Test Vehicle: 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Price of Test Vehicle: $25,294 (including a $595 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 2.7-liter V6
Engine Horsepower: 185 at 6,000 rpm
Engine Torque: 184 lb.-ft. at 4,500 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Curb weight, lbs.: 3,682
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 19/23 mpg
Observed Fuel Economy: 19.3 mpg
Length: 176.0 inches
Width: 71.3 inches
Wheelbase: 103.9 inches
Height: 66.7 inches
Leg room (front/rear): 41.3/37.2 inches
Head room (front/rear): 38.2/38.2 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: Five
Max. Cargo Volume: 67.3 cubic feet
Max. Payload (lbs.): 960
Max. Towing Capacity (lbs.): 3,000
Ground Clearance: 7.9 inches
Competitors: Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Honda Element, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Xterra, Pontiac Torrent, Saturn Vue, Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4, Volvo V50 Photos by Ron Perry
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About Thom Blackett
Thom Blackett joined Autobytel in 2000 as a Research Analyst with the company's data division, Automotive Information Center (AIC). After four years of pouring through press kits searching for minute details, Thom jumped to Autobytel's editorial team. Born and raised in the state of Maine (no, it's not part of Canada and yes, the proper pronunciation of lobster is "lobstah"), Thom has always been a car nut, using his grandmother's potholders as steering wheels to "drive" around the house as a youngster. His biggest sorrow is never getting to know his grandfather's 1959 Caddy, or the '62 Impala Convertible and '69 Chevy Malibu that his parents once owned. As Autobytel's Road Test Editor, Thom strives to write articles that serve to inform as well as entertain. A proud member of the Motor Press Guild, Thom holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Maine. Comments may be emailed to thomb@autobytel.com.
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