In a segment dominated by car-based crossovers offering only a pretense of off-road capability, Suzuki's Grand Vitara is refreshingly different, combining unexpected on-road refinement with an aggressive dose of off-road capability. For 2008, the Grand Vitara builds on a variety of enhancements introduced in 2007. This year, Suzuki adds a remote fuel door release, upgraded sound deadening materials and a newly designed climate control head unit. The sunroof becomes a standard feature, starting on the XSport package.

The standard 2.7-liter, V-6, 24-valve DOHC engine delivers 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. This engine gives the Suzuki Grand Vitara a tow rating of 3,000 pounds (double that of several competitors), enough to haul light recreational boats, personal watercraft or Suzuki motorcycles. The Grand Vitara is fitted with a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. Also available is an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission.

The sporty Suzuki Grand Vitara virtually eliminates the usual compromise between ample interior space for the driver and passenger comfort. There is 24.4 cubic feet of storage space with the seats up, and 68.9 cubic feet of storage space when the convenient 60/40-split folding seatbacks are folded forward. With a carefully engineered control layout and close attention to materials and fit-and-finish, the interior of the Suzuki Grand Vitara is both functional and attractive. From the outside, the Grand Vitara offers unmatched style with short overhangs, roof rails and a rear-mounted spare tire.

Every Suzuki Grand Vitara is fitted with several active safety features, including anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and an electronic stability program with traction control. The Grand Vitara comes equipped with six air bags as standard equipment - driver and front passenger seat-mounted side-impact air bag supplemental restraint systems (SRS), advanced dual-stage front air bag SRS, advanced weight-sensing front passenger air bag SRS, and front and rear side curtain air bags.