2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara

If you are working on a tight budget but you still want a new vehicle that can be a great alternative to other sports utility vehicles that are compact, then the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara would be an excellent choice.

Essentially, the 2011 version of the Grand Vitara is a crossover SUV that is also compact. For this model, you actually have three trim levels for your options. Actually, its best asset appears to be its affordability. As a matter of fact, this is considered to be among the most affordable cars in its class.

Specifications

General Info
Vehicle Type: Compact SUV Base Price: $19,299.00
Fuel Tank Capacity: 17.4 gallons (66 liters) MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy
Dimensions
Length: 177.2 in. (450 cm) Width: 71.3 in. (181 cm)
Height: 66.3 in. (168 cm) Wheel Base: 103.9 in. (263 cm)
Curb Weight: 3468 lbs (1573 kg) Ground Clearance: 7.4 in. (18.7 cm)
Luggage Capacity: 28.4 cu ft Maximum Seating: 5 people
Performance
Engine: 16-Valve DOHC inline 4 Displacement: 2.4 liter
Horsepower: 166 HP Max RPM: 6000 RPM
Torque: 162 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
0-60 mph: NA Max Towing Capacity: 3000 lbs (1360 kgs)
Available Trims & Engine
Option:Premium RWD Auto MSRP: $21,099; MPG: 19 city / 25 hwy
Option:Limited RWD Auto MSRP: $23,449; MPG: 19 city / 25 hwy
Option:Premium 4WD Auto MSRP: $22,549; MPG: 19 city / 23 hwy
Option:Limited 4WD Auto MSRP: $24,949; MPG: 19 city / 23 hwy

However, you do not have to worry about compromising quality for the low price because this model is fully equipped with a lot of standard features that are very useful. It is also known for its great performance even off the road. And you will also be surely delighted by the fact that the warranties for the Grand Vitara is actually among the longest ones in its class.

Performance

Under the hood, you will find an inline engine with four cylinders for this model of the Grand Vitara. This engine is capable of as much as 2.4 liters. More so, it can give you as much as 162 lb-feet of torque as well as 166 horsepower. In terms of transmission, the standard for all models is a manual transmission with five speeds. However, you can opt to go for an automatic transmission with four speeds for certain versions of this model.

On the other hand, users do not seem to be very happy with the fuel economy ratings of this model. As a matter of fact, the ratings are actually on the low side for its class. When it comes to the handling and performance of the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara, a lot of users are actually very much satisfied with the off-road performance of this vehicle. But when it comes to the ride around town, there appears to be some user complaints.

Exterior & Interior

When it comes to the exterior design and styling of this model, it seems that this version of the Grand Vitara has received some upgrades from the previous versions. As a matter of fact, the reviewers and users of this model are very much satisfied with the exterior style and design.

And essentially, the same upgrade also seems to hold true for the interior design, styling and features of this version of the Grand Vitara. As a matter of fact, reviewers, critics and users alike are very much pleased with the interior space and features of this vehicle.

The interior is not only comfortable, it is considered to be upscale as well. When it comes to the seats, they are comfortable and durable enough as they are leather-trimmed. The front seats are heated as well for all the units of the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara—and this is actually a standard for luxury and high-end models for its class.

Interior features are complete with high technology devices and additions for navigation, entertainment as well as for practical and recreational purposes. However, a lot of reviewers are actually a bit dismayed over the limited cargo of this model of the Grand Vitara.

Safety & Reliability

In terms of safety, you can definitely be assured of the well being of the passengers of this model since it comes with standard features for safety. Some of which are the Electronic Brake-force Distribution as well as the Electronic Stability Program that comes with the Traction Control System. You will also love the fact that the manufacturers made it a point to fully equip this model with airbags as well as a rear view camera.

However, on a sad note, this model of the Grand Vitara only scored 4 out of a total of 10 in the Predicted Reliability Rating of the J. D. Power and Associates. However, you will be delighted with the fact that the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara comes with a limited warranty for 36,000 miles or 3 years as well as a power train warranty of 100,000 miles or 7 years.

Overall Rating
67 out of 100

What others say:

“The Grand Vitara’s clean, forgettable lines strike a nice balance between tougher-bred SUVs and softer crossovers…”Car Connection

“Grand Vitara exhibits some body lean but good grip in fast corners. The steering is nicely weighted and the turning circle is commendably tight. ”Consumer Guide

“Our tested 2.4-liter four-cylinder was noisy and sluggish and yielded just 19 mpg overall. Handling is reluctant but ultimately secure. The ride is stiff and jittery. Side and curtain air bags and stability control are standard.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports

“Though it’s outclassed in many areas, the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara still represents a potentially worthwhile alternative to other compact SUVs, especially if you’re on a tight budget.”Edmunds

“Despite the Grand Vitara’s age – and lack of an optional V6 powertrain – it remains an attractive combination of practicality, capability and affordability.”KBB

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