Suzuki Grand Vitara

Name: 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Brand: Suzuki

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

CR's Take

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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2005 SUVs Reliability

This Car

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Suzuki Grand Vita...

Suzuki Grand Vitara

vs. Similar Cars

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2004

2005

2006

2007

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2009

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2015

2016

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2018

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2020

2021

2022

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2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2005 Compact SUVs Ratings

2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara

$2,725 - $4,125

EPA MPG NA

Road test

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2005 Chevrolet Equinox

$2,850 - $2,925

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2005 Ford Escape

$3,100 - $3,525

EPA MPG 20 mpg

Road test

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2005 Ford Escape Hybrid

$3,100 - $3,525

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

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2005 Honda CR-V

$5,025 - $5,350

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2005 Honda Element

$4,575 - $5,525

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2005 Hyundai Tucson

$3,200 - $3,925

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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2005 Jeep Liberty

$3,275 - $4,025

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2005 Kia Sportage

$2,975 - $3,675

EPA MPG NA

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2005 Mazda Tribute

$3,200 - $3,675

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2005 Mercury Mariner

$3,125 - $3,375

EPA MPG NA

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2005 Mitsubishi Outlander

$3,075 - $4,200

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2005 Nissan Xterra

$3,575 - $4,550

EPA MPG 18 mpg

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2005 Pontiac Aztek

$2,950 - $3,175

EPA MPG 20 mpg

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2005 Saturn Vue

$3,025 - $3,450

EPA MPG 21 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2005 Subaru Forester

$3,975 - $5,675

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Toyota RAV4

$5,250 - $5,525

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

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See All Compact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

4WD, Rear

2.5-liter V6 (165 hp)

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2009-2013

2009 Redesign Year

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder is new and a more powerful V6 also arrived for 2009. Though this version of the Suzuki Grand Vitara falls far short of the best in this class, it does have some virtues. Equipped with its standard four-cylinder engine, the powertrain is sluggish, lacks refinement, and is not very economical with fuel. The ride is stiff and choppy, and handling lacks agility. Despite its everyday clumsiness, emergency handling is very secure. Other good points include a spacious rear seat and a generous list of standard amenities.

2006-2008

2006 Redesign Year

Before 2004, the body-on-frame Vitara SUV was available as a two-door soft-top, four-door wagon and extended-length wagon. We found the V6 sluggish, its power blunted by its automatic transmission. In fact, we've found all Vitaras to be slow, noisy, and uncomfortable. The redesigned 2006 Grand Vitara brought unibody construction and a fully independent suspension. The V6 was still sluggish and returned just 18 mpg. The stiff, jittery ride, vague steering and reluctant handling didn't impress us either.

1999-2005

1999 Redesign Year

With its body-on-frame design, the Sidekick lacks the ride-and-handling refinement of more modern, car- based SUVs. Early models are plagued by slow steering and a lack of power. The Sidekick was discontinued in 1998 and replaced by the Vitara, which is available as a two-door soft-top and a four-door hardtop. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is standard. The four-door Grand Vitara packs a stronger 2.5-liter V6 and more standard equipment. Though a novelty in this class, the Six feels sluggish, its power blunted by the automatic transmission. We've found all of these vehicles to be slow, noisy, and uncomfortable.