2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Optional 4-Mode Full-Time Four-Wheel-Drive
The Grand Vitara's versatile 4-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system features a locking differential with 4HI, 4HI and 4LO lock modes and incorporates a locking center differential to help tame everything from slick pavement to rocky trails. It also has a convenient "neutral" setting that permits easy flat-towing, such as behind a motor home.

Available SmartPass Keyless Entry System
A feature normally found on more expensive vehicles, the available SmartPass system lets you leave the key/transmitter in your pocket or purse and lock and unlock the Grand Vitara by pushing a button on the door handle and start or stop the engine by turning a switch on the steering column.

The Grand Vitara's tastefully designed cabin complements hard-plastic trim elements with numerous soft-touch surfaces. Cloth upholstery and silver plastic accents on the base, Premium and XSport are replaced by leather and faux wood in the Luxury model. All boast legible instruments, logical control layouts and three 12-volt power points. The comfortable front seats provide good lateral support while the seatbacks of the 60/40-split rear bench offer adjustable reclining and room for two six-foot adults or three kids. Flipping and tumbling both sides to their forward position increases cargo capacity from 24.4 cubic feet to 68.9 cubic feet (marginally less with the optional sunroof).

The Grand Vitara applies traditional SUV styling cues to a scaled-down package with just the right rounding of contours to yield a clean and contemporary appearance. Up front, its black mesh grille and lower front air-intake inserts are punctuated by a prominent chrome Suzuki logo, while the large right-hinged rear tailgate mounts a full-size spare tire in an available lockable hard-shell case. A large upright glass area ensures good driver sightlines, and well-sized doors, plus a big swinging tailgate to simplify loading of people and cargo. Purposefully bulged fenders house 225/70 all-season tires fitted to 16-inch steel wheels on the base model and aluminum rims on the XSport, while the top-line Luxury model has 225/65 tires on larger 17-inch alloys.

A new 2.4-liter four cylinder is added to the lineup, offering improved fuel economy and a lower base price. The 2.4-liter produces 166 horsepower and earns an impressive 26 miles per gallon highway when teamed with the standard five-speed manual transmission. The XSport and Luxury models are powered by an all-new 3.2-liter V6 engine that makes 230 horsepower, an increase of 45 additional horsepower over last year's 2.7-liter V6. Despite the increase in power, the new V6 delivers better fuel economy estimates in both city and highway driving. Both rear-drive and four-wheel drive models can tow up to a 3,000-pound trailer.

2.4-liter in-line 4
166 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
162 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 (RWD, manual), 19/25 (RWD, automatic), 19/25 (4WD, manual), 19/23 (4WD, automatic)

3.2-liter V6
230 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
213 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 (RWD), 17/23 (4WD)