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.
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 ...
Overview
Recognized by AutoPacific as the "ideal" compact SUV/off-road vehicle, Suzuki
Grand Vitara surpasses other SUVs in its size and price category in balancing
off-road capability with the v ...
Rear Window Defroster and Outside Rearview Mirrors Defroster (if equipped)
Switch
Rear Window Defroster and Outside Rearview Mirrors Defroster (if equipped)
Switch
When the rear window is fogged, push this
switch to clear the window.
If the outside rearview mirror has the ...