Overview

In a segment dominated by car-based crossovers offering only a pretense of off-road capability, Suzuki's Grand Vitara is refreshingly different, combining unexpected on-road refinement with an aggressive dose of off-road capability. The Suzuki Grand Vitara gets a powerful a four engine, a trendy grille and front bumper design. The trendy options include hill descent control and a hill hold feature. The 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a compact five-passenger SUV that comes in four trim levels related to drive train: Base, Premium, XSport and Luxury. It is backed by America's #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty. The standard navigation system now includes the Google Local Search for up-to-the-minute points of interest (POIs); 2 and 3D maps; speed limits for most major roads; HotFix satellite prediction; and parking location. In addition, Bluetooth Handsfree availability has been extended to the Premium model.

Powertrain and Performance

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 166 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque in the Grand Vitara yielding an EPA estimated fuel economy of up to 19 mpg/city and 26 mpg/highway and using a zero-maintenance timing chain in place of a belt. This engine can be mated to either a standard five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. When properly equipped, the Grand Vitara tows up to a competitive 3,000 pounds.

Build and Styling

The trims equipped with a V6 engine come only in XSport and Luxury. The Base Grand Vitara models come standard with 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, remote keyless entry, full power accessories, cruise control, automatic climate control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a four-speaker stereo with a single CD/MP3 player. The Premium adds a hard-shelled spare wheel cover, privacy glass, and a cargo cover. Premium 4WD models also get heated side view mirrors. The XSport trim features 16-inch alloy wheels (optional on Premium), a sunroof, roof rails and fog lamps. The fully loaded Luxury models have 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, silver and wood print interior trim and additional speakers for the audio system. The corresponding trim levels on V6-powered models are almost identical to their four-cylinder counterparts, but the V6 XSport comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Luxury has standard 18-inch wheels. A rear back-up camera with rearview mirror display, an auxiliary audio jack and Bluetooth phone connectivity (the latter two of which are dealer installed) are among the options. An Appearance package with a side step and textured fender flares is optional on XSport models.

Safety Features

The Anti-lock brake system (ABS) of the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara keeps the wheels from locking and skidding during panic stop situations. This allows the driver to maintain directional stability and steer out of trouble. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Advanced, dual-stage driver and weight-sensing front-passenger airbags Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), daytime running lamps, tire pressure monitoring system and rear child-seat LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) are standard. A rear view vision camera is optional on XSport and Luxury.