Overview

What Changed for 2008:

• Digital automatic climate control standard


• New remote fuel door release


• Standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD)


• Standard stability and traction control systems


• Sunroof standard on Grand Vitara XSport

Overview
The compact Suzuki Grand Vitara 4-door, 5-passenger SUV, redesigned in 2006, returns in 2008 as carryover from 2007 with minimal changes. Grand Vitara's load-bearing unibody with an integral ladder-frame construction and optional truck-style 4-wheel drive (4WD) enable it to perform off-road as well as on. A 185-hp V-6 engine powers all 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara models, with a 5-speed manual transmission standard on Grand Vitara and 4-speed automatic standard on XSport and Luxury models.

Model Lineup
The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara is available in Grand Vitara, XSport and Luxury models. All feature a 185-hp V-6 engine; standard 4-wheel ABS; stability and traction control; tire-pressure-monitoring system; digital automatic climate control; remote fuel door opener; steering-wheel-mounted audio controls; and 5-way-adjustable driver's seat. The base Grand Vitara includes remote keyless entry; 4-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3/WMA playback; and 16-inch styled steel wheels. Grand Vitara XSport models add keyless entry and start system; rear-mounted, full-size spare tire cover; power sunroof; 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels; 7-speaker, AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3/WMA playback; roof rails; rear privacy glass; and front fog lamps. Grand Vitara Luxury adds 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels; HomeLink wireless control system; leather-trimmed seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel; heated front seats; and woodgrain trim accents.

Options on the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara include 4WD; automatic transmission; luggage room cover; and a rear-mounted, full-size spare tire cover.

Powertrain
The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara is powered by a 2.7-liter, 24-valve, dual overhead cam (DOHC) V-6 engine that produces 185 hp at 6000 rpm and 184 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm. Grand Vitara transfers the power through its standard 5-speed manual transmission. A 5-speed automatic transmission is optional on Grand Vitara and standard on XSport and Luxury models. Optional on all Grand Vitara models is a 4-mode, full-time 4WD system with transfer case lock and low-range gear. Stability and traction control, ABS, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system are all standard. EPA fuel economy is estimated at 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway for rear-wheel-drive models with manual transmission, and 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway for automatic transmission. For Grand Vitara 4WD models, the numbers are 16 mpg city/21 mpg highway (manual transmission) and 17 mpg city/21 mpg highway (automatic transmission).

Safety
Standard safety features on the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara include ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, stability and traction control, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. In addition, all models include a full complement of air bags: dual-stage driver and weight-sensing front passenger air bags; front-seat-mounted, side-impact and front and rear side curtain air bags with rollover sensors. Other safety features include height-adjustable front safety belts with pre-tensioners; headrests and 3-point safety belts for all seating positions; rear child-seat LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system and rear-door child safety locks; and daytime running lights.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Suzuki Grand Vitara receives a 4-star rating for frontal crash protection, a 5-star rating for side-impact protection, and a 4-star rollover-resistance rating.

Technology
The standard audio system in the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a 4-speaker, AM/FM/CD unit with MP3/WMA playback that's XM satellite radio ready (hardware and subscription are additional-cost items). In Grand Vitara XSport and Luxury models, the setup is a 7-speaker, AM/FM/CD audio system with in-dash 6-disc changer, MP3/WMA playback, and subwoofer-also XM ready. A HomeLink wireless control system is standard on the Grand Vitara Luxury model.