Quick Take
More horsepower is a great place to start:
A chief weakness of the older Grand Vitara had been its engine: a 2.7-liter V-6 that mustered a four-banger-like 185 horsepower. Now, the optional 3.2-liter V-6 makes 230 horses, 45 more. Rugged exterior styling seemed mismatched to the ute’s bland but clutter-free interior design.
Isn’t it the perennial also-ran in its segment?
True. The old one felt slow and sounded rough. The new engine elevates this SUV to the upper echelon of its class in straight-line performance, and those rocky engine notes seem to have spent some time in a polishing tumbler. Our test measured 41 dBA at idle, down two. Plus, the car has the only combination of a two-speed transfer case and a center-locking differential in its class, making it one of the most capable mini-utes off-road.
What does it cost?
The base, rear-wheel-drive Grand Vitara with a 166-hp inline-four and a manual transmission costs $19,364. Our four-wheel-drive V-6 Luxury model, with high-rent features such as keyless start and leather seats, checked in at $27,164.
