A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
3.9
Running Costs
3.6
Practicality
4.4
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a rugged mid size SUV that combines traditional off road capability with modern practicality. This generation model offers genuine four wheel drive credentials alongside comfortable on road manners and spacious family accommodation. The Grand Vitara appeals to drivers who want adventure ready capability without sacrificing everyday usability. Built with Suzuki’s renowned reliability, it delivers solid build quality and straightforward engineering that many rivals can’t match. While competitors like the Nissan X-Trail or Honda CR-V focus more on road comfort, the Grand Vitara maintains its authentic SUV character. The generous interior space and elevated driving position make it ideal for families seeking both practicality and weekend adventure potential. Whether you’re tackling school runs or heading off the beaten track, the Grand Vitara offers dependable performance with competitive running costs in the competitive SUV segment.
How Does the Suzuki Grand Vitara Drive?
The Suzuki Grand Vitara offers a range of engines designed for versatility rather than outright performance. The most common is the 2.0-litre petrol engine producing around 140 horsepower, which provides adequate power for most situations. It feels responsive around town and has enough grunt for confident motorway cruising. The 2.4-litre petrol version offers more punch with 166 horsepower, making overtaking and hill climbing more effortless.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L 4-cylinder / 2.4L 4-cylinder
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Power Output
140 - 166 bhp
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0-60 mph
10.2 - 9.1 seconds
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MPG Combined
32 - 38 mpg
- Boot Space
- 398 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★☆ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Suzuki Grand Vitara: Comfort & Features
Open the Grand Vitara’s doors and you’ll find a cabin that prioritizes function over form. The dashboard design is straightforward and user-friendly, with all major controls falling easily to hand. The materials used are hard-wearing rather than luxurious, but they feel like they’ll withstand years of family use without showing excessive wear. The seats are supportive and comfortable, offering good visibility thanks to the SUV’s upright driving position.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a rugged mid-size SUV blending off-road ruggedness with modern practicality
Is the Suzuki Grand Vitara Expensive to Run?
As a practical family SUV, the Grand Vitara offers reasonable running costs for its size and capability. The petrol engines return decent fuel economy, with real-world consumption typically falling between 32-38 MPG depending on your driving style and engine choice. This means fuel costs remain manageable for a vehicle of this type. Insurance groups are moderate, reflecting the car’s sensible nature and strong safety record.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
Suzuki Grand Vitara Practicality & Boot Space
For families seeking genuine SUV versatility, the Grand Vitara delivers impressive practicality. The 398-litre boot is a decent size for the class, easily accommodating weekly shopping or holiday luggage for four people. The rear seats fold down to create a much larger cargo area when you need to transport bulky items. The wide tailgate opening makes loading heavy or awkward items straightforward.
We’ve had our Grand Vitara for five years and it’s been absolutely bulletproof. The four-wheel drive has got us through some terrible weather, and it’s never let us down. The interior isn’t fancy but it’s practical and everything still works perfectly.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara stands out in the competitive SUV market by offering genuine capability at an accessible price. It combines Suzuki’s reputation for reliability with practical design and versatile four-wheel drive performance. While it may not have the style or refinement of more expensive rivals, it excels in the areas that matter most for families.