We first drove the current-generation Suzuki Grand Vitara way back in February 2006, and it hasn’t changed much since then. True, it received a couple of engine swaps during that time, but from an aesthetic standpoint, Suzuki left it virtually untouched.
For 2012, The Grand Vitara’s styling still won’t change, which doesn’t bother me much, as its sheet metal is aging gracefully. This year, however, Suzuki’s compact SUV gets a new base trim level to make it more affordable. This new version of the Grand Vitara is so new it doesn’t even have a name yet.
What it does get is a full complement of standard features: automatic climate control, an intelligent key system, a leather-wrapped wheel, cruise control, power windows, a CD/MP3 player with six speakers and wheel-mounted controls, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a 60/40-split folding seatback, 17” alloy wheels and electronic stability control.
It also gets the Grand Vitara’s true 4-wheel drive system, complete with a low range for carving through the woods better than virtually all its competitors, which make do with reactive all-wheel-drive systems. There’s also a “neutral” setting that lets the wheels turn freely, making the Grand Vitara a popular choice for RVers that tow a car behind.
The JX, JLX and JLX-L versions are carried over from 2011, including their MSRPs. These trims pile on niceties such as a power glass sunroof, leather upholstery, 18” wheels, fog lamps and heated front seats.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara’s ladder frame also allows the compact SUV to tow up to a class-leading 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg).
Under the hood, every Grand Vitara gets a 2.5L 4-cylinder that develops 166 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque as well as a 4-speed automatic transmission. The compact SUV also gets a 4-wheel independent suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes.
The 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara will start well-equipped at $26,995, and be on sale starting next February.
2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara price breakdown
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| (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
For 2012, The Grand Vitara’s styling still won’t change, which doesn’t bother me much, as its sheet metal is aging gracefully. This year, however, Suzuki’s compact SUV gets a new base trim level to make it more affordable. This new version of the Grand Vitara is so new it doesn’t even have a name yet.
What it does get is a full complement of standard features: automatic climate control, an intelligent key system, a leather-wrapped wheel, cruise control, power windows, a CD/MP3 player with six speakers and wheel-mounted controls, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a 60/40-split folding seatback, 17” alloy wheels and electronic stability control.
It also gets the Grand Vitara’s true 4-wheel drive system, complete with a low range for carving through the woods better than virtually all its competitors, which make do with reactive all-wheel-drive systems. There’s also a “neutral” setting that lets the wheels turn freely, making the Grand Vitara a popular choice for RVers that tow a car behind.
The JX, JLX and JLX-L versions are carried over from 2011, including their MSRPs. These trims pile on niceties such as a power glass sunroof, leather upholstery, 18” wheels, fog lamps and heated front seats.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara’s ladder frame also allows the compact SUV to tow up to a class-leading 3,000 lbs (1,361 kg).
Under the hood, every Grand Vitara gets a 2.5L 4-cylinder that develops 166 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque as well as a 4-speed automatic transmission. The compact SUV also gets a 4-wheel independent suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes.
The 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara will start well-equipped at $26,995, and be on sale starting next February.
2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara price breakdown
| Grand Vitara base | $26 995 |
| Grand Vitara JX | $28 135 |
| Grand Vitara JLX | $29 635 |
| Grand Vitara JLX-L | $30 635 |
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| (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
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