Name: 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Brand: Suzuki

Suzuki Grand Vitara

EPA MPG: 21 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 21 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

2008 Compact SUVs Ratings

2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara

$3,950 - $5,050

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Chevrolet Equinox

$3,500 - $4,350

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Dodge Nitro

$4,725 - $5,425

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Ford Escape

$4,200 - $5,050

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid

$4,200 - $5,050

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda CR-V

$6,625 - $7,125

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda Element

$6,825 - $7,575

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Hyundai Tucson

$3,400 - $4,825

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Infiniti EX

$5,525 - $5,925

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Jeep Compass

$3,625 - $4,125

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Jeep Liberty

$4,575 - $5,175

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Jeep Patriot

$3,675 - $4,250

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Jeep Wrangler

$9,400 - $11,600

EPA MPG 17 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Kia Sorento

$4,350 - $5,775

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Kia Sportage

$4,475 - $4,950

EPA MPG 21 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mazda Tribute

$4,525 - $4,950

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mercury Mariner

$3,750 - $5,025

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

$3,350 - $5,225

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Nissan Rogue

$4,050 - $4,400

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Nissan Xterra

$5,025 - $6,300

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Pontiac Torrent

$4,100 - $4,600

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Saturn Vue

$4,200 - $4,625

EPA MPG 18 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Subaru Forester

$4,700 - $6,500

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

$12,650 - $13,275

EPA MPG 19 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota RAV4

$7,000 - $7,450

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

See All Compact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

4WD, Rear

2.7-liter V6 (185 hp)

5-speed manual
5-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

See All Ratings & Specs

Model History

2009-

Current Generation

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder is new and a more powerful V6 also arrived for 2009. Though this version of the Suzuki Grand Vitara falls far short of the best in this class, it does have some virtues. Equipped with its standard four-cylinder engine, the powertrain is sluggish, lacks refinement, and is not very economical with fuel. The ride is stiff and choppy, and handling lacks agility. Despite its everyday clumsiness, emergency handling is very secure. Other good points include a spacious rear seat and a generous list of standard amenities.

1999-2005

1999 Redesign Year

With its body-on-frame design, the Sidekick lacks the ride-and-handling refinement of more modern, car- based SUVs. Early models are plagued by slow steering and a lack of power. The Sidekick was discontinued in 1998 and replaced by the Vitara, which is available as a two-door soft-top and a four-door hardtop. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is standard. The four-door Grand Vitara packs a stronger 2.5-liter V6 and more standard equipment. Though a novelty in this class, the Six feels sluggish, its power blunted by the automatic transmission. We've found all of these vehicles to be slow, noisy, and uncomfortable.

2006-2008

2006 Redesign Year

Before 2004, the body-on-frame Vitara SUV was available as a two-door soft-top, four-door wagon and extended-length wagon. We found the V6 sluggish, its power blunted by its automatic transmission. In fact, we've found all Vitaras to be slow, noisy, and uncomfortable. The redesigned 2006 Grand Vitara brought unibody construction and a fully independent suspension. The V6 was still sluggish and returned just 18 mpg. The stiff, jittery ride, vague steering and reluctant handling didn't impress us either.

Suzuki Grand Vitara

2008 SUVs Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Owner Reports

Crash and Rollover Tests

2008 Compact SUVs Ratings