Grand Vitara offers much to like

Sat., June 10, 2006

Greg Zyla Syndicated Columnist

This week, we’re driving Suzuki’s redesigned 2006 Grand Vitara 4WD XSport, as opposed to the Premium Package AWD version we drove last November. Sporting a host of upgrades for 2006, including a larger engine, new unibody construction and fully independent suspension, these latest improvements lift Grand Vitara one step higher in the minds of potential consumers and the automotive press.

Notable is Consumer Reports’ continuing improvement in ratings of Suzuki-manufactured vehicles. Not only does the respected magazine recommend sibling and “stretched” ‘06, Suzuki XL-7 in its 2006 Cars edition, owners are indicating much better reliability factors.

Longer and wider than its 2005 predecessor, driver and passengers will enjoy the increased headroom, legroom and comfort Grand Vitara offers. While the previous generation Vitara was a little tight in all areas, the new longer wheelbase gives Vitara a more secure feeling on the road, while the 4WD system offers both security in bad weather and off-road options for the adventurous personality. Notable is Grand Vitara’s scoring “better than average” in recent NHTSA rollover ratings, another nugget of good news for corporate Suzuki.

The larger 2.7-liter V-6 cylinder engine delivers 185 horsepower and 184 foot-pounds of torque. This engine gives Grand Vitara an improved tow rating of 3,000 pounds — enough to haul light boats or motorcycles — although I wouldn’t mind seeing a few more “horses” one day. However, this engine is a big improvement over earlier models and as for fuel economy, look for 19 city and 23 highway with the 5-speed automatic transmission.

The solid and lightweight unibody structure teams with the new four-wheel independent suspension featuring MacPherson struts in front and a new multi-link design in the rear. This layout provides good handling both on and off-road and is totally different from the truck style chassis and stiffer suspension setup the 2005 models offered.

An anti-lock brake system with Electronic Stability and Traction Control features large front ventilated discs with rear drums. Noteworthy are power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and standard 225/65R16 tires that help guide Suzuki on the highway or off-road trails. In combination, this stability and braking system receives high grades in all areas, and your Suzuki dealer will gladly explain in detail how it all works. On the negative, an “XSport” model should have four-wheel discs in our book.

Owners won’t worry about storage space, as Vitara offers up to 68.9 cubic feet when the 60/40 split seatbacks are folded down. The interior also receives good grades, with decent fit-and-finish. We must tout the long list of standard features on our Premium Package/XSport tester. Premium Package includes air conditioning with automatic climate control and micron air-filtration system, cruise control, fog lamps, all the powers, digital clock with outside temperature and fuel consumption indicators and adjustable center armrest with internal storage. The standard sound system features an AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA unit with XM Satellite Radio capability.

Steering-wheel-mounted controls help activate a six-disc, in-dash CD changer with seven speakers, two tweeters and a subwoofer.

XSport adds to the Premium Package an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission and SmartPass keyless entry and start system. The standard equipment list is so complete, there are no options; buyers only need to select a rear-wheel-drive model or a full-time four-mode four-wheel-drive model. The XSport Package carries an MSRP of $21,399 for the rear-wheel-drive and $22,699 with full-time four-mode four-wheel drive.

We really like the six airbags that come as standard equipment and improve what would have been under par side impact results. Included are a driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbags supplemental restraint system (SRS), an advanced dual-stage front airbag SRS, advanced weight-sensing front passenger airbag SRS, and front and rear side-curtain airbags. Suzuki receives a pat on the back for this equipment being standard fare.

For those who don’t need 4WD, Grand Vitara starts at $18,999 with a five-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, and you’ll still receive all the standard features.

Important numbers include a wheelbase of 103.9 inches, 7.9-inches of ground clearance, 17.4-gallon fuel tank, 3,683-pound curb weight and a 36-foot turning circle. Perhaps the “best number” of all is the “out the door” price, fully loaded with no destination charge, that includes Suzuki’s favorable 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

In summary, we give Grand Vitara a deserved 8.5 on a scale of 1 to 10, and recommend the vehicle in the smaller SUV class.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.