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2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Suzuki is certainly the little automotive company that could. Their innovative small cars and compact yet roomy SUVs more than hold their own in today's fiercely competitive automotive scene. Now, for 2006, comes a totally redesigned Grand Vitara compact utility. And once again it's a case of small acting big. It's been seven years since Suzuki introduced the Grand Vitara compact SUV. And while it has developed a devoted following, the Grand Vitara has badly trailed rivals Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in both sales and modern engineering. To put things right, Suzuki has rethought and rebuilt the 2006 Grand Vitara from the floor to the roof. Out is the tough but clunky pickup-truck body-bolted-to-frame concept, and in is a very rigid full-frame welded to a unibody design. The suspension is simple MacPherson struts up front, with a new independent multi-link design in the rear, all supported by 16- or 17-inch wheels. Power is from a larger 2.7-liter twin-cam V6 with new variable induction. It makes 185 horsepower, 20 more than last year's 2.5, and 184 pound-feet of torque, which also doubles the tow rating to 3,000 pounds.
Turning to our test track, the Grand Vitara sprints to 60 in 9.0 seconds. The full quarter mile takes 17 seconds at 82 miles-per-hour. Like previous Suzuki 6s, the 2.7 feels a little flat off the line, but mid-range effort is substantially stronger than its predecessor. Shifts are smooth, and the whole drivetrain feels solid and well balanced. On our handling course the Grand Vitara is also one solid, well balanced little SUV. Turn in is quick, with only moderate front end push, though the standard electronic stability program engages rather abruptly. Ride quality is quite firm and reminds us of a pure truck. But only the bigger bumps and ripples find their way to the passenger compartment. Noise control is much improved. Braking is by front discs and rear drums with standard ABS and electronic brake force distribution. Still, stops from 60 were a little long at 135 feet but with excellent stability. The new Grand Vitara has grown. Wheelbase is up 6.3-inches to 103.9, length up nearly a foot, and width just over an inch. Still it takes up less pavement than a CR-V.
The front bucket seats are wide and well padded. Leather and heat are included in the Luxury package. There is over a half-foot more rear seat leg room. So, it's now adequate for most adults. Cargo room is a big 24.4 cubic feet with the seat backs up, and a far bigger 68.9 with the rear seats folded. Grand Vitara pricing, however, isn't big at all, starting at $19,594 for a 2-wheel-drive manual transmission, and tops out at $24,994 for a 4X4 automatic with the Luxury package. A 7-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty is included. So, there really is very little that is small about the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara. A big effort from a small company that continues to surprise and make big impressions with us. But the new Grand Vitara is so improved that it deserves a much bigger slice of America's super competitive compact SUV market.
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The 2.7 pushes its ponies first through either a standard 5-speed manual or our tester's optional 5-speed automatic transmission, and then to either rear wheel or full-time 4-wheel-drive. On pavement, our Grand Vitara 4X4 automatic carries an EPA fuel mileage rating of 19 city/23 highway. We saw a good average of 22 miles-per-gallon in our mixed test loop.
All of that added length goes inside, which also boasts far better quality and ergonomics. Controls and gauges are large and efficient. Standards include automatic climate, cruise, CD/MP3 stereo, keyless entry, and power locks, windows and mirrors. Plus, front side-impact and front and rear head curtain airbags.