2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara San Diego CA

2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara By Brian Alexander, Content Editor

DriverSide Overview
Suzuki believes that the compact SUV is now a destination for consumers, and no longer simply a stopover on the way to the land of the super-ute. With the $4 per gallon gas shocks of mid-2008 and sales of large SUVs down, you’d be hard-pressed to argue with them. But unlike the traditionally rugged, large SUVs, most small utes and crossovers are built on car chassis and thus, have tendency to falter on rougher surfaces. But that’s not the case with the 2009 Grand Vitara – it’s a proper SUV in every sense, albeit in a smaller package. With its rear-wheel drive setup and optional high/low four-wheel drive system, it laughs at gravel trails and taunts you to push its limits over rocky terrain. Inside, the Grand Vitara has been improved in nearly every way too; gone are the wonky interior plastics and unflattering design, in are electroluminescent gauges and an ergonomically agreeable cabin. Couple this with an all-new four-cylinder engine and an optional V-6 with more power and improved efficiency, and the Grand Vitara is finally poised to give the competition a run for its money.








What's to Like
The four-cylinder strikes a good balance between fuel economy and power, making the V-6 seem almost unnecessary. The Grand Vitara has a solid chassis with a rear-wheel drive setup for more rugged performance. Suzuki’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty grants owners peace of mind when it comes to their automotive purchase.

What's Not to Like
The automatic transmission available with the four-cylinder only has four speeds, and another gear would be a welcome addition. Design elements leave something to be desired when compared to some of the more stylish competition.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Though it’s rear-drive layout sets it apart from much of the front-wheel drive, road-biased competition, the Grand Vitara drives like most of the other vehicles in its segment. It’s just as happy cruising on the highway as a CR-V or RAV4 thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension, but when you come across a dirt trail you can flip it into four-wheel H and continue on your way without issue. The steering weights up well as more lock is applied, and shifting is predictable and smooth, Unless you’re looking to do some serious torque-laden off road driving or towing, it’s hard to argue against the four-cylinder engine, which provides up to 26 mpg and doesn’t feel weedy until you rev it to the very top of its range. However, should towing your weekend toys be a concern, the V-6 model has the ability to tow up to 3,000 lbs.

Engine and Drivetrain
For 2009, the Grand Vitara gets two new engines, the base car receiving a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 166 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.

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