If you've been shopping around and test-driving small crossovers, you're probably already familiar with the firm ride many of them offer. There are only a handful of models in the segment, like the Jeep Patriot and Ford Escape, that place much emphasis on ride comfort, and the Grand Vitara can be classified with the majority of its competitors; its suspension tuning is on the firm side.
However, for a crossover that offers as much off-road capability as the Grand Vitara, the ride isn't as bumpy as expected. Rather, it approximates the ride of models like the Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue — three models that don't offer as much off-road capability. Certain road surfaces, like concrete highways, can make the Grand Vitara start jittering around a little, but for the most part the ride stays composed. The suspension does a nice job managing rebound over bigger dips in the road.
The steering tuning is a high point. The steering wheel has just the right amount of assistance at low speeds to make parking-lot maneuvers easy, while still delivering a solid feel on the highway. The steering is also responsive, which gives the Grand Vitara a degree of nimbleness.
Identification Numbers
Vehicle Identification Number
Vehicle Identification Number
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
may be found in the two locations shown in
the above illustrations. This number is
used to ...
Cigarette Lighter and Ashtray
Cigarette Lighter (if equipped)
To use the cigarette lighter, push it all the
way into the receptacle and release it. It
will automatically heat up and will pop out
to its normal position when i ...
Off-Road
We drove an RMZ-4 Equator around several trails at Knibbe Ranch, about 55
miles north of San Antonio. The ranch, consisting of 2,000 acres of Texas hill
country, is mostly covered with scrub oak a ...