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.
Cup Holder and Storage Area (if equipped)
Cup holders are provided in the center
console.
WARNING:
Do not use the cup holder or the storage
bin to hold cups containing hot
liquids or sharp-edged, hard or
breakable objects. Obje ...
Armrest
Center Console Armrest
CAUTION:
To avoid damage to the armrest, do
not lean on it or allow a child to sit on
it. ...
Instrument Cluster
Instrument Cluster
1. Speedometer
2. Odometer/Tripmeter
3. Odometer/Tripmeter selector and meter illumination cancel knob
4. Tachometer
5. Fuel gauge
6. Temperature gauge
7. Warning and indic ...