 2011 Grand Vitara | 2013 Grand Vitara  |
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Image credits: © Suzuki.
MSRP: $19,495-25,245
Invoice: $18,715-24,235
2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara news, pictures, and information | ||
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SUZUKI GRAND VITARA: SOPHISTICATED GOOD LOOKS AND RUGGED UTILITY
• Standard integrated navigation system makes Grand Vitara America's most affordable SÚV wîth this convenience.• Enhanced navigation system for 2011 uses latest Garmin 1600 series system and now includes standard info-suite of services, including real-time traffic*, weather forecast, movie time search, flight arrival/departure, lowest gas price and Google search.
• Grand Vitara arrives as the most off-road capable SÚV starting under $20,000.
• Grand Vitara offers a rare option wîth its available AWD for on-road, on-demand four-wheel traction typical of CÚVs – and available low-range 4WD gearing wîth differential lock for the ultimate off-road experience of an authentic SÚV.• With standard stability control incorporating traction control; six airbags; and a tire pressure monitoring system, the Grand Vitara makes every adventure safe.
BREA, Calif. – The Suzuki Grand Vitara continues to surprise and delight its owners – and prospective owners – wîth its balance of genuine off-road capability, on-road composure and day-in, day-out livability. The vehicle's surprising off-road performance is enabled by a reinforced-for-rear-wheel drive (RWD) unibody chassis having more in common wîth luxury SÚVs than the car-based 'soft roaders' more typically found at the Grand Vitara's price point. Key chassis features include a stiff structure, incorporating both a unit body and integral ladder frame; four-wheel independent suspension; and four-wheel disc brakes. With its unique combination of off-road credibility and on-road comfort, the Grand Vitara successfully bridges the transportation gap for weekday commuters and weekend adventurers.
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 2.4 L., 4-cylinder Power: 166 hp Torque: 162 ft-lbs | |
5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic | |
As wîth all retail 2011 Suzuki automobiles and light trucks, the Grand Vitara is backed by America's #1 Warranty: a 100,000-mile/seven-year, fully transferable, zero-deductible powertrain limited warranty.Performance and Functionality
Suzuki's 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 166 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque, delivering EPA fuel economy estimates of up to 19 mpg/city and 26 mpg/highway and using a zero-maintenance timing chain in place of a belt. The Grand Vitara's four-cylinder engine can be teamed to a standard five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)
To custom-tailor their adventure, consumers can choose among RWD models, Single-Mode four-wheel drive or 4-Mode full-time four-wheel drive; notably, Suzuki's 4-Mode is a traction system unlike anything else offered in the §egmènt. An electronic stability program is standard on all Grand Vitara models, along wîth a rollover sensor for the standard side curtain airbags. Enhancing the Grand Vitara's on- and off-road performance is a heavy-duty structure underpinned by ladder frame reinforcement. Bringing it all to a stop are standard four-wheel disc brakes.
The Grand Vitara's 4-Mode full time four-wheel drive offers the best of both worlds: an exceptionally capable off-road vehicle that remains civilized on the asphalt. There, drivers can leave the dash-mounted transfer case switch in 4H and the electronically controlled on-demand four-wheel-drive system will apply traction to the front wheels (only as needed), optimizing economy while maximizing traction. When traveling off-road, or for low-speed power and traction, drivers can turn the switch to high-range 4H Lock or low-range 4L Lock to engage the center differential lock. For RV owners, a Grand Vitara equipped wîth a manual transmission or wîth the 4-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system can also be flat-towed. Switching the transfer case control into the neutral position helps minimize driveline wear and prevent non-driving miles from accumulating on the odometer.
Built wîth History Behind It
The Suzuki Grand Vitara continues Suzuki's 40-plus year history of building compact, rugged SÚVs. The current Grand Vitara has proven its durability in some of the toughest markets around the world. Key to the Grand Vitara's go-anywhere capability is its unibody construction wîth integrated ladder frame, rugged RWD architecture and four-wheel independent suspension. Typically, only near-luxury and luxury SÚVs such as those from Mercedes and BMW offer this premium architecture combination. This type of construction yields the strength and capability sought in large SÚVs, while providing the balance, on-road agility and ride quality expected in a modern compact SÚV.
The Grand Vitara's available 4-Mode full-time four-wheel-drive system wîth two-speed transfer case also separates it from the 'tall wagons' in the §egmènt. This hardware, combined wîth its rugged body construction, steep approach and departure angles, and 7.9 inches of ground clearance (4WD models) enables the Grand Vitara to keep going when the pavement turns to trail. In addition, the Grand Vitara's 3,000-lb. towing capacity is double that of many car-based models and enough to haul light recreational trailers, boats, ATVs or motorcycles.Safety
Beyond offering a strong yet weight-optimized structure, the Grand Vitara's unibody wîth built-in ladder frame contributes to superior collision protection. In fact, the 2010 Grand Vitara earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS's) highest rating of 'good' for frontal crash protection. The reinforced cabin offers the added safety of head-impact protection padding and front and rear side-impact door beams.
Active safety technology in every Grand Vitara includes an anti-lock braking system wîth electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and stability control wîth traction control. The electronic stability program stability control helps ensure vehicle stability when cornering, during emergency maneuvers and when driving on slippery road surfaces. Taking input from a variety of sensors, stability control has the ability to apply individual brakes at each wheel and reduce engine torque to help the driver maintain the desired line of travel.
Standard passive safety features in every Grand Vitara include driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact airbag supplemental restraint systems (SRS); an advanced dual-stage front airbag SRS; an advanced weight-sensing front passenger classification system; and front and rear side-curtain airbags networked wîth a rollover sensor. The three-point driver and front passenger seat belts feature pretensioners and shoulder height adjustment. Each rear seating position is equipped wîth a three-point seatbelt and a headrest. Also provided is a rear child-seat LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) at rear outboard seating positions. The Grand Vitara's safety engineering also reflects Suzuki's attention to pedestrian safety. The front end and the bumper integrates energy-absorbing materials to help reduce the possibility of serious leg injuries if a pedestrian is struck. The hood also is designed to absorb some of the impact and help protect against serious head injuries. These active and passive safety features, in combination wîth other features such as daytime running lights and a tire pressure monitoring system, make Grand Vitara one of the best-equipped compact SÚVs wîth respect to safety.
The Look and Function of a Suzuki
To simplify and improve the driver experience, and consistent wîth Suzuki's philosophy of enabling people to travel light and live fully, Suzuki offers easy-to-use features that add useful, real-world functionality to each vehicle. The Grand Vitara demonstrates its Suzuki sensibility wîth its simple, uncluttered design. Form follows function, wîth styling that does not compromise visibility, as it does in many crossover-type SÚVs. Handsome good looks are also part of the mix, along wîth SÚV necessities, including roof rails and short overhangs to maximize approach and departure angles. Exterior mirrors, door handles and bumpers are all color keyed.
The compact exterior footprint belies a roomy, comfortable and versatile cabin to take people and cargo on daily trips or extraordinary voyages. The Grand Vitara offers comfortable seating for five, including reclining rear seats, and 24.4 cu.-ft. of storage space wîth the rear seats up. Cargo space expands to 68.9 cu.-ft. wîth the 60/40 split-folding seatbacks folded. High-quality materials and attention to fit and finish help make a driver accustomed to a premium SÚV feel at home. Controls are easy to reach and use, which anyone used to driving a large luxury SÚV will find refreshing.
2011 Grand Vitara Trim Levels and Packages
The 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara is offered in three trim levels: Base, Premium and Limited. The Base model is RWD only, but its list of standard equipment is far from basic and includes an integrated pop-up navigation system; air conditioning wîth automatic climate control and micron air filtration system; trip computer; power windows, mirrors and door locks; remote keyless entry; tilt §teering wheel; automatic on/off headlamps; four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3/XM Satellite Radio????3-compatible audio system and 16-inch steel wheels.
The Premium model adds a four-speed automatic transmission; cruise control; a leather-wrapped §teering wheel wîth illuminated audio and cruise control switches; privacy glass; a full-size spare tire cover; cargo cover; hands-free calling; Bluetooth hands-free communication; and heated exterior mirrors (when equipped wîth the optional Single-Mode four-wheel drive).
The top-of-the-line Limited builds on the Premium equipment and adds leather seating surfaces; heated front seats; black wood grain trim accents; and full-size spare tire cover (with steel spare). Also available on the Limited is Grand Vitara's four-mode 4WD featuring true off-road capability. In all Grand Vitara models, standard and optional audio systems are XM Satellite Radio-capable, and an accessory iPod????4 interface is available. A connected iPod works seamlessly through the radio or the §teering-wheel-integrated controls, wîth playlists and track information appearing on the audio display.Source - Suzuki
The Suzuki Sidekick, as it was known in North America, was produced under various names from 1989 through 2003. The Sidekick was known by many names; in Europe it was the Vitara as well as North America after 1999, and the Suzuki Escudo, which was produced from 1989 through 2004. The project was a joint venture between General Motors and Suzuki. GM's version were known as the Geo Tracker, after 1998 they were the Chevrolet Tracker. In Canada they were the Pontiac Sunrunner, in Spain it was the Santana 300 and 350. It even carried a Mazda badge in the Japanese market.
For the North American market, the Suzuki Sidekick was first introduced in 1989. It was offered in two bodystyles including a two-door convertible or hardtop. The JA version was fitted with a 1.3-liter engine. The JX and JLX trim levels had a 1.6-liter engine rated at 80 horsepower and given a four-wheel drive system. The JLX version was removed from the line-up in 1990. A four-door version of the Sidekick was introduced in 1991, sitting on a larger wheelbase, and greatly enhancing the versatility and appeal of the vehicle. A Sport version appeared in 1996, featuring a 1.8-liter engine that was good for 120 horsepower. The package included 16-inch alloy wheels, a two-tone paint scheme, and dual airbags for safety.
1996 was the same year Suzuki introduced their X-90, which was basically a Sidekick with two doors, seating for two, a trunk, removable T-bar roof, and a much rounder body. Mechanically, they were identical. The X-90 never sold well as the public did not agree with the design. Production lasted for a short time, ending in 1998.
In 1999, the Sidekick/Escudo/Vitara was redesigned. For North America, the name 'Sidekick' was dropped in favor of Vitara. The four-seater vehicle could be purchased with a 1.3L, 1.6L, or 1.8L four-cylinder engine with carburetion or electronic fuel injection. Diesel engines were made available in Europe. A four-speed manual was standard, with a five-speed manual and automatic being offered as optional equipment. The Vitara came in two- or four-door models or soft-top 2-door models.
The Vitara remained in production in North America until 2003. Its twin, the Chevrolet Tracker, follwed the same fortune the following year.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007
For more information and related vehicles, click hereFor the North American market, the Suzuki Sidekick was first introduced in 1989. It was offered in two bodystyles including a two-door convertible or hardtop. The JA version was fitted with a 1.3-liter engine. The JX and JLX trim levels had a 1.6-liter engine rated at 80 horsepower and given a four-wheel drive system. The JLX version was removed from the line-up in 1990. A four-door version of the Sidekick was introduced in 1991, sitting on a larger wheelbase, and greatly enhancing the versatility and appeal of the vehicle. A Sport version appeared in 1996, featuring a 1.8-liter engine that was good for 120 horsepower. The package included 16-inch alloy wheels, a two-tone paint scheme, and dual airbags for safety.
1996 was the same year Suzuki introduced their X-90, which was basically a Sidekick with two doors, seating for two, a trunk, removable T-bar roof, and a much rounder body. Mechanically, they were identical. The X-90 never sold well as the public did not agree with the design. Production lasted for a short time, ending in 1998.
In 1999, the Sidekick/Escudo/Vitara was redesigned. For North America, the name 'Sidekick' was dropped in favor of Vitara. The four-seater vehicle could be purchased with a 1.3L, 1.6L, or 1.8L four-cylinder engine with carburetion or electronic fuel injection. Diesel engines were made available in Europe. A four-speed manual was standard, with a five-speed manual and automatic being offered as optional equipment. The Vitara came in two- or four-door models or soft-top 2-door models.
The Vitara remained in production in North America until 2003. Its twin, the Chevrolet Tracker, follwed the same fortune the following year.
By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007
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2012| Comparable Vehicles | |
| Ford Escape | ($22,470-32,120) |
| Honda CR-V | ($22,295-29,795) |
| Hyundai Tucson | ($19,045-26,395) |
| Jeep Compass | ($19,295-26,045) |
| Jeep Wrangler | ($22,045-29,995) |
| Kia Sorento | ($21,250-34,850) |
| Kia Sportage | ($18,500-28,400) |
| Mitsubishi Outlander | ($22,345-28,895) |
| Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | : |
| Nissan Altima | ($20,410-30,760) |
| Scion xB Release Series 9.0 | ($18,110-19,060) |
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| Manufacturer Website |
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| Aerio Cappuccino | Equator Esteem | Forenza Kizashi | Reno Sidekick, Vitara, Escudo, Tracker | Swift SX4 | X-90 XL-7 |
| 2011 Grand Vitara | 2013 Grand Vitara |
