2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review
2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Extensive standard features list
- lengthy powertrain warranty
- large cargo capacity.
Cons
- Pokey acceleration
- lack of interior storage compartments
- right-hinged rear cargo door makes street-side loading a hassle
- limited long-distance comfort.
What’s new
The 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara's standard navigation system gets a number of new features, including a Google search function, 3D maps and speed limit info for major roads. Bluetooth hands-free cell phone compatibility is also now available as an option on the Premium trim level. The V6 engine has been dropped.
Edmunds says
Though it's outclassed in many areas, the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara still represents a potentially worthwhile alternative to other compact SUVs, especially if you're on a tight budget.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$205/mo for Grand Vitara Base
Grand Vitara Base
vs
$189/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Vehicle overview
In every crowd, there are always a few individuals who stand out while the rest tend to blend into the background. Unfortunately for Suzuki, the 2011 Grand Vitara is one of the latter. That's not to say that there's anything dramatically wrong with this compact SUV. It's just that the Grand Vitara tends to be overshadowed by its more high-profile competitors and doesn't offer enough compelling reasons for us to recommend it.
On the upside, the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara comes with a long list of standard features that you'd normally expect to pay extra for, such as automatic climate control and a navigation system. An attractive price, a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and an available four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case -- a rarity in this segment -- are other notable pluses.
Other than these distinctions, however, the Grand Vitara is simply outclassed by compact crossovers like the Chevrolet Equinox and Honda CR-V. For not that much more money, the Equinox offers a more practical interior and an available V6 engine, while the CR-V delivers a higher level of refinement.
There are also other top small crossovers to consider, such as the 2011 Kia Sportage, 2011 Subaru Forester and 2011 Toyota RAV4. Realistically, all of the above will likely provide a more satisfying ownership experience. But for buyers who are focused on value or looking for a compact crossover SUV with a higher level of four-wheel-drive capability, this Suzuki is worth a look.
Performance & mpg
Now that the V6 engine has been dropped, all 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara models are powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder that produces 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on base models, while all other versions get a four-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, but Premium models can also be had with a four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case. Limited models are offered with a four-mode 4WD system (4H, 4H Lock, 4L Lock and N) that allows the Grand Vitara to be flat-towed behind an RV without adding miles to the odometer.
In Edmunds performance testing, a rear-drive Grand Vitara required 10.2 seconds to reach 60 mph, a slow time for this segment. Fuel economy estimates for the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara are average, with automatic 2WD models getting 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined and 4WD models earning 19/23/20.
Safety
The 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara's standard safety features include stability control, traction control, antilock disc brakes, full-length side curtain airbags and front-seat side-impact airbags. In Edmunds brake testing, the Grand Vitara needed only 110 feet to stop from 60 mph -- extraordinary performance for this type of vehicle.
The Grand Vitara has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to 2011 tests) saw it earning four stars (out of five) in frontal-impact protection for both driver and passenger. Side-impact tests resulted in a perfect five-star rating for both front and rear occupants. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Grand Vitara its highest rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset test and the second-highest rating of "Acceptable" in the side test.
Driving
While the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara makes a decent runabout for commuting and daily errands, a somewhat unrefined ride quality and firm seats make longer trips more unpleasant. The cabin is relatively quiet except at highway speeds, where road noise becomes an issue. The four-cylinder engine only adds to the din as it noisily struggles to move the Grand Vitara with anything resembling gusto. Handling doesn't feel nearly as stable as the compact crossovers from Honda and Toyota, and the overall ride quality isn't as carlike.
Interior
Like the rest of the vehicle, the Grand Vitara's five-passenger interior is attractive yet somewhat uninspiring. Gauges and controls are well-placed and easy to read, with the exception of the removable navigation system, which requires a bit of a reach.
Though there's a decent amount of room to stretch out here, the Limited model's leather upholstery is actually not as comfortable as the cloth covering on the seats of the base and Premium versions. One other notable shortcoming here is the lack of storage for small items like cell phones and MP3 players. Schlepping larger items shouldn't present any problems, however, thanks to a cargo hold with 69 cubic feet of space with the 60/40-split rear seats folded down. That said, the rear door, which is hinged on the passenger side, does complicate curbside loading and unloading.
2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara models
The 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a compact crossover SUV that is offered in three trim levels: base, Premium and Limited. Standard features for the base model include 16-inch steel wheels, automatic headlights, keyless entry, automatic climate control, full power accessories, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-only leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, a trip computer, an integrated Garmin navigation system and a four-speaker sound system with a CD player.
The midrange Premium trim level includes all of the base model's features and adds a four-speed automatic transmission, rear privacy glass, heated mirrors (4WD models only), cruise control and an upgraded navigation system with real-time traffic, a Google search function, 3D maps and speed limit info for major roads. Optional on four-wheel-drive models are 16-inch alloy wheels.
Pop for the Limited model and you'll also get 18-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, a sunroof, roof rack side rails, keyless ignition/entry, leather upholstery, heated front seats, fake wood trim and a seven-speaker premium audio system. Bluetooth is optional on all but the base models.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
5 star(67%)
4 star(18%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(3%)
33 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Solid choice for low price
shermsgirl, 10/18/2010
2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara XSport 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
This car is beyond our expectations. It handles light and easy, great mileage (27 MPG w/ 5,000 miles to date), solid build. Love the GPS with bluetooth. We also find the unlocking feature without the key very convenient. Our Honda CR-V was a big disappointment compared to this car.
4 out of 5 stars
59000 mi in 2022
A. Miller, 03/26/2018
2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
(Too many updates so this may not read smoothly.)
Bought new for $15k in 2011 (last one on the lot) so it was a steal. The former Suzuki dealership lost the GPS and owners manual but I use my iphone for GPS and Googled the manual. Almost 8 years of ownership and it just turned 56,000 miles with no problems. I live in the Phoenix, Arizona, area where it’s fairly flat and 25 MPG is … normal. Being the base model, it has a 5 speed manual and rearwheel drive and that does the job. I never towed anything and it doesn’t have roof rails so I don’t know how it would be for hauling. The front seats are not very comfortable after an hour of sitting although I did add sheepskin seat covers. Three sets of tires so far — the original Yokohama’s wore out quickly, then the Hankooks, and now the Goodyears are getting old and need replacing. NO problems until the headlight relays; it’s reliable and never let me down. Still looks good. Paint hasn’t oxidized (always garaged). I use synthetic oil and drive about 10,000 between changes. The side-opening rear gate is perfect for me. Good cargo room. Road and tire noise isn’t too bad. Our other car is a Cadillac CT6 AWD so I’m familiar with comfort and quiet. It’s a good car; probably not much resale value anymore but it just keeps running. I also got a 2021 Buick Enclave Avenue but kept the Suzuki. Annual tags and insurance are cheaper the older it gets so for a few hundred dollars a year I’ll keep it.
No problems. Fourth battery in 12 years. I’ll keep it for now.
My base model Grand Vitara isn’t fancy. The base model only comes in black. It’s a 5-speed manual without cruise control. I’ve had it for over 12 years and put 60,000 miles on it and it’s my local run-around vehicle. It was marked down from an overpriced $23k sticker to $15k as it was the last Suzuki on the dealer’s lot. Some things were missing, like the standard nav and the owner’s manual but the markdown made up for it.
Until 2022 I never had anything not work but then hi & lo beam headlight relays crapped out. (This isn’t a complaint against the Grand Vitara but I can’t believe how much the auto parts stores charge for a simple relay ($35-45/ea) so I found them on Amazon for less than $20 for 2).
The seats are not comfortable for long drives so I added sheepskin covers with extra padding. It helps some for comfort and my seat fabric still looks like new underneath.
I read every review on the Grand Vitara before purchasing and then the main complaint seemed to be about the left-side opening hatch. It might have been designed for Japan but I like it. Gas mileage is about 20-25mpg — it’s not geared for high speed or economy. It has a timing chain instead of a belt. The spare tire is hung on the hatch and I have a bike carrier that straps on to that. It has 4-wheel disc brakes — not all that common in 2010 it seems. I don’t have a tow hitch or roof rack. It’s a convenient size for 1 or 2, + 2 more if necessary. It doesn’t have any of the now-standard Nannies other than single climate control, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.
5 out of 5 stars
A Spectacular Build Quality and Comfort
john bertini, 07/12/2010
2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara Limited 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5A)
Purchased the v6 2wd version limited all loaded except the 4wd, i must say it is a great build!, quiet and smooth ride on the highway, in town around 21 mpg highway about 26, the transmission is smooth shifting at any pedal response! loaded with features the price for this vehicle far surpasses the others in the SUV market bar far! Keep up the good quality build Suzuki it will catch on!. …
3.88 out of 5 stars
Better at some things than other
hunqapillar, 02/10/2013
2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
We bought a lightly used 2011 GV Limited with 5700 miles on the odo. After two months of owning it and another 1500 miles on the odometer we've discovered what we like and what we don't. First off, we love the looks. We love that it is NOT just another
RAV4, CRV, or Forester that everyone else around here owns. Seats are comfortable, stereo is good, standard GPS is a nice touch. The ride … is a bit rough but manageable.
Rear seat is more cramped and the cargo space is lacking compared to our Forester. Gas mileage SUCKS!! It was a compromise taking the hit on mpg's compared to the Subaru we traded in, but we are not even getting the listed mpg. Mixed city/hwy of 16-17. Good car for the $$.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Suzuki Grand Vitara, so we've included reviews for other years of the Grand Vitara since its last redesign.
2011 Grand Vitara Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $19,299 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $205/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 28.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Grand Vitara include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover19.1%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestAcceptable
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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