Going & Stopping
For a V-6 with paltry mileage, the Grand Vitara's acceleration is merely adequate. Our friends at MotorWeek clocked a comparably equipped 4WD Grand Vitara automatic's 0-60 mph time at 9.0 seconds. Rear-wheel drive or a manual transmission (or both) would make for quicker sprints. Though a four-cylinder has been rumored for the 2009 model year, pokier acceleration is practically guaranteed. A stronger V-6 has also been rumored, but we can't guess how that would affect mileage; it could well improve despite a power increase.
The antilock brakes have front discs and rear drums. Another disappointment, drum rear brakes are technically inferior and on their way out, though the Escape is another holdout. It's the result that counts more than the formula, though, and unfortunately MotorWeek cites a 60-0 mph stopping distance of 135 feet, which is a bit long.
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Under the Hood
Engine and transmission configurations include:
152-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder, aluminum block/cylinder head,
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Towing Your Vehicle (recreational towing)
Your vehicle may be towed behind another
vehicle (such as a motorhome), provided
you use the proper towing method specified
for your vehicle. The towing method
you must use depends on the specific ...
A True Off-Roader?
Even though the spare tire isn't strapped to the undercarriage, the departure
angle isn't great: 26 degrees. The offroad-capable Jeep Patriot's measures 32
degrees, and even the Escape — which m ...