Even before this year’s massive gas-price-spike hit, buyers had begun fleeing the traditional SUV segment in favor of more fashionable and fuel-efficient crossovers. Automakers have noticed, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find a compact SUV that’s still actually an SUV. The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara we recently had in for a test spin is one of the few capable compact offerings left for the U.S. market.
The last time a Grand Vitara graced our garage—a 2008 4WD model—we were pleasantly surprised by its style, quality, and overall value. No FWD or AWD girly ‘ute, it was the real SUV deal, complete with an actual transfer case and fully independent suspension. While we dug its taut styling and off-road chops, we were less than impressed with its weak, inefficient engine, bad audio, and uncomfortable seats.
It seems someone at Suzuki was listening. The Grand Vitara has been freshened for 2009, with the biggest difference being under the hood. Gone is the overburdened 184-hp 2.7L V-6 engine. In its place is the standard 2.5L four producing 166 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque and an optional 3.2L V-6 producing 230 hp and 213 lb-ft of torque.
The two-row, five passenger 2009 Grand Vitara with just 1700 miles on the clock was fitted with the top-shelf Luxury trim package, the four-cylinder engine, and a four-speed automatic transmission. It was also 2WD, which meant I wouldn’t be testing its off-road prowess. That’s just fine, since most ‘utes in the Grand Vitara’s class spend most of their time on the pavement anyway.
The first thing you notice when you climb into the Grand Vitara is the simplicity of the interior. All the controls are within easy reach and easy to use, and there aren’t too many of them—enough buttons and dials to get the job done and no more. The black dash, carpet, doors and seats are set off by tasteful silver accents. Unfortunately, they’re also offset by cheap-looking faux-marble trim around the gear selector and on the interior door handles. Marble works in kitchens, not cars, and cheap, plastic, fake marble really doesn’t work. Still the trim is dark enough to overlook most of the time.
In all, the Grand Vitara’s interior proved adequate. The fit and finish are good and there were no squeaks or rattles to report, even with the stereo cranked up. Suzuki apparently also listened to our gripes about the 2008 model’s seats and came back with a set of nicely bolstered leather-wrapped captain’s chairs that are comfortable if a bit firm. The seat heater only had one setting, though, which started out almost too hot, then ended up hardly noticeable.
Our other big complaint about the 2008 Grand Vitara was its less-than-stellar fuel economy. The old V-6 is rated at just 17 city/22 mpg highway, not great by 2008 standards. The new V-6 is EPA rated at 18 city/24 mpg highway in the 2WD form and slightly worse with 4WD, a small improvement over our last tester. The new four-cylinder is rated by the EPA at 19 city/25 mpg highway, and the rating appears accurate. Over the course of my trip, I covered 806.4 miles, spent $80.57 on regular-grade gas, and got an average of 23.92 mpg in 90% highway driving, achieving a personal best of 24.56 mpg. Given the long distances between gas stations on the 101, I typically filled up at around a quarter tank, so each tank got me an average of roughly 268 miles.
The Grand Vitara doesn’t make any promises about being a top-tier luxury SUV. There is no Bluetooth here, nor is there a navigation system. Without optional adapters, the XM Satellite Radio and iPod interface don’t work. HomeLink is available only on the most expensive model, and you can forget about adjusting the ride height or suspension. The keyless entry and ignition system is a nice feature, however. You have no idea how convenient one of these systems is until you’re in a hurry and can walk up, unlock the doors, get in, and drive away without ever touching key fob.
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