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:

Maintenance Schedule
The following table shows the times when you should perform regular maintenance on your vehicle. This table shows in miles, kilometers and months when you should perform inspections, adjustments, ...

Location of Warning Messages
Read and follow all of the warnings (labels etc.) on your vehicle. Make sure you understand all of them. Keep them on the vehicle. Do not remove the messages for any reason. If a label comes off o ...

Periodic Maintenance Schedule
R: Replace or change I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessary R: Replace or change I : Inspect, clean, adjust, lubricate or replace as necessary #1: Inspect at 250000 km ( ...

Copyright © www.suzuguide.com