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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara

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Overview

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2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 5.0

*Important Note: Please be aware that Suzuki has filed for bankruptcy protection and is shutting down its car business in the U.S.

The 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara can get lost in the compact SUV segment. Competitors such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 sell in droves, while Suzuki's lone SUV is often missed. Though given a mild facelift this year, the GV still relies on a rather dated powertrain and can struggle to compete in this hot segment of the market. Yet the GV is not without its merits. Its starting price below $21,000 makes it one of the most affordable of the few compact SUVs that are genuinely capable off-road. And the 4-Mode 4WD system on the Limited model is especially good with low-range gearing that helps it in the rough and a flat-towing mode that's perfect for RV owners.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want a small and affordable SUV that's rear-wheel drive (RWD), or one that offers low-range gearing in 4-wheel drive (4WD) for better off-road capability, the Grand Vitara could be it.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Realistically, the Grand Vitara lacks the power, fuel economy, sophistication and dealer-network support of competitors such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape. And if serious off-roading is your thing, a Jeep Liberty or Nissan Xterra might suit you better.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

5.0
Driving Dynamics

4.7
Comfort & Convenience

5.7
Design: Interior & Exterior

4.5
Value

5.7
Safety

7.8

How It Ranks

#8

out of 8

MPG

#3

out of 8

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

8.1 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

For 2013, the Suzuki Grand Vitara gets a modest facelift, with a new grille and fascia, as well as some new interior materials and colors. The navigation and infotainment system also gets some upgrades.

Driving the Grand Vitara

2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Suzuki's Grand Vitara is a suitable partner for short commutes or longer journeys, especially if off-pavement excursions are involved. The GV's unusual integrated unit body with reinforcing ladder frame creates...

a rigid platform, and its 4-wheel independent suspension feels well-controlled. Athletic it's not, and with only one engine option good for just 166 horsepower, it's near the bottom of its class in terms of sheer power output. The GV does have precise steering and a relatively tight turning radius of 36 feet, which means better access to parking spaces and fewer 3-point turns. One of the Grand Vitara's high points is the 4-mode 4-wheel-drive system in top-of-the-line Limited model – it makes the little SUV surprisingly adept at rolling through snow, mud and rocks.

Favorite Features

4-MODE FULL-TIME 4WD
Available only on the high-line Limited version of the Grand Vitara, this system stands out among the current crop of small SUVs and "soft-roaders" because it has low-range gearing in the transfer case – something usually reserved for serious-duty off-road vehicles.

NAVIGATION SYSTEM
Every trim level of the Grand Vitara comes with an integrated touch-screen navigation system that also relays traffic information, gas prices, flight times and other useful, up-to-the-minute information.

2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara Details

2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2013 Grand Vitara has a pleasant, functional interior that can seat up to five in its two rows. The cabin design is not overly exciting, but neither is it complicated. Cloth seating is standard, with leather available in Limited versions. Hard plastic remains, but gauges and dials are easy to read and the large rotary controls for the audio and climate systems are easy to manage, even with gloves on. Fold-and-tumble rear seats help create plenty of space for cargo or large, awkward items.

Exterior

Suzuki's 2013 Grand Vitara has traditional SUV looks: Boxy, confident and exuding strength. It has some sharp angles – especially in the new front end – that stand in contrast to the curvy looks common on many other small SUVs. The vehicle features 7.4 inches of ground clearance, giving it a purposeful look as well as real off-pavement capability. An old-fashioned swing-out rear door can make loading cargo a hassle if parked on the curb in a tight space. Sixteen-inch steel wheels are standard on the base model, with 16-inch aluminum-alloys on the Premium trim, and 18-inch alloys on the Limited.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The biggest surprise about the 2013 Grand Vitara is that even base models come with an upgraded touch-screen navigation system that is an asset for not just finding the best route to your destination, but for obtaining movie times, the weather forecast and more. All GVs also come with automatic climate control, automatic headlights, keyless entry and 4-speaker AM/FM/CD/satellite radio.

Optional Equipment

Most options for the Grand Vitara are bundled with trim levels. Premium trim models add cruise control, Bluetooth and available full-time 4-wheel drive. Top-of-the-line Limited Grand Vitaras have a power sunroof, leather seats, a premium 7-speaker audio system with subwoofer, and 18-inch wheels. Limited models are the only versions available with the excellent 4-mode 4-wheel-drive system.

Under the Hood

Since dropping the V6 option after the 2010 model year, the Grand Vitara offers a single engine choice: a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with 166 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Though adequate for a vehicle of this size and weight, there is no escaping the fact the Grand Vitara's engine and 4-speed automatic transmission are only barely competitive in the class. Base models are linked to a 5-speed manual transmission (and RWD only), earning a respectable 26 mpg on the highway. Two 4-wheel-drive systems are used, a conventional full-time version on the Premium trim level and the more capable and sophisticated 4-Mode 4WD, with low-range gearing, on the Limited.

2.4-liter inline-4
166 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
162 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/26 mpg (manual, RWD), 19/25 mpg (automatic, RWD), 19/23 mpg (automatic, 4WD)

Pricing Notes

A base 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara with rear-wheel drive and manual transmission starts at $20,799. A Premium model in RWD (automatic only) runs $23,199, and a Limited, $25,299. Specifying 4-wheel drive adds about $1,500. A top-of-the-line Limited model with 4WD and a good selection of accessories can push $30,000. At these prices the Grand Vitara is competitive, but not the screaming deal it used to be. The base Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-5, for a couple of examples, are only about $1,000 more, while the ever-popular and better-equipped Honda CR-V starts just over $23,000, as does the Toyota RAV4. Be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what buyers in your area are paying for the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Down the road, the Grand Vitara's resale value will be among the lowest in this segment, a reality that's made worse by Suzuki's U.S. bankruptcy and the fact that the company has decided to stop selling cars in the States.

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2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.1

Out of 10

Based on 184 Ratings for the 2006 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.4/10

Quality

8.4/10
Reliability

8.7/10

Performance

8.3/10
Comfort

8.5/10

Styling

8.7/10

Great SUV for the price

By suzukiluv (PA) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,100

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Standard features and comfort"

Cons: "gas mileage."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"We have had our 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara for a few months now. No regrets buying it. Yes the gas mileage could be better we are getting a combined hyw/city of 19.8 It does not seem as sluggish as people have described. The list of standard features is incredible. So far I would buy another one but will not be able to now."

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Great SUV for the price

By suzukiluv (PA) on Wednesday, May 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,100

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Standard features and comfort"

Cons: "gas mileage."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

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Very disappointed

By Brs (PA) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,300

10 2.0

overall rating 2 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 2/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 4/10
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Sale price, nav, touchscreen radio"

Cons: "Everything else"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"2013-GV Worst gas mileage ever, average 20.5 on highway. Dash rattles, cd got stuck first day, gas lid doesn't open ( have to pry it while another person holds the gas popper). RIdes real rough, notice every single crack you hit."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Very Nice SUV

By sunshine (CA) on Sunday, April 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 46,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I bought the suv brand new and the only problem i have ever had and it is still ongoing is the Brakes,they keeps going out of alignment. The seats are the best you can drive for miles with no backache."

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my second new suzuki. best ever.

By twolane (OR) on Tuesday, April 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Had a 2008 SX4 Touring, 50,000 miles, zero problems. Traded in on the 2012 Grand Vitara Limited. Last Limited on the west coast before Suzuki pulled out of the market. Has much more content for the price than any other SUV. Is a billy goat off-road just like the SX4. I needed a little larger vehicle for my new job, so I went with the Grand Viagra over the SX4.Like the fact that most of the interior controls are the same as the SX4. Suzuki is like Mercedes in that, when something works, they don't change it. mechanically, for the price ($20,000), has all the accident avoidance and real 4WD that costs extra on the rest in this catagory. Styling is much better, tight lines, no overhang, built to be an SUV. 4 banger has plenty of power, decent mileage, 20.3 mostly city so far. GPS is removeable, custom made by Garmin for this car. even has my exact car and color for the 3d!. love the voice command and traffic alert function. easy upload from Garmin. heated seats and keyless start are great in cold weather with gloves on. carried 5 sets of clubs the other day and only used 1/3 of the back with folded rear seat."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Best ever!

By happy driver (MN) on Tuesday, March 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 99,700

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, Love the features for the price!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have driven this car for about just about 80,000 miles and have had no major problems! Just the typical car maintenance. This car can take on the MN weather with no worries with its AWD. I love the interior, you get the feel of an expensive SUV for less cha-ching. I feel you get your bang for your buck on this one! I Highly recomend this vehicle!!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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See all 184 reviews