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2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Full Review
Date Published: 3/26/08
Also in the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Suzuki Grand Vitara Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review
The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara gets no major changes of note. This compact SUV seats five and has a side-hinged cargo door. Base, Xsport, and Luxury models are offered, all with a 185-hp 2.7-liter V6. Base is available with manual or automatic transmission. Xsport and Luxury are automatic only. Maximum towing capacity is 3000 lb. All three models are offered with rear-wheel drive or Suzuki's 4-Mode AWD that includes a locking center differential and low-range gearing. ABS, traction control, and antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Available features include a sunroof, heated front seats, and leather upholstery.
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; some offer seating for seven.
Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.
Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.
News
Grand Vitara will be freshened for 2009, our sources report, but that's all they know right now.
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2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Maneuverability | Rear visibility |
| Cargo room | Acceleration |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| AWD Base, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| AWD Base, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.7 |
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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| AWD Base, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
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)
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.
| AWD Base, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
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)
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.
| AWD Base, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
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
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.
| AWD Base, manual | AWD Luxury, automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8.1 |
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
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, 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 | 60 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 60 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 10/09/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD Base 4-door wagon, manual | $19,349 | $18,575 | $650 |
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| 2WD Base 4-door wagon, automatic | $20,449 | $19,631 | $650 |
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| AWD Base 4-door wagon, manual | $21,019 | $20,178 | $650 |
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| AWD Base 4-door wagon, automatic | $22,119 | $21,234 | $650 |
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| 2WD Xsport 4-door wagon, automatic | $22,349 | $21,455 | $650 |
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| AWD Xsport 4-door wagon, automatic | $23,749 | $22,799 | $650 |
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| 2WD Luxury 4-door wagon, automatic | $23,749 | $22,799 | $650 |
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| AWD Luxury 4-door wagon, automatic | $25,149 | $24,143 | $650 |
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, tilt steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, 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, cargo cover.
Xsport adds to Base:
Powertrain
5-speed automatic transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Keyless access and starting, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, cargo cover, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, 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, heated power mirrors, 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
Comfort and Convenience Features |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Cargo cover
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2WD Base
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$120
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$115
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Std. AWD Base, Xsport, Luxury.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Hard spare tire cover
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2WD Base
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$150
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$144
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Std. AWD Base, Xsport, Luxury.
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Special paint
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Base, Luxury, Xsport
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$200
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$192
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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. | 66.3 |
| 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 | 16/21 |
| 5-speed automatic | 17/21 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Suzuki Grand Vitara Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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