Suzuki Grand Vitara II (facelift ) 5 Door 2.4 (169 Hp) AWD

The Suzuki Grand Vitara II (facelift 2008): A Global Contender

The Suzuki Grand Vitara II (facelift 2008) represents a significant iteration of Suzuki’s popular compact SUV, offering a blend of on-road comfort and genuine off-road capability that set it apart in its segment. Produced from May 2010 to December 2012, this specific variant, featuring a 2.4-liter engine delivering 169 horsepower and a permanent all-wheel-drive system, was a five-door model designed to accommodate five occupants. Positioned as a versatile utility vehicle for both urban environments and more challenging terrains, the Grand Vitara II facelift aimed to build upon its predecessor’s reputation for ruggedness and reliability while incorporating updated styling and improved features. While the Grand Vitara nameplate has a long history and global presence, this particular model served as a stalwart in markets where consumers valued a more traditional SUV experience over the increasingly car-like crossovers.

Engine and Performance: The Heart of the Suzuki Grand Vitara II (facelift 2008)

Under the hood of the Suzuki Grand Vitara II (facelift 2008) lay a robust J24B 2.4-liter (2393 cm³ or 146.03 cu. in.) inline-four engine. This naturally aspirated gasoline powerplant was engineered for a balance of power, efficiency, and durability, delivering 169 horsepower at 6000 rpm. Torque output was a respectable 227 Nm (167.43 lb.-ft.) at 3800 rpm, providing ample pulling power for both acceleration and light off-road excursions. The engine featured a multi-port manifold injection system and Variable Valve Timing (VVT), contributing to its power delivery and helping it meet Euro 5 emission standards.

Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, the powertrain channeled power permanently to all four wheels, underscoring the Grand Vitara’s commitment to all-weather and all-terrain traction. This permanent all-wheel-drive architecture ensured consistent grip, a key differentiator from many front-wheel-drive biased systems found in competitors. Performance figures for this 2.4-liter model were competitive for its class: acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was achieved in an estimated 11.1 seconds, while the vehicle could reach a maximum speed of 114.95 mph (185 km/h). Fuel economy, while not class-leading by modern standards, was reasonable for an AWD SUV of its era, with a combined NEDC rating of 26.1 US mpg (9.0 l/100 km). The fuel tank capacity of 17.44 US gallons (66 liters) provided a decent cruising range.

Design and Features: Practicality Meets Capability

The Suzuki Grand Vitara II (facelift 2008) maintained its characteristic SUV stance, reflecting its more rugged underpinnings compared to many unibody crossovers. The five-door body type offered practical access for passengers and cargo. Measuring 180.12 inches (4575 mm) in length, 74.02 inches (1880 mm) in width, and 66.73 inches (1695 mm) in height, it provided a commanding presence without being overly cumbersome for urban driving. A wheelbase of 103.94 inches (2640 mm) contributed to a stable ride, while a ground clearance of 8.07 inches (205 mm) was crucial for navigating uneven terrain, further highlighting its off-road credentials.

Inside, the Grand Vitara offered comfortable seating for five occupants. The cargo area was versatile, providing a minimum trunk space of 26.77 cu. ft. (758 liters), which could expand significantly to 48.95 cu. ft. (1386 liters) with the rear seats folded, catering to various hauling needs. The vehicle’s architecture featured an independent McPherson strut front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, a setup that aimed to balance on-road comfort with off-road articulation. Braking was handled by ventilated discs at both the front and rear, complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The inclusion of an electric power steering system (rack and pinion type) provided ease of maneuverability, particularly in parking situations, with a minimum turning circle of 36.09 feet (11 meters). The Grand Vitara was offered with various tire and wheel options, including 215/70 R16, 225/65 R17, and 225/60 R18, allowing for customization based on desired ride quality and aesthetic.

Technical Specifications: Suzuki Grand Vitara II (facelift 2008) 5 Door 2.4 (169 Hp) AWD

Legacy and Market Impact of the Suzuki Grand Vitara II (facelift 2008)

The Suzuki Grand Vitara II (facelift 2008), particularly this 2.4-liter AWD variant, carved out a distinct niche in the highly competitive compact SUV market. Unlike many of its contemporaries that were transitioning towards more car-like, front-wheel-drive-based crossover designs, the Grand Vitara retained a more traditional SUV character. While it had moved away from the body-on-frame construction of its earliest ancestors, the second generation, introduced in 2005, still featured a unibody construction integrated with a ladder frame, offering a compromise between ruggedness and refinement. The permanent all-wheel-drive system and respectable ground clearance made it genuinely capable off-road, a trait that resonated strongly with buyers who needed more than just fair-weather traction.

In its primary markets, which included Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America (though its sales footprint varied), the Grand Vitara competed against vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan X-Trail (Rogue in the US), and Subaru Forester. While some rivals offered greater fuel efficiency or more sophisticated on-road dynamics, the Grand Vitara’s appeal lay in its robust build quality, reliability, and undeniable capability when the pavement ended. It was often lauded for its honest approach to SUV design – a vehicle built to handle diverse conditions rather than just project an adventurous image.

The facelift in 2008 brought subtle but effective updates, enhancing its visual appeal and potentially refining some interior elements, keeping it fresh against newer competitors. The 2.4-liter engine provided a good balance of power for its size, making it suitable for highway cruising and towing light loads (up to 4078.55 lbs with brakes). Despite its relatively short production run in this specific configuration (2010-2012), the Grand Vitara II (facelift 2008) contributed to Suzuki’s reputation as a manufacturer of durable, capable, and value-oriented SUVs. Its legacy is one of a compact SUV that dared to be different, offering genuine utility and off-road prowess in an increasingly urban-focused segment, and maintaining a loyal following among those who valued substance over pure style.