TO THE POINTWhat’s New? A larger and more powerful V6 engine, four-wheel independent suspension, and full-time/four-mode four-wheel drive Selling Points: Nice style and interior, adept off-roader, advanced safety equipment, great warranty Deal Breakers: Fuel mileage is not so great, V6 exhibits whine and occasional lack of punch Our Advice: Put the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara on your small SUV short list
If the exterior of the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara is nicely conservative, the interior is like a lapel-pin republican, what with its carefully chosen materials, excellent noise control and a design that takes a page from the Toyota playbook: Simple, straightforward, clean, and effective. The basics are well covered inside the Grand Vitara. Fit and finish looks nice, there’s not much road and wind noise, and materials throughout the cabin bespeak a quality designed to last.