2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara: Road Test
2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara ▼
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- MSRP: $18,499 - $26,299
- Invoice: $17,759 - $25,247
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Our road test for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara help you decide if a 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| AWD Luxury, 4-cylinder | 2WD Luxury, V6 | AWD Luxury V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 5 | 4.7 |
Around-town acceleration is adequate with either engine. Four-cylinder feels peppy from a stop, but highway passing can take patience. The V6 builds speed gradually off the line and has decent passing reserves. The automatic transmissions are alert and responsive with both engines. No manual-transmission models have been made available for testing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| AWD Luxury, 4-cylinder | 2WD Luxury, V6 | AWD Luxury V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, an AWD V6 Grand Vitara averaged 18.5 mpg, not a great result for a V6-powered compact SUV. Both engines use regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| AWD Luxury, 4-cylinder | 2WD Luxury, V6 | AWD Luxury V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 5.4 |
Grand Vitara's ride is helped by a laudably solid-feeling body structure. Models with the 17-inch tires have good control. Luxury V6 versions have 18-inch and a much firmer ride with occasional banging and crashing over bumps. No opportunity to test with available 16s.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| AWD Luxury, 4-cylinder | 2WD Luxury, V6 | AWD Luxury V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 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. Firm, easy-to-modulate brakes provide good stopping control.
QUIETNESS
| AWD Luxury, 4-cylinder | 2WD Luxury, V6 | AWD Luxury V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
There's moderate road, bump, and wind noise. The latter increases markedly above 65 mph. Both engines groan under acceleration but recede nicely at cruise.
CONTROLS
| AWD Luxury, 4-cylinder | 2WD Luxury, V6 | AWD Luxury V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Gauges are large and clear. Audio and climate controls are mounted high within easy reach; both feature large knobs and clearly marked buttons. We're a bit puzzled by Grand Vitara's lack of any sort of auxiliary input jack or USB port for connecting digital music players. Available keyless access and starting is a nice amenity.
DETAILS
| AWD Luxury, 4-cylinder | 2WD Luxury, V6 | AWD Luxury V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 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. One test model suffered from a few interior creaks.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| AWD Luxury, 4-cylinder | 2WD Luxury, V6 | AWD Luxury V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
Headroom is ample, legroom is adequate, and step-in height is reasonable. Seats are comfortable, but some drivers will wish for more lumbar support. 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 Luxury, 4-cylinder | 2WD Luxury, V6 | AWD Luxury V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.3 |
There's ample headroom and foot space. Legroom is adequate for adults, even with the 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 Luxury, 4-cylinder | 2WD Luxury, V6 | AWD Luxury V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 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. However, the door is hinged on the passenger side, which can complicate curbside loading. Passenger-compartment storage space is adequate.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| AWD Luxury, 4-cylinder | 2WD Luxury, V6 | AWD Luxury V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 5.8 |
Suzuki improves the already-likable Grand Vitara with significant powertrain additions and improvements for 2009. Add to that a comprehensive list of standard safety features, competent road manners, adequate passenger space, and laudable off-road ability when properly equipped, and Grand Vitara is one of the strongest values in the compact SUV class and an easy Best Buy.
Total Score
| AWD Luxury, 4-cylinder | 2WD Luxury, V6 | AWD Luxury V6 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 65 | 64 | 61.1 |
Total Score: 64
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
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