Day-by-Day Review: 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

By James Bergeron

Photo Gallery:
2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

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Public relations people can be quite the bunch. They are typically very nice, can help get you any information you require on a product or get you in contact with someone who can — but I wasn’t expecting this. Suzuki somehow has enough pull in their PR department to ensure I am able to test the new 2009 Grand Vitara’s four wheel drive capabilities by dumping 15cm of snow on the city!

Okay, obviously I am joking (about the PR pull, not the snow), but I am glad that I do have a capable four-wheel drive machine this week with the weather turning for the worst, and me with my fingers crossed that we do not get another winter like last year.

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This week, I am once again behind the wheel of a Suzuki Grand Vitara. I say once again because it was but a few months ago that I drove the outgoing, 2008 edition. This is both good and not-so-good as I see it — it is great because I still vaguely remember the 2008 Vitara and its driving characteristics, and not-so-great because it is difficult to review the same vehicle again so soon.

The last Grand Vitara I reviewed (2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara) was also a JLX model with automatic transmission. This tester, though, is the JLX-L model, with that extra “L” designating that leather is included.

Not a great deal has changed from 2008 to 2009, but there is one very significant difference, with a move away from the standard 2.7-litre V6 engine across the board to 2.4-litre I4 or 3.2L V6 engine choices. With this comes a new pricing structure as well, leaving me with a tester only $400 more than the 2008 model I tested but adding leather seating and door panels to spice it up.

2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara I4 JLX-L
MSRP as tested (including destination): $31,545

For more information on Suzuki and the Grand Vitara visit Suzuki Canada

Day 2:

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Sometimes people use the wrong words — have you ever had someone tell you they were doing something irregardless of what you tell them? Did that bother you? Did you know that irregardless isn’t even really a word? You should use regardless — no need for the double negative here. But I dissect, err, digress.

I think Suzuki used the wrong words in their press release for the 2009 Grand Vitara. The NEW 2009 Grand Vitara has a different set of engine options, some updates on the interior and apparently — although I can’t see the difference — a different front grille and bumper.

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But the press release states, and I quote, “Suzuki Canada introduces the all-new 2009 Grand Vitara …” All-new? Doesn’t “all” mean “everything?” According to my dictionary it does. Usually, I let this slide, as I see this a lot. Heck, even when a new model is designed from the ground up, I’m sure some parts are reused from the previous model. But the 2009 Grand Vitara is really just a slight upgrade from the 2008 model.

Not to take away from the changes, though. The 2009 Grand Vitara has some silver trim on the door panels and around the dash area, which really brightens up the interior and freshen the look. The faux marble-look material on the centre console also gives it a classier look.

The newly-added extendable sun visors and sliding armrest help reduce fatigue on long trips; personally, I really love the sliding armrest. Also on the inside, an eight-speaker premium sound system (JLX models) with speed-sensing volume control and a centre-mounted speaker has been added.

The interior of the Grand Vitara really is a nice place to be and probably one of the best-in-class interiors as far as aesthetics and design go.

Day 3:

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Semantics aside for today, the new 2009 Grand Vitara is a better vehicle than the previous generation without a doubt, and I’ll tell you why: Of course, there is this new 2.4-litre engine that outputs nearly as much power as the outgoing 2.7-litre six. At 166 horsepower, it makes only 19 fewer, and a 3.2-litre V6 is also available that produces 230hp.

I can’t comment on the new V6 engine, but I can on the new I4 engine my tester is equipped with. The old V6 sounded rough, unrefined and what I would describe as “truck-like.” It also made the Grand Vitara sound mechanical, while the new I4 is smooth, quiet and feels nearly as powerful as the old motor.

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The grumbly sounds of the differential, engine and transmission are now gone from the Grand Vitara, providing a very comfortable and relaxed ride both in the city and on the highway.

Driving behaviour has not changed much, providing a small SUV flavour with smooth handling on road, with off-road capabilities provided by the four-wheel drive system and ladder frame.

The only odd bit about driving the Grand Vitara has to do with the driver’s side-view mirror. There is something strange about the mirror that distorts the view as you move your head around. At first I thought it was my new glasses but it seems it is not.

With the colder temperatures the last few days, I cannot forget the seat heaters in the Grand Vitara. I’d give them five out of five stars but they only have two settings (on and off), but these have to be the strongest seat heaters I have ever used, giving my back side extreme warmth after only three kilometres of driving — excellent!

Day 4:

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Although it isn’t all-new, the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara does still offer good value in a neat package. Although admittedly very few compact utility vehicle buyers are looking for off-road prowess, if you are, the Grand Vitara delivers without punishing you on the road.

Gas mileage with the new I4 was disappointing. When I drove the 2008 V6 model, I averaged 11.1L/100km over the week, with the I4 I averaged 12.0L/100km. Of course there are a huge number of reasons why that number is larger (weather, traffic, driving behaviour, etc), but I do find it quite disconcerting that I did not even get close to the V6’s number, which I expected to surpass.

*Rating out of 5: