- From the Orlando Sentinel (May 17, 2008) | Automotive Editor
The market for small sport utility vehicles is among the toughest in the automotive world: So many good products, but only so many buyers. What’s a little manufacturer like Suzuki to do? Offer good performance, handsome styling and an attractive price on its 2008 Grand Vitara.
The test Grand Vitara was a rear-wheel-drive XSport model, slightly nicer and more expensive than the base Grand Vitara, with standard equipment that includes a sunroof, an automatic transmission, an upgraded stereo and alloy wheels. If you want leather upholstery and even more features, you’ll need the Luxury model. The 2.7-liter, 185-horsepower V-6 is standard on any Grand Vitara, a selling point in Suzuki’s favor, as several competitors have four-cylinders for a comparable price. At 185 horsepower, it isn’t a particularly muscular engine, but the busy five-speed automatic transmission worked hard to maximize the V-6’s capability. Towing capacity is 3,000 pounds.
The price is right and the power quite able in Suzuki’s handsome little Grand Vitara.
