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 makes no claim of offroad chops — has a 28 degree departure angle. The Grand Vitara's approach and breakover angles are similarly competitive but not exceptional.
It doesn't help that the Grand Vitara's ground clearance is listed as 7.4 inches. A true offroader has to provide better clearance. This is roughly what you get in the CR-V and RAV4; the Escape rides 8.4 inches off the ground and the Patriot starts at 8 inches and grows to 9 inches of clearance with the Freedom Drive II package.
The Grand Vitara's ostensible advantage over the others — excepting rock-crawling stalwarts like the Wrangler and Liberty — is its dual-range transfer case (the Patriot's atypical lowest CVT gear ratio is an effective alternative, but it's not a true separate low gear). The optional driveline is technically a permanent four-wheel-drive system, which means it's always activated and can't be switched to a rear-drive mode, even though it's based on rear-wheel drive. In normal driving, traction is aided by a standard electronic stability system and its four-wheel traction control. A dashboard knob offers 4H (4WD high) and 4H Lock, which locks the center differential. The low range is labeled 4L Lock. There's also an N (neutral) setting that lets you tow the Grand Vitara four-wheels-down behind, say, a motorhome.
2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara review By Steven Cole Smith
The market for small sport utility vehicles is among the toughest in the
automotive world: So many good products, but only so many buyers. What's a
little manufacturer like Suzuki to do?
Offer g ...
Spark Plugs
Spark Plugs
65D180
You should inspect spark plugs periodically
for carbon deposits. When carbon accumulates
on a spark plug, a strong spark
may not be produced. Remove carbon
deposits with a w ...
Sunroof (if equipped)
You can tilt or slide the sunroof by operating
the “TILT” part of the sunroof switch or
the “SLIDE” part of the sunroof switch
when the ignition switch is in the “ON”
position.
There ...