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Walk Around

Since it's a compact SUV, the Suzuki Grand Vitara isn't all that grand in scale, but it's more space efficient than a lot of utility and crossover vehicles. Short overhangs, fairly straight and vertical sides and cargo door, and excellent outward visibility designed for trail use are equally welcome in urban environs.

The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara is an inch longer than its predecessor.

Head-on, the Grand Vitara's styling is reminiscent of a Saab, with horizontal headlamp elements that appear inset and protected, clean lines and a wraparound clamshell hood that has no bodywork seams on top where they could be seen by occupants. The line that forms the hood opening sweeps upward and carries all the way to the back door, creating a smooth character line.

Although the top window line slopes downward in opposition to the character line, neither is aggressive and the back-seat side windows are still quite large, as opposed to the tiny angular glass on some similar vehicles. Wheels are simple spoked arrangements that don't pack in snow or mud, fender flares keep them trimmed without adding excessive width, and privacy glass is used on upper trim levels.

From a lower vantage point you will also notice that approach and departure angles, which indicate how steep an object or incline you can tackle without body contact, are both very good. Perhaps even more important, departure angle is almost the same as approach, so if you get the front over there's a good chance the back will go over clean as well. Urban dwellers with high curbs will appreciate this because of U-turn ability.

An Appearance package that adds side steps and textured fender flares is offered for XSport models, but we submit since the Grand Vitara doesn't tower over you that no step is needed, and that a few rock scrapes or hunks of mud will far better provide the appearance that you use your 4WD.

From the rear the Grand Vitara takes styling cues from its big brother, the Suzuki XL7, and squares it off to promote more cargo area, easier loading, and less snow-scraping off the rear glass. The Grand Vitara slightly resembles the Toyota RAV4 but comes across as more purpose-styled. Placing the rear tire low on the cargo door doesn't interfere with rear visibility, frees space inside and means you won't have to lie on the muddy, wet or snow-covered ground to reach the spare nor load the dead dirty tire in the cargo area.

In back, the license plate holder that hangs down will be the first thing scraped on trail adventures but it is expendable and won't keep you from driving home.

The Grand Vitara is not based on a front-wheel-drive car like most small SUVs, and has a hybrid unibody with a ladder frame like a truck underneath it. This adds a bit of weight but the payoffs in strength are worth it for serious use; we parked one on two opposite wheels with the remaining two hanging in mid-air and could still open and close the doors and cargo door with normal effort.

Interior

2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara cabin puts to rest any notion that small equals penalty box. There is nothing ground-breaking in style or features but the logic and execution are first-rate, the materials fully appropriate and cheap to neither eye nor touch.

It's as easy to get in and out of the Grand Vitara as it is with most big cars and many drivers will appreciate that they can almost slide in rather than sit down and later have to climb out. Seats are nicely shaped to allow freedom of movement and supportive enough to empty the fuel tank. While appearance and materials vary by model, the entry-level model offers the same layout, usability, and safety features of the top-line model. Interior materials are upgraded as the price increases, and the Limited comes with leather seats. Regardless of fabric, the center and door armrests are nicely padded.

A three-spoke tilt wheel offers illuminated redundant controls on all but the base model and frames the three-pod instruments; tachometer, speed, and temperature/fuel/gear display on every model. Often-used operating controls are stalk mounted and easy to use. The shifter, gated on automatics, and handbrake are both well-placed.

Outboard dash vents are omni-directional, with conventional horizontal vents at the top of the central dash area. The audio system and climate control run down the panel, and the only potential issue is display visibility with polarized sunglasses. Door pockets, center console storage and a smaller one overhead, glovebox, and smaller bins handle miscellany.

Rear-seat passengers will find more than adequate leg and headroom, even with a sunroof, although some car-based truck-lets have a bit more room. Sheer width dictates that three-across should be youngsters or petite people but the fairly flat cushion and three full-size headrests equalize comfort among them. The rear seat splits with the narrow side behind the driver, and both sides recline independently.

The cargo load floor is not very high thanks to the rear suspension and with the tire outside there is a sizable open bin underneath it. Volume is decent given the compact exterior dimensions and shaped more upright than laid out flat. Various nets and clips help secure items, and the rear seats fold easily to increase volume by a factor of 2.8.

The back door swings open to the right, so you will have to step around it when loading and unloading curbside at the airport or in the big city. (This is in deference to the more crowded Japanese home market.) However, you will never scrape it on a low ceiling as you might a hatch nor have to jump up to reach the pull strap. Adding a piece of non-skid material, clear cover, or scuff plate to the top of the bumper would protect the paint from loading scars.

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