2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

2009 is shaping up to be about the worst year in modern history for the auto industry – maybe in all of history. By the time the 2010 models start arriving, we are likely to see a drastic reduction in models, manufacturer nameplates, and options. As it is, 2009 is probably going to be a great time to buy a car because every dealer will be desperate to make any kind of sale. Inventory sitting on a lot costs a dealer money every day, so get ready to impose some tough deals if you’re in a position to buy.

As you start to shop, there are so many SUVs and CUVs on the market today, it can be difficult to sort them all out. Here’s one way of slicing up the segment – real 4WD systems versus lighter-duty AWD. Most SUVs and almost all CUVs use an unobtrusive AWD system. AWD is a transparent option: it’s there, you don’t need to do anything about it, it’s always on. But there’s a tradeoff for that. You don’t get the features that real 4WD systems offer, such as a low range for improved torque and climbing ability.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara is one of few CUVs that offers a real 4WD system with low range and hill descent control. A few weeks ago at the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s SUV proving grounds (an event called “Mudfest”) I was impressed when we were able to take the Grand Vitara (priced at $18,000-$27,000) on the same torture test route that is usually the sole province of Land Rover, Jeep, and Nissan. The Grand Vitara did great on the really tough terrain with its low-range gears and hill descent control.

The best points of the Grand Vitara are its price, its 4WD system, and I have to mention the tailgate. Instead of the usual hatchback, the Grand Vitara has a rear door that opens outward. I like that, and it seems to be unique to the Grand Vitara in the SUV/CUV market.

About the only gripe I had with the Grand Vitara was that the driver’s seat lacked lumbar support and was not as comfortable as the XL7. I had mid-grade option package with cloth seats, so it may be that the premium leather seats are firmer and more comfortable.

The engine in my test Vitara was the 3.2-liter V6, which makes 230 horsepower and 213 pound-feet of torque. In the lower-priced models, you can get a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 166 horses and 162 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy for the 4-banger is 19/25, and the V6 comes in at 19/23, so if you can afford it, the V6 is the one to get. Fuel prices are down right now, but even if they go back up, you won’t lose much with the V6 engine.

The Grand Vitara’s four-cylinder engine can be mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission or a new four-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 is matched to a standard five-speed automatic transmission. With the automatics, you have your choice of RWD, single-mode four-wheel drive or the full four-mode full-time four-wheel drive. On pavement, you can leave the dash-mounted transfer case switch in 4H and the electronically controlled on-demand four-wheel-drive system will apply traction to the front wheels only as needed, optimizing economy. When traveling off-road, or for low-speed power and traction, you can turn the switch to high-range 4H Lock or low-range 4L Lock to engage the center differential lock. The V6 models with four-mode full-time four-wheel drive also feature Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control, which can enhance driving safety on steep slopes.

Traction control, known as the Electronic Stability Program, is standard for all Grand Vitaras, along with rear disc brakes and a new rollover sensor for the standard side curtain airbags.

The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara four-cylinder model is offered in four trim levels: Base, Premium, XSport and Luxury. The base model is RWD only, but its list of standard equipment includes air conditioning with automatic climate control and micron air filtration system, trip computer, power windows, mirrors and door locks, remote keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, automatic on/off headlamps, four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/XM audio system and 16-inch wheels.

By the time you get to the top of the line, You’ve added several thousand dollars to the price tag, but you’ll have leather, backup camera, keyless operation, seat heat, big stereo, the full 4WD system, 17-inch wheels and everything you could ever want in an SUV – and it’s still just $27,000.

Driving the Grand Vitara is fun - it’s punchy and has plenty of power in the V6 configuration, the interior is no-nonsense and well laid out. The footprint is comparatively small, so handling is nice for a 4WD SUV, and as I mentioned, the Grand Vitara is a capable off-road vehicle as well.

The bottom line on the Grand Vitara is this: If you’re looking for a smaller, punchy, 5-passenger SUV with real 4WD comparable to the Nissan XTerra or Toyota FJ Cruiser, you should check out the Suzuki. You might save some money over the bigger name brands and you’ll come away with a lot of SUV for your dollar, especially this year.

Written by Jeff Zurschmeide of northwestautoreview.com