2000 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review (continued)
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Walkaround

Suzuki's Grand Vitara has a pleasingly chunky exterior that compares favorably against the squared-off Honda CR-V and the too-cute Toyota RAV4. The Grand Vitara appears fairly large, but it's actually a tad smaller than the CR-V.

Off all the mini-utilities, the Grand Vitara wins the macho award. It sits up high. It's easy to get into, though the tall stance and the generous body cladding make us feel more in charge when we clamber behind the wheel.

Suzuki's available four-wheel-drive system comes with a low-range for extremely heavy muck. Toyota and Honda do not offer this feature.

Interior Features

Automakers tell us buyers really appreciate the high seating position of sport utilities, but they don't like to climb up into their vehicles. The Grand Vitara meets these complaints head-on: Getting in is easy, but offers a commanding view of the road ahead.

From the driver's seat, that great view is clouded only by a couple of minor quirks. The stereo controls are too tiny and too numerous. The steering wheel offers a good range of tilt adjustment, but it is angled slightly upward from the bottom. The front seats offer good support, but are a bit on the narrow side.

Grand Vitara offers first-rate passenger space and cargo capability. Headroom is akin to a European cathedral. No need to worry about fitting inside with a Stetson. Rear-seat legroom is good, considering the Suzuki's smaller proportions, and the seats seem to work better than those in front do. There's a sizable cargo area behind the rear seats; flipping them forward reveals a huge cargo capacity. The Grand Vitara's rear door swings out to the right, like a Toyota RAV4, which is not ideal for curbside loading. We would have appreciated a cargo cover to hide packages from roving eyes.

Warm gray plastics and tweedy seat covers in the Grand Vitara look durable and pleasing. Suzuki has a reputation for vehicles that come tightly screwed together, and our Grand Vitara gave us no reason to doubt its quality. The silver paint was lustrous, and the body-on-frame chassis produced no squeaks and rattles.