2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara: Road Test
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara ▼
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- MSRP: $19,349 -$25,149
- Invoice: $18,575 -$24,143
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Our road test for the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara help you decide if a 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD Base, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Acceleration is adequate around town. Highway passing can take patience, especially with automatic transmission, which downshifts readily for more power. A test AWD Luxury did 9.0 seconds 0-60 mph, unimpressive for a V6 compact SUV. The manual transmission doesn't change gears smoothly when rushed.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD Base, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 |
Our extended-use AWD Luxury with automatic transmission averaged 18.8 mpg over 13,370 miles. Another AWD Grand Vitara averaged 14.8 mpg in mostly city driving that included gas-eating performance runs. Other AWD models averaged 18.8 mpg with slightly more highway driving than city use. Grand Vitara uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD Base, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5 |
Grand Vitara's ride is firm but controlled over bumps and expansion joints, though some testers complained of too much jiggle on rippled surfaces. There's little difference in ride quality between models with 16- and 17-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD Base, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
Grand Vitara exhibits marked body lean but good grip in fast corners. The steering is nicely weighted and the turning circle is commendably tight, but test AWD models exhibited some front driveline binding when turned fully to either side. Firm, easy-to-modulate brakes provided good stopping control.
QUIETNESS
| AWD Base, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.6 |
There's moderate road, bump, and wind noise. The latter increases markedly above 65 mph. The V6 whines loudly under acceleration and is audible even at cruise.
CONTROLS
| AWD Base, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 |
Gauges are large and clear. Audio and climate controls are mounted high within easy reach; both feature large knobs and clearly marked buttons. Available keyless access and starting is a nice amenity.
DETAILS
| AWD Base, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
The cabin is a smart blend of hard plastic surfaces and padded panels; nothing looks or feels cheap. Available leather upholstery is particularly rich-feeling. The ignition switch on our extended-use tester had notchy movement.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD Base, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 |
Some drivers say the leather-upholstered seats have an overly firm cushion and insufficient lumbar support. The cloth seats are softer but also need more lumbar support. Headroom is ample, legroom adequate, and there's a reasonable step-in height. Rear visibility is hindered by thick rear roof pillars and tall front headrests; the rear headrests retract below the driver's sight line.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| AWD Base, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.9 |
There's ample headroom and foot space. Legroom is adequate for adults, even with front seats well back. The seat cushion is hard and flat, but the seatbacks recline--a nice touch. Egress is hindered by narrow door openings.
CARGO ROOM
| AWD Base, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 |
Space is good behind the rear seat. Rear seatbacks fold easily without removing the headrests, but lay flat only with the seat cushion flipped forward, which shortens the cargo deck. The seats don't stay flipped up on their own--they must be attached to the front-seat headrest supports via an inconvenient plastic clip. The side-hinged cargo door is easier for smaller folks to open and close, and taller ones won't hit their head. Passenger-compartment storage space is adequate.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD Base, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 5.9 |
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, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 63 | 63 | 59.7 |
Total Score: 63
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