A Thoroughly Satisfying Compact SUV
Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press

Suzuki updated the Grand Vitara last year, with a freshened exterior design, featuring a larger front grille and revised bumpers, and a reworked interior boasting a much better looking centre stack, a new vehicle info display, chrome-plated interior door handles, a sliding centre armrest and extendable sun visors, as well as newer, better audio systems, so except for some trim level changes and a new higher base price to reflect an increase in standard features the 2010 model is pretty well a duplicate. This said, it’s certainly worthy of another write-up, because it is the most impressive little sport utility I’ve driven in quite some time.

2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX-L

I was on the launch program for the 2006 model, the iteration that really made the Grand Vitara grand! It took place up in Whistler, BC, where we tested it on the winding Sea to Sky Highway on the way there and back and off-road across some local mountains, and despite offering commendable on-road handling it took to the trails with the kind of gusto most modern compact SUVs can’t hope to muster.

The updated 2009 model and current 2010 I drove last week offer the same off-road prowess, but the SUV’s on-pavement road manners feel even better than I remember in previous generations. The Grand Vitara’s ride is luxuriously smooth, its handling maneuverable in tight spaces and surprisingly agile on the open road thanks to a fully independent front strut suspension with a stabilizer bar and coil springs, and an independent rear multi-link setup, also supported by coil springs. It’s quiet too, surprisingly isolated from the road. And the entire driving experience ideally reflects the SUV’s upscale interior.

It’s really luxurious inside with great style, a lot of soft-touch surfaces as well as high-grade switchgear, truly a level of quality that most won’t expect in this class. It’s as if Suzuki is trying to pitch the Grand Vitara at a luxury buyer instead of their previous entry-level clientele, a theme that is also quite obvious in the compact SX4 sedan and hatch, the top-line XL7, plus the all-new Kizashi midsize sedan. Yes, it appears that Suzuki wants to fight it out with a handful of other brands that are sneaking their way into the entry-level luxury segment, like Hyundai, Mazda, Subaru and Volkswagen.

2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX-L

Last year Suzuki expanded the engine lineup to include a perky four-cylinder, ideal timing considering the new focus on fuel economy and the environment. The Japanese brand also added a larger displacement V6, moving up to 3.2 litres from 2.7, and for those who want to tow with more confidence (both offer a 1,360-kilo or 3,000-lb towing capacity so there’s really no difference in capability) or just enjoy the additional output, now rated at 230hp and 213 lb-ft of torque, it’s a great option, but for most who use their vehicles for commuting and running errands, the 166hp 2.4-litre four-cylinder with 162 lb-ft of torque will be more than adequate and the fuel savings, with a rating of 11.2L/100km in the city and 8.1 on the highway compared to 12.5/8.6 respectively for the V6, become a real bonus made better by the use of less expensive regular unleaded. I never once felt the four-cylinder Grand Vitara lacking for power despite a substantial 1,676-kilo (3,693-lb) curb weight in the JLX-L model I tested, despite only offering a four-speed automatic, whereas the six gets a five-speed unit. The previous five-speed manual is no longer available, but truly in this type of vehicle, even when off-road, the smooth and relaxed autobox is better.

Suzuki offers a sophisticated driver-selectable part-time four-wheel drive system, which can be locked into 4High or 4Low when delving into more treacherous terrain. It’s a really capable SUV as well, more confidence inspiring off-road than many that cost thousands more.

For 2010 there is no base JA model, the new base model being last year’s JX which includes all of the features offered on last year’s JA, such as automatic climate control, power windows with driver’s express down, power locks with keyless entry, automatic headlamps, variable intermittent wipers, and a fixed intermittent rear wiper, a CD/MP3 audio system with steering wheel-mounted controls and pre-wiring for XM satellite radio and an auxiliary jack, a manually height-adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split fold-and-tumble rear seats, a sliding front centre armrest with storage compartment, a cargo cover, roof rails, while the half hard spare tire case is replaced by a full hard spare tire casing for the rear door, and 16” steel wheels are now 17” alloys riding on 225/65R17 all-season tires all-round. Additionally the base model now gets standard proximity sensing entry and keyless start system, cruise control, powered and heated exterior mirrors, a meaty feeling leather-wrapped steering wheel, tinted privacy glass, and roof rails.

Standard safety features include four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, as well as a full assortment of airbags from front to rear. And incidentally, the standard warranty includes 3 years or 60,000 km of full coverage and 5 years or 100,000 km of powertrain coverage. What’s more, with Suzuki expected reliability is much better than average.

2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX-L

The near top-line JLX added a six-CD/MP3 audio system, a power glass sunroof, front door courtesy lights, heated seats, and fog lamps for 2009, although some of these features couldn’t be verified for 2010 at the time of writing, so take a look at the automaker’s website at Suzuki.ca when the 2010 models show up for any changes. Opt for the V6 and you’ll get 18” alloy rims wrapped in 225/60R18 all-season rubber. A JLX-L model adds leather seats, and when you’ve gone all the way in this little SUV, it’s a real premium player.

I only have one complaint with the Grand Vitara, and it’s the same one I’ve had with other Japanese and British SUVs with swinging rear doors, and oddly enough the US-built Jeep Wrangler. With hinges on the passenger side (right), the door swings towards the curb making access from the sidewalk, when parallel parked, inconvenient. Once accessible, cargo space is excellent with 691 litres (24.4 cu ft) available behind the back row and 1,951 litres (68.9 cu ft) when those 60/40 split-folding seatbacks are folded flat.

Suzuki as a brand continues to impress me. Its vehicles deliver more than first presumed by their suggested prices, the Grand Vitara’s $27,995 starting point and full load of features a good example, and the automaker’s strong brand loyalty suggests that its customers are very happy with their ownership experience. And in the end, that’s what it all comes down to: satisfaction. As far as my weeklong test went, I was thoroughly satisfied with my Grand Vitara JLX-L.