SUZUKI GRAND VITARA 4X4 REVIEW

For The Grand Vitara is cheaper than many rivals, looks the part and possesses genuine off-road ability. All versions steer and handle well, and the cabin is solid and spacious.

Against The ride is too firm and there's too much engine noise. The petrol engines are weak, the gearshift is heavy and the Grand Vitara is comparatively expensive to run.

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

It's cheap, stylish and handles well, but is let down by below-par ride, refinement and performance.

Reader review rating

3.578947

The Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 full review Read in full

Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Petrols are weak; the diesel is adequate
Ride & Handling
2 out of 5 stars
Sharp handling, but a harsh ride
Refinement
2 out of 5 stars
Engine and wind noise are issues
Buying & Owning
2 out of 5 stars
Keen prices, but high running costs
Quality & Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Feels well built; solid cabin
Safety & Security
3 out of 5 stars
Stability control comes as standard
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Straightforward dash, good seats
Space & Practicality
3 out of 5 stars
Roomy, but not as versatile as some
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
Decent kit for the money

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There are 8 Suzuki Grand Vitara versions available

Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 1.6 SZ3 3dr	£15,995	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 1.6 SZ4 3dr	£16,670	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 2.4 SZ3 3dr	£16,685	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 2.4 SZ4 3dr	£17,310	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 2.4 SZ4 5dr	£19,270	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 2.4 SZ5 5dr	£20,950	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 1.9 DDiS SZ-T 5dr	£22,315	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 1.9 DDiS SZ5 5dr	£23,265	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5

Suzuki Grand Vitara 4x4 1.9 DDiS SZ5 5dr

This is our favourite engine in the range, but it's a shame it's only available with this expensive trim.

What Car? says:2 stars out of 5

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The Grand Vitara’s biggest advantage over rivals in the competitive compact 4x4 segment is that it can actually go off-road.

It certainly looks the part, too, with edgy styling and high ground clearance.

Three powertrains are available and include one diesel and a 2.4-litre petrol. None of them can claim dashing performance, but the 2.4 is gutsy and the 1.9-litre diesel offers plenty of pulling power.

The suspension is firmly sprung, which prevents body roll in bends. Unfortunately this also makes for an uncomfortably hard ride which only gets worse in the three-door.

The interior is functional rather than plush, but it is spacious and stylish and the materials have a hard-wearing feel about them.

Keep an eye out for 0% finance offers that Suzuki have on the Grand Vitara from time to time.