2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

The compact SUV market is crowded and competitive. To succeed, you need to pack a lot of features and refinements into a small, affordable package. Suzuki's Grand Vitara manages to do all that and more.

First of all, there are a lot of features that you wouldn't expect in a Suzuki. There are options like heated leather seats, antiskid/traction control, a sunroof and 17” rims. There's a regular AWD system and 4-Mode AWD with a locking center differential and low-range gearing. And don't forget about the transferable 7-year/100k mile powertrain warranty.

The refinements are very noticeable on the inside of the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Materials are top notch and the fit-and-finish is impressive. The Grand Vitara really feels like a well built little truck. On the road however, you get the class-typical choppy ride and moderate wind noise. The standard V6 feels spirited around town, but lacks any real passing power. The rubbery feeling 5-speed is the best choice if you want to get the most out of the 185 hamsters running around under the hood.

The small package that all these features and refinements are crammed into is indeed small, but no worse than any other truck in its class. Head and leg room are decent, as is the cargo room. Passengers are protected by standard side and head airbags, along with ABS and the antiskid/traction system.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara is really no better, or worse than any of its competitors. Size, power and luxuries are right in-line with the CR-V, Rav4 and Escape. But what does set the Grand Vitara apart is its price. Since Suzuki's depreciate faster than Christmas decorations in January, you can find a nicely equipped Grand Vitara for thousands less than you'd pay for a Toyota or Honda. Which makes the Suzuki Grand Vitara a truck worth considering. . COMMON PROBLEMS FOR THE SUZUKI GRAND VITARA: If the HVAC doesn't blow, it's probably because of a bad control module (2006).