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.
Automatic Transaxle Fluid
Specified Fluid
Use an automatic transaxle fluid equivalent
to DEXRON®-III.
Fluid Level Check
CAUTION:
Driving with too much or too little
fluid can damage the transaxle.
You must check the fl ...
Warranties
The warranties covering your vehicle are
explained in a separate New Vehicle Warranty
Information booklet given to you at
the time of sale. Please read this booklet
carefully so you can understand ...
EXTERIOR
I have to confess to being a little reluctant to drive this car to a first
date. Not that I really care what a stranger thinks about the car I drive, but
I'm more concerned with how the car I driv ...