Ride & Handling
The Grand Vitara has independent front and rear suspensions, which remains the exception among offroad vehicles, but I didn't find the ride particularly carlike. The firmness is more like a conventional truck's, and both I and some of my colleagues rate it on the low end of compact-SUV comfort. My test car had the standard 16-inch wheels and thus taller tire sidewalls, so it's possible the optional 17-inch wheels and lower-series tires (standard on the Luxury trim level) would be firmer still.
In terms of handling, the Grand Vitara feels reasonably grounded for an off-roader, but it's not sporty. The suspension allows for some sideways hop when cornering on rough pavement. At 36 feet, the turning diameter is decent, especially compared to the Honda CR-V, which needs almost 2 feet more, even with front-wheel drive. That said, the Grand Vitara's driveline noticeably binds when you turn with the steering wheel turned all the way. Not to say it's damaging itself, but it doesn't feel right.
See also:
Heated Rear Window and Heated Outside Rearview Mirrors (if equipped) Switch
Type 1
Type 2
When the rear window is misted, push this
switch (1) to clear the window.
If the driver’s outside rearview mirror has
the mark (2), it is also equipped with the
heated outs ...
Door Locks
WARNING:
Always lock all doors when driving.
Locking the doors helps to prevent
occupants from being thrown from
the vehicle in the event of an accident.
It also helps prevent unintended
op ...
2009 Suzuki Equator review By G. Chambers Williams III
The obvious question is why Suzuki added a midsize pickup for 2009 when
trucks are losing favor.
"Why not?" responds an unapologetic Gene Brown, Suzuki's vice president of
marketing.
...