The new 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara has received a thorough overhaul - and very effective one at that. With MSRPs ranging from $18,499 up to $26,299, the Grand Vitara places itself as the most affordable of all of it competition. The Dodge Nitro and Jeep Liberty both cost between 3 and 4 thousand more. That is partially due to a lessened power output. The Grand Vitara features a 2.4L 166hp I4 DOHC engine while the Nitro and Liberty both show off 3.7L 210hp V6's as standard equipment. However, the 26/19 mpg city/highway fuel efficiency of the Grand Vitara outshines both the others considerably. The 36-month/36000-mile factory warranty is the class standard.

The Grand Vitara for 2009 is a capable off-road vehicle that can get you where you need to go in style and safety. The NHTSA rated it as a 4-star vehicle for safety in frontal crash tests for both drivers and front passengers. It seats five with comfort and is enjoyable to ride in even on long trips. Don't mistake the Vitara for a baby either just because of the stock I4 engine. It's spunky and capable - and it isn't a softy. There is a V6 model available as well if you just need to feel that extra power. The 2009 overhaul incorporated an enhanced drive train, more capable brakes and many other features including several cosmetic improvements.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara is actually a quite rugged vehicle, especially when matched against other car-style crossovers. Owner feedback demonstrates superior durability and confidence-instilling dependability. The Grand V for 2009 can withstand significantly more abuse than many of the "soft-roaders" out on the market like the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4 and the Nissan Rouge to name a few. The main difference is that all of those vehicles are built with a front-wheel-drive platform and are not really meant to ever tackle any rougher terrain than a graded dirt road.

The Grand Vitara features a rear-wheel-driven platform and can actually get down and dirty if it needs to. It is able to crash through mountain streams, ascend and descend steep hills and step over rocky terrain without causing a boil over in its drive train. The underbody has been fitted with powerful steel suspension arms that make the Suzuki fairly impervious to jar, jerk, rumble and roar. And the fully independent frontal suspension system allows all occupants to remain unscathed as the Grand Vitara does the dirty work on the outside.

With 11 different trims available, along with loads of optional feature packages, the 2009 Grand Vitara offers a model to please everyone. From a boiled-down version for basic transportation needs up to the fully loaded trim with every imaginable bell and whistle, these crossovers deliver solid value and long-lasting owner satisfaction. Suzuki knows that it is an underdog in the class and acts diligently to establish itself as a very worthy competitor.

So, make no mistake: the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara is definitely worth your short list consideration if you are in the market for a car-style, family crossover that delivers value, fuel efficiency, rugged durability and a comfortable, pleasing driving experience. Get to know Suzuki better today!