2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review

The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara gets no major changes of note. This compact SUV seats five and has a side-hinged cargo door. Base, Xsport, and Luxury models are offered, all with a 185-hp 2.7-liter V6. Base is available with manual or automatic transmission. Xsport and Luxury are automatic only. Maximum towing capacity is 3000 lb. All three models are offered with rear-wheel drive or Suzuki's 4-Mode AWD that includes a locking center differential and low-range gearing. ABS, traction control, and antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Available features include a sunroof, heated front seats, and leather upholstery.

2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are five-passenger vehicles; some offer seating for seven.

Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Saturn Vue, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Rogue, and Saturn Vue.