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2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara Quality Review

July 13, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the cabin is a smart blend of hard plastic surfaces and padded panels
ConsumerGuide

city driving feels smoother and more carlike
Edmunds

far louder at idle than any other engine
Car and Driver

seats feel like airliner surplus
Motor Trend

The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara feels smaller but better finished than many rivals.

Kelley Blue Book says "comfortable front seats provide good lateral support while the seatbacks of the 60/40-split rear bench offer adjustable reclining and room for two six-foot adults or three kids." ConsumerGuide reports that Suzuki 2009 "leather-upholstered seats have an overly firm cushion and insufficient lumbar support," adding that "cloth seats are softer but also need more lumbar support."

Edmunds contends that Suzuki Grand Vitara "interior storage compartments are lacking...luggage capacity is a meager 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up." According to ConsumerGuide, "space is good behind the rear seat.” Cars.com observes that "modest cargo space behind the rear seat can be expanded from 23.4 to 50.2 cubic feet by folding down the split rear seat."

Motor Trend says the "fit and finish is solid, with no squeaks, rattles, or untoward panel gaps," but "the seats feel like airliner surplus in comfort and material quality" on the Suzuki Grand Vitara.

ConsumerGuide notes "moderate road, bump, and wind noise," which "increases markedly above 65 mph." Car and Driver comments that the Suzuki 2009 engine is "far louder at idle than any other engine here.” However, ride quality stands as a positive. Edmunds reports that "city driving feels smoother and more carlike compared to other body-on-frame truck-based SUVs.”

Conclusion

Fit and finish earn kudos for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara, but the lack of refinement leaves a lot to be desired.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:the cabin is a smart blend of hard plastic surfaces and padded panelsConsumerGuidecity driving feels smoother and more carlikeEdmundsfar louder at idle than any other engineCar and Driverseats feel like airliner surplusMotor Trend The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara feels smaller but better finished than many rivals. Kelley Blue Book says "comfortable front seats provide good lateral support while the seatbacks of the 60/40-split rear bench offer adjustable reclining and room for two six-foot adults or three kids." ConsumerGuide reports that Suzuki 2009 "leather-upholstered seats have an overly firm cushion and insufficient lumbar support," adding that "cloth seats are softer but also need more lumbar support." Edmunds contends that Suzuki Grand Vitara "interior storage compartments are lacking...luggage capacity is a meager 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up." According to ConsumerGuide, "space is good behind the rear seat.” Cars.com observes that "modest cargo space behind the rear seat can be expanded from 23.4 to 50.2 cubic feet by folding down the split rear seat." Motor Trend says the "fit and finish is solid, with no squeaks, rattles, or untoward panel gaps," but "the seats feel like airliner surplus in comfort and material quality" on the Suzuki Grand Vitara. ConsumerGuide notes "moderate road, bump, and wind noise," which "increases markedly above 65 mph." Car and Driver comments that the Suzuki 2009 engine is "far louder at idle than any other engine here.” However, ride quality stands as a positive. Edmunds reports that "city driving feels smoother and more carlike compared to other body-on-frame truck-based SUVs.” ConclusionFit and finish earn kudos for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara, but the lack of refinement leaves a lot to be desired. 2009 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA STYLING | [6 out of 10] MyRide.com: "clean, hard lines that appeal to those who want refined, mainstream styling" MotherProof: "rear of the cabin proved to be very basic" Edmunds: "flowing lines abound" Motor Trend: "arguably the best looking car in its class" ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

For the price of a similarly equipped four-cylinder compact SUV, the Grand Vitara offers a V-6. But the Jeep Liberty is a the better choice for demanding off-roading or towing, while the RAV4, with its especially useful third-row seat, is a top pick for those who plan to stay mostly on-road. The Liberty's interior is quite cramped, though. The Sportage, RAV4, and Escape all benefit from carlike handling to bring more security to curvy roads, but none of these models are very proficient in towing. Then there's the Grand Vitara's cumbersome spare tire on the back hatch, which handicaps cargo loading (and visibility, slightly); the RAV4 also follows this silly arrangement. Value for money is a real selling point for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara.

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See the Suzuki Grand Vitara in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999

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