hinged cargo door. Base, Xsport, and Luxury models are offered. A 185-hp V6 is the only engine. Manual transmission is standard on base models. Automatic transmission is optional on those and standard on Xsport and Luxury. All Grand Vitaras are available with rear-wheel drive or Suzuki's 4-Mode AWD that includes a locking center differential and low-range gearing. Base models previously offered AWD without low-range gearing. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Heated front seats, leather upholstery, and sunroof are exclusive to Luxury models, and are standard.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically 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 the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
Our Best Buys include the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura RDX, Honda CR-V, Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
News
Grand Vitara will be freshened for 2009, our sources report, but that's all they know right now.
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2007 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 Base, man. | AWD Xsport, auto. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
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
Test AWD Xsport averaged 18.3 mpg. Extended-use AWD Luxury averaged 18.8 mpg over 13,370 miles. Another test AWD Luxury averaged 14.8 mpg in mostly city driving that included gas-eating performance runs. Grand Vitara uses regular-grade fuel.
| AWD Base, man. | AWD Xsport, auto. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Test AWD Xsport averaged 18.3 mpg. Extended-use AWD Luxury averaged 18.8 mpg over 13,370 miles. Another test AWD Luxury averaged 14.8 mpg in mostly city driving that included gas-eating performance runs. 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 Base, man. | AWD Xsport, auto. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
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 Base, man. | AWD Xsport, auto. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
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 road, bumps; wind rush increases markedly at 65 mph. V6 whines loudly under acceleration, is audible even at cruise.
| AWD Base, man. | AWD Xsport, auto. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.5 |
Moderate noise levels from road, 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, though 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 Base, man. | AWD Xsport, auto. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 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, though 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, have better lumbar support. Plenty of head room, adequate leg room, reasonable step-in height. Visibility hindered by thick rear roof pillars, tall front headrests; rear headrests retract below sight line.
| AWD Base, man. | AWD Xsport, auto. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Some drivers say leather-upholstered seats have a too firm cushion, insufficient lumbar support. Cloth seats softer, have better lumbar support. Plenty of head room, adequate leg room, reasonable step-in height. Visibility hindered by thick rear roof pillars, 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 Base, man. | AWD Xsport, auto. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
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 they rest slightly above the cargo deck. Bottom cushion and seatback flip forward together to increase load floor, but must be secured to front headrest support with inconvenient strap. Curbside loading complicated by cargo door that opens from the right. Adequate passenger-compartment storage space.
| AWD Base, man. | AWD Xsport, auto. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.2 |
Good space behind rear seat. Rear seatbacks fold easily without removing headrests, but they rest slightly above the cargo deck. Bottom cushion and seatback flip forward together to increase load floor, but must be secured to front headrest support with inconvenient strap. Curbside loading complicated by cargo door that opens from the right. Adequate passenger-compartment storage space.
Value within Class
Grand Vitara is among the strongest values in the compact SUV class and a worthy Best Buy. Its V6 engine 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 pricing.
| AWD Base, man. | AWD Xsport, auto. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 9 | 10 | 9 | 5.5 |
Grand Vitara is among the strongest values in the compact SUV class and a worthy Best Buy. Its V6 engine 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 pricing.
Total Score
| AWD Base, man. | AWD Xsport, auto. | AWD Luxury, auto. | Class Average |
| 55 | 56 | 55 | 53.1 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 36 | |
| Average Score | 53 | |
| High Score | 60 |
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2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/08/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD Base 4-door wagon, manual | $19,379 | $18,604 | $620 |
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| 2WD Base 4-door wagon, automatic | $20,379 | $19,564 | $620 |
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| AWD Base 4-door wagon, manual | $20,899 | $20,063 | $620 |
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| AWD Base 4-door wagon, automatic | $21,899 | $21,023 | $620 |
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| 2WD Xsport 4-door wagon, automatic | $21,499 | $20,639 | $620 |
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| AWD Xsport 4-door wagon, automatic | $22,899 | $21,983 | $620 |
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| 2WD Luxury 4-door wagon, automatic | $23,399 | $22,463 | $620 |
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| AWD Luxury 4-door wagon, automatic | $24,799 | $23,807 | $620 |
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, tire-pressure monitor, 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/MP3 player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, map lights, cargo cover, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Outside-mounted full-size spare tire, 225/70R16 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, locking center differential, heated power mirrors.
Xsport adds to Base:
Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Keyless access and starting, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, 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.
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2007 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 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
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
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: N/A Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 18.25 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Chuck Giametta I'll continue to dissent that the Grand Vitara is a true Best Buy value. True, prices are eye-opening, given the level of standard equipment. Nicely outfitted with all the right safety, convenience, and traction features, this test 4WD Xsport listed for just $22,899. But giving out a top award to a vehicle with an engine that feels this underpowered and coarse does a disservice to the others that earn their Best Buy tag the old-fashioned way: with a full array assets that clearly set them apart from others in their class. |
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Locate a Dealer
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Also in the 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Suzuki Grand Vitara Full Review
7.
8.
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