2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara
2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Though Grand Vitara is redesigned for 2006, it's a throwback--a compact SUV with off-road credentials. Most compact SUVs are really on-road wagons based on front-wheel-drive car designs. They have simple all-wheel-drive systems and softly sprung suspensions. Grand Vitara uses a truck-style rear-drive design and offers two AWD systems: one for on-road use and a second, with low-range gearing and high-range lock-in, that's suitable for both on- and off-road duty.

Grand Vitara is fully up to date with clean, modern styling inside and out, and a surprising amount of cabin space. Thank generous increases of 6 inches in wheelbase and 11 inches in overall length over the 1999-2005 version. That contributes to a 6-inch gain in rear-seat legroom, creating enough space for two adults to ride comfortably, another standout attribute in this class. Our Grand Vitara was stoutly built, and the quality of the cabin's materials and assembly wouldn't be out of place in a more-expensive midsize SUV.

Sadly, acceleration from the 185-horsepower V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission disappointed. The mediocre progress was further blunted with four adults aboard. We'd hoped for a little more oomph. On the positive side, our test AWD Luxury model was mechanically trouble-free, and we averaged 18.8 mpg, about midpack for V6 4WD compact SUVs we've tested.

Suzuki isn't the first brand that pops to mind when most people consider an SUV, but class-competitive vehicles like the Grand Vitara could change that. Prices are attractive, and, based on our extended-use-test experience, shoppers in this category should add Suzuki's entry to their compact-SUV shopping list.

Editors' Comments

Tom Appel: What a nice small truck. Responsive steering, decent handling. Like the Grand Vitara before it, the newest Suzuki ute wants for power in passing and merging situations, but is completely up to the task of daily around-town work. The interior looks upscale, too. Shopping small SUV? Grand Vitara is worth a look.

Damon Bell: The Grand Vitara is competent, but trails class leaders such as Honda CR-V in refinement. Our top-of-the-line Grand Vitara Luxury stickers at close to $1,000 less than a comparable CR-V, but I would still shop the Honda first.

Rick Cotta: Suzuki hasn't been a major player in the SUV game of late, but the new Grand Vitara may change that. And it should. There's little to fault and a lot to like. Its host of safety features are all standard, and pricing is reasonable. After several compact-SUV strikeouts, it appears Suzuki may finally have a hit on its hands.

2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Bodystyle: 4-door wagon
Model: Luxury
Engine: 185-hp 2.7-liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Total Miles: 13,370
CG® Observed Fuel Economy: 18.8 mpg
Problems During Test:

None
Base Price: $24,399
Price as Tested: $24,994
Major Options:

None