Suzuki Grand Vitara (FTGT) 2.5 i V6 (158 Hp)

The Suzuki Grand Vitara (FT,GT): A Rugged Contender in the Compact SUV Segment

The Suzuki Grand Vitara (FT,GT) represents a significant chapter in the history of compact sport utility vehicles, embodying Suzuki’s long-standing commitment to producing capable and reliable off-road vehicles. This particular iteration, featuring the robust 2.5 i V6 engine, was produced from 2002 to 2005 and carved out a niche for itself as a more traditional, body-on-frame SUV in an increasingly crossover-dominated market. Known for its genuine four-wheel-drive capabilities and sturdy construction, the Grand Vitara (FT,GT) appealed to buyers seeking a blend of urban practicality and adventurous off-road prowess. While many competitors pivoted towards car-like unibody constructions, the Grand Vitara maintained its rugged character, offering a compelling alternative for those who valued durability and genuine all-terrain performance.

Engine & Performance: Powering the Suzuki Grand Vitara (FT,GT)

Under the hood, the Suzuki Grand Vitara (FT,GT) 2.5 i V6 variant was equipped with the H25A engine, a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter (2493 cm3, or 152.13 cu. in.) V6 powerplant. This engine was a key differentiator, providing a level of smoothness and power output that elevated the Grand Vitara’s driving experience. With 158 horsepower delivered at 6200 rpm and a healthy 157.1 lb.-ft. of torque peaking at 3500 rpm, the V6 offered ample motivation for both highway cruising and tackling challenging off-road trails. The engine’s multi-port manifold injection system ensured efficient fuel delivery, while its DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder contributed to its responsive nature and respectable power per liter of 63.4 Hp/l.

Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, this powertrain channeled its output to a capable all-wheel-drive (4×4) system, underscoring the Grand Vitara’s credentials as a true utility vehicle. Performance figures for this setup included an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 10.5 seconds, with a top speed of 108.74 mph (175 km/h). While not a performance SUV in the traditional sense, these numbers were competitive within its segment and sufficient for its intended purpose. The vehicle’s weight-to-power ratio of 8.9 kg/Hp (or 112.5 Hp/tonne) and weight-to-torque ratio of 6.6 kg/Nm (or 151.6 Nm/tonne) highlighted its balanced engineering for both on-road and off-road conditions. Fuel economy, while not its strongest suit compared to modern crossovers, was acceptable for a V6-powered, all-wheel-drive SUV of its era, with urban consumption rated at 17.4 US mpg and extra-urban at 28.3 US mpg.

Design & Features: Form Meets Function in the Suzuki Grand Vitara (FT,GT)

The design of the Suzuki Grand Vitara (FT,GT) was quintessentially SUV, featuring a rugged and purposeful aesthetic that clearly communicated its capabilities. As a 5-door, 5-seat SUV, it offered practical space for families and adventurers alike. Its dimensions—165.94 inches in length, 70.08 inches in width, and 68.5 inches in height—gave it a commanding presence without being overly cumbersome for urban driving or tight trails. The relatively short wheelbase of 97.64 inches, combined with a minimum turning circle of 30.84 feet, contributed to its maneuverability, a crucial asset for off-road excursions.

Inside, the Grand Vitara prioritized functionality and durability. While not luxurious, the cabin was well-appointed for its segment, featuring robust materials designed to withstand the rigors of daily use and outdoor adventures. Cargo capacity was versatile, offering a minimum trunk space of 9.11 cu. ft. (258 liters), which could expand significantly to 38.14 cu. ft. (1080 liters) with the rear seats folded, accommodating everything from groceries to camping gear.

Underneath, the Grand Vitara’s engineering further solidified its off-road bona fides. It featured an independent front suspension with spring struts, providing comfort and precise steering, while the rear utilized a coil spring setup, typically found on a robust multi-link or solid axle arrangement common for genuine 4×4 vehicles, ensuring durability and articulation for challenging terrain. Braking was handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety and control in varied conditions. The hydraulic rack and pinion steering system provided direct feedback to the driver, a desirable trait for both on-road confidence and off-road precision. Standard 235/60 R16 tires on 16-inch wheels provided a good balance of road comfort and off-road grip.

Technical Specifications: Suzuki Grand Vitara (FT,GT) 2.5 i V6 (158 Hp)

Legacy & Market Impact of the Suzuki Grand Vitara (FT,GT)

The Suzuki Grand Vitara (FT,GT) with its 2.5 i V6 engine left a notable mark on the compact SUV landscape during its production run from 2002 to 2005. In a market increasingly leaning towards car-based crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Grand Vitara stood out for its unwavering commitment to traditional SUV attributes. It retained a body-on-frame construction (in most markets for this generation), a robust four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case, and a durable suspension, making it a favorite among those who prioritized genuine off-road capability over purely on-road refinement.

Its reputation was built on reliability, affordability, and a surprising degree of capability for its size. While it might not have offered the same level of interior sophistication or fuel efficiency as some of its unibody rivals, it compensated with a rugged charm and the assurance that it could handle more challenging terrain. Competitors in its segment included the aforementioned CR-V and RAV4, but also more similarly-oriented vehicles like the Jeep Liberty, Nissan Xterra, and Ford Escape (though the Escape was unibody). The Grand Vitara often appealed to buyers who found the Jeep Liberty too large or thirsty, and the crossovers too soft.

Suzuki, as a brand, has a rich heritage in building small, capable 4x4s, and the Grand Vitara (FT,GT) was a continuation of this legacy. It served as a bridge between the bare-bones utility of the original Vitara/Sidekick and the more refined, but still capable, SUVs that would follow. While Suzuki eventually withdrew from the U.S. automotive market, models like the Grand Vitara helped solidify the brand’s image as a producer of dependable, adventurous vehicles. Its impact can still be seen in the used car market, where the Grand Vitara (FT,GT) remains a popular choice for those seeking an inexpensive, yet capable, off-road vehicle or a dependable workhorse. It represents an era when compact SUVs were still largely defined by their rugged utility, a characteristic that modern crossovers have largely shed in favor of comfort and fuel economy. The 2.5 i V6 model, in particular, offered a sweet spot of power and capability that remains appreciated by enthusiasts today.