Japanese SUV Suzuki Grand Vitara in its latest version (JT restyling body) was sold at Russian market since 2012, and, in general, the second generation of the car debuted in 2005, having gone through several updates at once during the life cycle. In November 2016, the manufacturer announced the cessation of production of the model and the curtailment of sales in all countries. As such, the car did not acquire a successor, as the company relies on the Vitara and SX4 crossovers.

Since its appearance in Russia, the restyled Suzuki Grand Vitara has been offered in two body styles - three- and five-door. A more compact and maneuverable 3d modification is designed to carry 4 passengers, behind whom it will not fit too oversized cargo(the base volume of the trunk is only 184 liters). The five-door version of the SUV surpasses its three-door counterpart in the wheelbase (+200 mm) and overall body length (+440 mm). Such an increase was enough to form 5 full-fledged seats and a spacious luggage compartment with a capacity of 398 liters (increased to 1386 liters).

If at the dawn of its existence, the Grand Vitara was an “honest” frame SUV, then in last years body configuration has been revised. Now the ladder-type frame has been integrated into the main power frame, thanks to which it has been possible to increase ground clearance. The rest of the "off-road" ability of the car is almost not affected. The main thing was kept constant four-wheel drive with an almost even distribution of traction between the axles (proportion 47/53), a central differential lock and a reduction gear. To this is added an impenetrable suspension with powerful levers (in front - MacPherson strut, in the back - multi-link). With such an architecture of the chassis of the Suzuki Grand Vitara, even a fairly serious off-road can be forced, since the geometry of the body does not pose any obstacles to this.

In the line of car engines, there are only time-tested atmospheric units that do not indulge in technical characteristics. The three-door Grand Vitara is equipped with engines of 1.6 liters (106 hp) and 2.4 liters (166 hp). mechanical box, "senior" J24B - with a 4-speed "automatic", which is very close to retirement age. Modification with a 1.6-liter engine, by the way, is the only one without a downshift.

The five-door version of the Grand Vitara also has two atmospheric fours: 2.0 J20A (140 hp) and 2.4 J24B (169 hp). Each of them can be combined with a “mechanics” or “automatic”.

The use of not the most "fresh" power units and transmissions does not allow at least some modification to distinguish itself in a spurt from a place. Even versions with the top 2.4-liter engine look heavy, accelerating without much enthusiasm. Best result- 11.5 seconds shows Suzuki Grand Vitara 3d with 4 automatic transmission. A five-door SUV with 5MKPP accelerates a little worse - 11.7 seconds. However, excessively active driving is also contraindicated for a car because of the steering and brake settings, which are not very informative.

Fuel consumption of Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 fluctuates around 8.4 liters (manual transmission) or 8.9 liters (automatic transmission). Larger unit 2.4 169 hp consumes even more - 9.0 and 9.7 liters (respectively, "mechanics" and "automatic")

Full technical specifications of Suzuki Grand Vitara in the back of JT (2012-2016 restyling)

Parameter	Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 140 HP		Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 169 HP
Engine
Engine code	J20A		J24B
engine's type	petrol
Injection type	distributed
Supercharging	No
Number of cylinders	4
Cylinder arrangement	row
	4
Volume, cu. cm.	1995		2393
	84.0 x 90.0		92.0 x 90.0
Power, hp (at rpm)	140 (6000)		169 (6000)
	183 (4000)		227 (3800)
Transmission
Drive unit	permanent full
Transmission	5MKPP	4automatic transmission	5MKPP	4automatic transmission
Suspension
Front suspension type	MacPherson type independent
Rear suspension type	independent multi-link
Brake system
Front brakes	disc ventilated
Rear brakes	disc ventilated
Steering
Amplifier type	hydraulic
Tires
Tire size	225/70 R16 / 225/65 R17
Disc size	6.5Jx16 / 6.5Jx17
Fuel
Fuel type	AI-95
Environmental class	Euro 4
Tank volume, l	66
Fuel consumption
City cycle, l/100 km	10.6	11.2	11.4	12.5
Country cycle, l/100 km	7.1	7.5	7.6	8.1
Combined cycle, l/100 km	8.4	8.9	9.0	9.7
dimensions
Number of seats	5
Number of doors	5
Length, mm	4500
Width, mm	1810
Height, mm	1695
Wheel base, mm	2640
Front wheel track, mm	1540
Track rear wheels, mm	1570
	398/1386
	200
Weight
Equipped (min/max), kg	1533	1548	1569	1584
Full, kg	2070	2070	2100	2100
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h	175	170	185	175
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, s	12.5	13.6	11.7	12.0

Parameter	Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.6 106 HP	Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4 166 HP
Engine
Engine code	M16A	J24B
engine's type	petrol
Injection type	distributed
Supercharging	No
Number of cylinders	4
Cylinder arrangement	row
Number of valves per cylinder	4
Volume, cu. cm.	1586	2393
Cylinder diameter / piston stroke, mm	78.0 x 83.0	92.0 x 90.0
Power, hp (at rpm)	106 (5900)	166 (6000)
Torque, N*m (at rpm)	145 (4100)	225 (3800)
Transmission
Drive unit	permanent full
Transmission	5MKPP	4automatic transmission
Suspension
Front suspension type	MacPherson type independent
Rear suspension type	independent multi-link
Brake system
Front brakes	disc ventilated	disc ventilated
Rear brakes	drum	disc ventilated
Steering
Amplifier type	hydraulic
Tires
Tire size	225/70 R16
Disc size	6.5Jx16
Fuel
Fuel type	AI-95
Environmental class	Euro 4
Tank volume, l	55
Fuel consumption
City cycle, l/100 km	10.2	11.9
Country cycle, l/100 km	7.1	8.0
Combined cycle, l/100 km	8.2	9.4
dimensions
Number of seats	4
Number of doors	3
Length, mm	4060
Width, mm	1810
Height, mm	1695
Wheel base, mm	2440
Front wheel track, mm	1540
Rear wheel track, mm	1570
Trunk volume (min/max), l	184/964
Ground clearance (clearance), mm	200
Weight
Equipped (min/max), kg	1407	1461
Full, kg	1830	1890
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed, km/h	160	170
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, s	14.4	11.5

The differential lock in the Suzuki Grand Vitara allows the driver to feel confident on the roads. Approximately one price category both cars are located, although the Outlander's off-road potential is slightly lower. : Grand Vitara or Outlander? We will try to answer this question in today's review. The analysis will be built in a non-standard way. We will analyze the weaknesses of the competing parties. Consider possible breakdowns and failures in the operation of crossovers.

Specifications

Car model:	Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4	Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0
The country of manufacture:	Japan	Japan
body type:	SUV	SUV
Number of places:	5	5
Number of doors:	5	5
Engine capacity, cu. cm:	2360	1995
Power, l. s./about. min.:	162/6000	140/6000
Maximum speed, km/h:	196	175
Acceleration to 100 km/h, s:	10.5 (automatic transmission)	12,5
Type of drive:	full	full
Checkpoint:	6 automatic transmission	5 automatic transmission
Fuel type:	gasoline AI-95	gasoline AI-92
Consumption per 100 km:	city ​​10.6; track 6.4	city ​​10.6; track 7.1
Length, mm:	4655	4300
Width, mm:	1800	1810
Height, mm:	1680	1695
Clearance, mm:	215	200
Tire size:	215/70R16	225/65R17
Curb weight, kg:	1495	1533
Gross weight, kg:	2210	2070
Fuel tank capacity:	63	66

Disadvantages of power units

Test Drive Mitsubishi car outlander:

The Grand Vitara has weak front suspension stabilizer bushings.

In the duel between Grand Vitara and Outlander, the Outlander took over in terms of the quality and durability of the suspension.

Summing up

Today we had an unusual one. Which is better: Outlander or Grand Vitara? Based on the specifics of today's review, the winner will be the car whose components and assemblies are more reliable and will last longer than that of the opponent. Another evaluation criterion will be the approximate cost of replacing parts that could potentially fail. So, the parts in the Outlander are more durable and the cost of replacing them will be much lower than that of the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Therefore, we give the victory in this duel to the “Outlander”.

The best prices and conditions for the purchase of new cars

Loan 6.5% / Installment / Trade-in / 98% approval / Gifts in the salon

Mas Motors

Off-road car Suzuki Grand Vitara is one of the most common cars in the Russian Federation, and throughout the world, Japanese made. Today, the Suzuki Grand Vitara is produced in two body styles - a three-door and a five-door version. The Japanese car has experienced another improvement, which also affected the appearance of the SUV. The entire range of Suzuki.

Exterior

The appearance of the crossover, along with the interior, has been changed in order to present the car in a fresh modern style, although the previous generation became the basis for it. The front of the car has been seriously changed. Changes are noticeable in the optical light-amplifying system, where the headlights have been changed. The changes also affected the new radiator grilles, which are topped with chrome inserts. The bumper, mounted at the bottom, has an air intake, and has also undergone changes - a very expressive aluminum plate adorns it from below. The air intake itself, which was installed at the bottom, found its place below the lower bumper, thus creating a fundamentally new stylistic solution. Paying attention to the foglight sockets, you understand that they have also been slightly changed - after the update, the foglights are not installed directly into the bumper, but into a couple of small platforms that go well with the general design solution, which gives all-wheel drive SUV modern look.

Another eye catches the side extensions of the fairing installed in front, which smoothly cross the bulges in the stampings of the front wings. The wheel arches have a fairly wide design, which allows the use of massive wheel diameters. There is a new trim for the false radiator grille, which is decorated with two horizontal slats with an extension in the center to install the Suzuki nameplate. The side of the Vitara has almost the same profile as the pre-styling car. However, after the update, large and different variations of the pattern of light alloy wheels and a variety of body colors will already be offered as a bonus. The appearance is quite recognizable, where you can find the presence of large swollen wheel arches, large doors, a flat window sill line and a roof. The rear of the Suzuki Grand Vitara has already received a bumper that has become more expressive. Reflectors moved to the bottom rear bumper. In principle, in everything else there is a similarity with the previous model, with regard to dimensions. There is also a massive tailgate that opens to the side, as well as vertical lights.

Dimensions

If we talk about the three-door Suzuki Grand Vitara, then it is 4,060 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, and 1,695 mm high. The wheelbase is 2440 mm, and the height ground clearance at the level of 200 mm. The curb weight, depending on which power unit will be installed, is 1,407, or 1,461 kg. The three-door model will boast excellent performance in terms of geometric patency body, the angle of entry is 29 degrees, the exit angle is 36 degrees, and the longitudinal patency is 20 degrees.

The five-door has a wheelbase, the size of which is 2,640 mm, length 4,500 mm, width 1,810 mm, and height 1,695 mm. The ride height is exactly the same as that of the younger brother - 200 mm. This is very pleasing, given the quality of our roads. With such height, it can be called a full-fledged SUV. The curb weight of a car from Japan with five doors will vary from 1,533 to 1,584 kg. The five-door model has a slightly worse case in terms of body geometry - the entry angle is the same as that of the 3-door version - 29 degrees, but the angle of longitudinal patency is less - 19 degrees, and the exit angle is much less - 27 degrees. Wheel rims can be installed from a diameter of 16 inches to 18 inches, with 17 and 18 inches wheel disks will go only from light alloy.

Interior

Once in the Japanese-made Suzuki Grand Vitara, you immediately feel the already familiar style of the company. The salon, as already accepted, is designed in black colors with silver dots, which perfectly complement the standard forms of design content. The entire surface has a regular geometric rounded shape. Therefore, the formation of small damage is minimized, which allows you to fully use the car as an all-wheel drive jeep. Of course, the interior of the Suzuki Grand Vitara does not stand out in any way. The front panel is made of high-quality and hard plastic, there are also simple fabric chairs. The basic equipment has a console that is similar to the control panel, and the top variations even come with a screen that supports touch input. Restyled versions have beige finishes, and seats can be made from leather and fabric. In the cabin, you can note the excellent assembly of parts and high-quality fit, there is nothing more to say.

Pleasantly pleased with the new three-spoke wheel, which will now be in two variations: in leather or polyurethane. It can be adjusted in height. On it, the designers placed the control keys music system car. The instrument panel has received a stylish design and contains three deep wells where the indicators are located. Near it you can see the console installed in the center, which looks strictly. The materials used have been noticeably improved. The person driving the Suzuki Grand Vitara has pretty good visibility, and rather big windows make it possible to increase visibility.

If the three-door version of the Suzuki Grand Vitara was designed for four people, then the five-door can accommodate five people. However, it still could not do without a fly in the ointment - there is a rather small supply free space. Tall people may experience some discomfort. The front-mounted seats are quite comfortable and have heating and a wide range of settings. The driver's seat and the passenger sitting next to it have a heating function. The luggage compartment has a presence of 398 liters of usable space in a five-seater version. luggage compartment if necessary, can be increased by folding the rear seatbacks. Then this figure will already be 1,386 liters free space. The three-door model has only 184 liters of volume, and with the seats folded down 964.

Specifications

During the updates, the technical component of the Suzuki Grand Vitara SUV from Japan was not particularly interfered with by the engineering staff of the company. The car has a full-fledged independent front suspension with McPherson struts and a rear axle with a multi-link system (5 levers). The all-wheel drive system works together with the lockable center differential, and also with a downshift, which is very good. It is worth noting that for most competing crossovers, this alignment is not available. Even in some off-road vehicles, this is not the case. Speaking of powertrains, the list starts with the initial 1.6-litre petrol engine that puts out 107 horses and syncs up with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It is put only on a model with three doors. The engine clearly lacks power, and it allows you to reach the first hundred in just 14.4 seconds, and its top speed is 160 km / h. Consumes gasoline this motor about 8.2-8.5 liters per 100 km in medium mode.

Next comes a more powerful 2.0-liter, issuing 140 horsepower and working with a 5-speed manual gearbox, or an automatic 4-speed ex. This engine comes with a five-door and makes it possible to reach the mark of 100 km / h in 10.6 (11.2), and the maximum speed will be 175 km / h. At 100 km, the engine eats about 8.4 (8.9 with a gun) liters. If you drive it in the city, this figure will be increased a little more than 11 liters. Completes this bar the most strong motor, operating on gasoline, the volume of which is 2.4 liters and which produces 169 horses. This motor comes with a "short" Grand Vitara FL and a 4-speed automatic transmission gears. All this makes it possible to accelerate to the mark of 100 km / h in 11.5 seconds, and the top speed will be at the level of 170 km / h. On the highway, the engine eats about 8 liters, in the city 12. Long-shaped FL with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed accp accelerates to the first hundred in 11.7 (12), and the maximum speed is 185 (175). This motor is required for an enlarged car of 7.6 liters on the highway and 11.4 (12.5) in urban areas. Speaking for real conditions, the power unit requires about 10-12 liters per 100 km.

Vehicle testing

All tests that were carried out together with the Suzuki Grand Vitara, along with owner reviews and an independent test drive, make it possible to conclude about the stability of behavior all-wheel drive vehicle on asphalt and light off-road. The car has a rigid suspension and sensitive steering, however, after reaching the mark of 120 km/h, directional stability goes down. Light off-road is like a toy for the Suzuki, and if tough stretches of road are coming, there is a locking differential along with permanent all-wheel drive. However, do not forget that much depends on the head and skillful hands.

Specifications

Engine	engine's type	Engine capacity	Power	Transmission	Acceleration to 100 km / h, s.	Max speed km/h
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0MT	Petrol	1995 cm³	140 HP	Mechanical 5st.	12.5	175
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0AT	Petrol	1995 cm³	140 HP	Automatic 4 st.	13.6	170
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4MT	Petrol	2393 cm³	169 HP	Mechanical 5st.	11.7	185
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.4AT	Petrol	2393 cm³	169 HP	Automatic 4 st.	12.0	175
Suzuki Grand Vitara 3-door 1.6MT	Petrol	1586 cm³	106 HP	Mechanical 5st.	14.4	160
Suzuki Grand Vitara 3-door 2.4AT	Petrol	2393 cm³	166 HP	Automatic 4 st.	11.5	170

Suzuki Grand Vitara Safety

As a security, for Japanese car many additions are included. Security systems:

• The presence of a rear door lock (protection for children);
• The larva of door locks with increased resistance to breaking;
• The presence of an immobilizer;

Passive safety:

1. The presence of frontal airbags;
2. Side airbags built into the seats installed in front;
3. Safety shutter;
4. Mounts for child seats ISOFIX (3 pieces);
5. Safety bars in the doors;
6. 3-point front seat belts with inertial reel, pretensioner, force limiter and height adjustment;
7. Safety pedal assembly.

Active safety and suspension:

• Availability of ABS with EBD option;
• BOS, a service that prevents accidental pressing of the gas pedal during emergency braking;
• brake assist;
• Reminders about the key in the ignition;
• Headlight warning light.

The company paid Special attention crossover safety, especially for its use in the Russian Federation. To do this, they created a durable body, which is made of galvanized sheet steel. Moreover, the metal is coated anti-corrosion coatings.

Options and prices

The list of standard equipment, which is available on all trim levels of the Suzuki Grand Vitara, includes front power windows, central locking, climate control, heated front seats, front and side airbags, curtain airbags, ABS and EBD, system emergency braking, immobilizer, outside rear-view mirrors together with electric drive and heating function, hydraulic power steering, trip computer, and 16-inch steel wheels. The XJ-A package additionally provides the car with an audio system with steering wheel control buttons, front fog lights, 16-inch steel rims.

The cheapest equipment of a three-door model with a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 1.6-liter 107-horsepower engine will cost from 1,129,000 rubles. A 5-door version with a 2.0-liter engine, 140 horsepower and a mechanical 5-speed gearbox will cost from 1,279,000 rubles. Top option a five-door costs from 1,619,000 rubles with a 2.4 liter 169-horsepower power unit and a 4-speed automatic. The most expensive three-door Suzuki equipment Grand Vitara will be estimated from 1,479,000 rubles. It comes with the same 2.4-liter 169-horsepower engine and an automatic 4-speed gearbox.

To the list additional equipment includes the presence of electric windows on the rear doors, a system for starting the engine without a key, an audio system top level, leather upholstery, cruise control, xenon headlights with washers, a sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels and an electronic stabilization system. Maximum equipment provides combined seat upholstery in leather, color touch screen(6.1 inches) navigation system Garmin, audio systems with support for voice control (CD, MP3, USB, AUX, iPhone, iPod and Bluetooth), cruise control, stylish alloy wheels.

Pros and cons of Suzuki Grand Vitara

Machine advantages

• Comfortable salon;
• Quite an interesting design;
• Good permeability;
• A wide choice of modifications;
• Strong gasoline engines working with special expensive boxes;
• Small dimensions;
• Good handling;
• Permanent four-wheel drive and low gear;
• machine reliability;
• Average price for spare parts;
• Low fuel consumption;
• Good capacity;
• Excellent work of the stove;
• Rigid suspension, no buildup;
• Good lighting quality;
• All two bridges are disabled when towing;
• Improved quality of materials used in the cabin;
• Proper level of security;
• The presence of a touch screen.

Cons of the car

• Not ideal noise isolation;
• In some places, poor equipment;
• It’s hard to ride on a harsh suspension, but on emergency road, it is no longer so easy;
• Not the most the best quality the plastic used;
• The transfer box is very low;
• Inconvenient location of the spare wheel;
• The spare wheel cover does not have adequate protection;
• Outdated automatic transmission;
• Not enough free space, especially in the back row and for tall people;
• Small amount of luggage compartment;
• In some trim levels, there are weak power units;
• Great cost.

Summing up

Another update Japanese crossover with constant full driven by Suzuki Grand Vitara benefited. Let restyling is not so noticeable in appearance or inside the car, but it still happened. The design of the front was especially affected and thanks to the update, the car looks more modern and youthful, and in some places even sporty. In the cabin, the quality of the materials used has noticeably improved. The front instrument panel has the familiar three deep wells. The center console is quite simple, but at the same time quite informative and intuitive. In more expensive trim levels there is even a screen that supports touch input. The seats installed in front are quite comfortable and have average lateral support. Passengers sitting in the back are quite comfortable, but tall people will feel a slight discomfort over their heads.

Suzuki Vitara, 4th generation, 10.2014 - 03.2019

I am an attentive picky driver, but not nervous, experience constant driving since 2008, glass and headlights can not be wiped by car washes, the aggressiveness of driving depends on my mood. Before Vitara were budget puzoterki Nexia and Accent. I thought it would be tougher, it turned out to be generally more comfortable. For the year mileage 7t.km. But where I used to slow down and leisurely “roll over” now I don’t notice without slowing down the speed. Doesn't lean when turning. Very pleased with the car. At urban speeds, it is pleasantly torquey (it was tested for comparison with the Duster and Sportezh). Nothing creaks anywhere. Visibility and mirrors are good, and near and high beam good. The salon is wider than the previous cars by 10 cm and longer by the same amount, it is convenient to get in and out (my height is 178) by back seat even in winter I sit down and sit quietly, quiet, warm, comfortable, on Idling If you do not look at the tachometer, it is not clear whether the engine is running or not. Power windows on the front doors and mechanical on the rear (children can, without turning on the ignition, regulate the ventilation of the passenger compartment in the parking lot). The radio with CDs and MP3 with steering wheel controls is very convenient, the sound is excellent.

In my configuration there is no trunk light. Installing engine protection reduces clearance by one and a half to two centimeters.

Did not have. I will add pluses. The seats are comfortable with heating, but the skin material is such that heating is not required up to -10grd (does not cool). Shock absorbers do not knock in the cold, "warm up" after 10 minutes of driving. Engine compartment half empty, the engine is unusually small, everywhere good review, Japanese minimalism and strength. In summer, the consumption of AI95 gasoline in the city is more than a million inhabitants 6.5l. In winter, with warm-ups and traffic jams 7.5l. In the summer, on the long distance 80 - 90 km per hour, the revolutions are 1300 - 1600 and without frequent overtaking, the consumption is 4.5l. When the temperature dropped below -24 degrees, I didn’t risk it, I set it to periodically warm up. For the winter I bought a second set of Chinese metal wheels original sizes for 1500 rub. I really liked the built-in ESP anti-skid system. In winter, in snowfall and ice, it accelerates and maneuvers steadily and confidently. The weight of the machine is the same as that of the B-class puzoterki, but it takes on board a weight of 130 kg more. I have never seen such an effective headroom in any model of a similar class of crossovers (I studied all similar models of all brands represented in Russia before buying). The Wart's battery is unusually smaller than usual, and always showed a good charge.

Mileage 45,000 km. pounded steering rack. Contacted the dealer. Examined, took a photo did not find any mechanical damage.
Invited for re-examination. According to the dealer, one of the anthers of the steering rack broke. And on this basis, they refused warranty repairs, they said that the rail was faulty, the rods were rusted. They offered to purchase a new one at a price of 46,000 rubles, plus replacement work. It turns out during the passage of TO 2, there was no hole on the anther, then it appeared and within 15,000 the rail failed.

Transmission

We don’t have rear-wheel drive Vitara, although such theoretically existed in the USA. Five-door cars are equipped with a full-fledged transfer case with permanent all-wheel drive and a reduction gear, but three-door cars with a 1.6-liter engine are content with a simpler one without a lowering gear, with a completely ineffective cam "samoblok". You can also find cars from the USA with a connected front axle, but this is quite rare. However, this is easily fixable if a person is ready to get confused with altering not only the transfer box, but also the electronics that control it, as well as the replacement of the wiring harness.

Permanent four-wheel drive with a center lock and a reduction gear, and even with an optional rear axle lock, is quite a serious arsenal for an SUV. And it’s also at least four transmission units versus one or two on most crossovers. And for complete happiness - two cardan shafts. Of course, all this economy, although it works very reliably, nevertheless requires maintenance. It is necessary to change the oil regularly, and, judging by the reviews, it is best to pour not the original mineral water, but transmission semi-synthetics with reduced viscosity. Seals should be checked regularly for leaks. But with us it is quite easy to do: any oil leak is clearly visible against the background of a dirty unit.

Pictured: Suzuki Grand Vitara ‘2012–present

On machines of the first and second restyling, the reliability of the front axle gearboxes is extremely low. Any excessive load quickly leads to failure of the bearings, and if the situation starts, then the main pair. Additional risk factors are heating from the engine and the unfortunate location of the gearbox breather: when forcing even a shallow ford, water can get inside. Of course, the breather is led out into a rubber tube, the end of which is fixed at the very top. engine compartment, but for most of the machines the system works normally, which means it is not very reliable.

The transfer case does not have "foolproof", so the 4HL lockout mode will not turn off at high speeds and on hard surfaces, and the load on the transmission can go off scale.

The quality of the seals, unfortunately, is far from ideal. They flow, and both on new cars and on cross-country ones. Replacement does not always help to fix the problem for a long time. An unsuccessful tool, dirty planes, a bad supplier - and here again everything is under replacement ... But there are more than a dozen oil seals. In general, you will have to change often, and sometimes it’s trite to “hammer” if the oil leak is insignificant.

Car selection

Suzuki Grand Vitara III with mileage: a lever that loses ball joints and a lake in the cabin

History of technology Third Generation Grand Vitara, or Escudo, as it is called in its historical homeland, we suddenly managed to fight with the giants of the "crossover" market. Like Toyota RAV4 and Honda...

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The cardan shafts here are actually not quite cardan. They have CV joints on them, except that the oldest cars produced in 2005-2007 have cardans in the drive. And CV joints have covers that sometimes tear, and it is better to change them immediately. But there are no officially covers for sale, and there are no CV joints, there are only assembled shafts, which, as you understand, costs absolutely indecent money. All these factors lead to the fact that transmission failures on older cars are one of the most frequent and expensive faults, and also one of the most troublesome. By the way, if all three lamps of transmission modes are flashing, then do not rush to repair the transfer case. Most likely, it's either wiring, or ESP failures, or ignition system failures. There are no buggy sensors or vacuum actuators here.

Manual transmissions are generally very sturdy. But the clutches fail, which wear out early, and the gearshift mechanism with weak traction. The second problem was eventually solved by cardinally strengthening the part. But the hydraulic clutch remained the same, not particularly resourceful and not very convenient. If you remove the restrictor jet from the drive, then it will be more convenient to use it. But the price of a hydraulic cylinder combined with release bearing, is still high. It is easy to damage it if the clutch is unsuccessfully installed, but the clutch itself is still weak and requires very careful handling. For most owners, it will have to be changed every 60-80 thousand kilometers. Rarely anyone manages to run more than 150 thousand on one set, and the risk is not justified: when the disc wears out, the basket breaks very easily, which entails additional costs. In addition, the operation of replacing the clutch is expensive and “traumatic”: if not removed carefully, it is easy to damage the wiring or something else. But otherwise, cars with manual transmission do not have any serious difficulties.

With automatic transmission, too, special surprises can not be expected. Suzuki installed two Aisin automatic transmissions on the Grand Vitara, and the best Toyota series. With engines of 1.6, 2.0 and 2.4 liters, and sometimes with 2.7, a four-speed gearbox A44DE, aka AW03-72, worked. If you don’t remember this, then it was she who stood on the rear-wheel drive Previa and Mark II. And with engines of 2.7 and 3.2 liters for American market they began to install a more advanced five-speed TB-50LS / Aisin A750F. She is also of the "Toyota" series, and she can also be found on the Lexus LX470, Toyota Tundra and many other machines of this manufacturer. All boxes are very strong and reliable, capable of good service go more than the engine and the whole machine as a whole.

The four-speed gearbox is only threatened by overheating due to dirty radiators, extremely cruel treatment with a complete lack of maintenance, and runs far beyond 300. For very “racers”, an “early” (with runs from 200 thousand kilometers) failure of the gas turbine engine blocking pads is possible. Then you can wait for the failure of the GDT bushing, its oil seal and oil leakage.

Reliable hydroblock, reliable electronics and durable mechanical part there is practically no chance to break this harsh unit without the help of "smart" servicemen or by personal efforts. If the box works, then most likely it will continue to work. It is enough to change the oil on time, and even if there are already jerks, you just need to flush the automatic transmission with the valve body removed, and it will go again. Surprising for today's vitality! True, fuel consumption and dynamics are no longer so encouraging.

The five-speed automatic transmission is just as indestructible, but with a run of more than 200 thousand kilometers, you will have to change the solenoids. By 250 thousand mileage, the gas turbine engine blocking linings wear out quite often. And the consequences of working with worn linings come earlier and are more expensive. In general, this is one of the most reliable five-speed transmissions, and also quite dynamic and modern.

Surprisingly, the Grand Vitara's gearboxes are the least of the transmission hassles. Much more troublesome other nodes.

Motors

Most travel motors- these are in-line fours with a volume of 2 and 2.4 liters. Less common are engines with a volume of 1.6 liters, the old "Suzukovsky" V6 2.7 liters were installed only on american cars, but with a 3.2 liter engine from GM (the same as on Chevrolet Captiva) the car was delivered to us officially for some time. Diesel engines were also not officially delivered to us, but cars with a Renault 1.9 engine are still found. All engines are good, although Suzuki's inline-fours are prone to oil appetite, and the 2008 2.4L engines also had problems with a cylinder block that leaked right through the wall. And since modern engines made from incomprehensible waste by stamping aluminum cola cans, it turned out to be almost impossible to brew or somehow eliminate this problem outside the factory. However, more on that below.

Common problems of all motors are related to the design of the cooling system. Radiators are frankly weak, often flowing at the junction of plastic and aluminum parts, and the expansion tank cap does not release excessive pressure.

A common problem with 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter engines is the passage of gases through cylinder head gasket. And this also does not contribute to the long and normal life of the cooling system.

Catalysts and weak exhaust system- Another common "trouble" of all Suzuki and GM engines. The catalyst resource is usually less than 200 thousand mileage, and the exhaust system often does not live up to hundreds of thousands of mileage without loss. Of course, cars that go into the mud and off-road suffer first of all, but even in a car with a purely urban operating mode, the exhaust system looks completely unpresentable already in the fifth or sixth year of service.

Oil leaks due to a very simple crankcase ventilation system and not the best oil seals on inline fours are also a common problem, the weakness of the crankshaft rear oil seal is especially annoying, for the replacement of which you will have to remove the gearbox.

In the photo: Under the hood of Suzuki Grand Vitara 3-door ‘2008–12

The 2 liter petrol engine is the most common. The design of its very respectable age: the j20a / JB420A series was installed on the previous generation of the model. This motor is 16-valve, with chain drive Timing and quite reliable. True, his character is not very suitable for a heavy machine. Despite the presence of a phase shifter on the intake shaft, there is not enough thrust at low speeds, but the “tops” are quite lively. Resource piston group he has quite a decent, about 250-300 thousand mileage before overhaul. But this is if you do not allow excessive loss of oil through valve seals and leaks. Downgraded he does not tolerate oil, he turns off the liners with a guarantee, damaging the crankshaft and block yokes.

Runners prefer thicker oil, at least SAE40. The pressure on engines with runs above one and a half hundred may no longer be enough, and this leads to accelerated wear of the crankshaft liners.

Valve stem seals and seals are a sore point, they will have to be changed quite often. Already after hundreds of thousands of runs, it is recommended to replace the caps so that they do not coke piston rings. Worth a clean up intake manifold, it is also heavily polluted.

Pictured: Suzuki Grand Vitara 5-door ‘2005–08

On a run of 200 thousand, a complete revision of the engine is recommended, and the piston group may still be in excellent condition, but the cylinder head will almost certainly require serious repairs. Fortunately, the motor is very maintainable. There are repair sizes for almost all wear parts, and spare parts do not cost space money. And two repair sizes of pistons are just a holiday at the present time, although they are rarely needed. With a good schedule, you can get by cylinder head repair and replacement of liners, and the piston group will withstand another hundred and a half thousand mileage.

Timing chain 2.0 lower

original price

2 668 rubles

The timing chain resource cannot be called gigantic, but it usually takes care of 120-150 thousand, which is a good indicator by now. The main thing is that early breakthroughs of the chain can not be feared. Although the occurrences extraneous noise in the timing, with runs of less than a hundred thousand, they still occur, but they do not always end with the replacement of the chain and tensioners.

Ignition modules and spark plugs require constant attention. Otherwise, the consumption increases, and the dynamics drops sharply. Weak spark plug tips need annual service, and candles - in the replacement. Moreover, the motor is sometimes able to "eat up" iridium Denso, which for some reason are put on his passport. This is especially true for engines that are operated on 92nd gasoline. So checking and replacing candles every 30 thousand kilometers is highly recommended. It’s also not necessary to go broke for “platinum” or iridium, ordinary NGKs work just as well.

The engine mounts also do not differ in excessive reliability; with an increase in the level of vibrations, they must be checked. There is a possibility that the motor is already just lying on rubber cushions.

The 2.4 liter engine is very similar to the "little brother", but has several features. Firstly, the block is new, and it is not cast, but stamped from recycled aluminum. And until 2008, the robot at the factory pulled the cylinder head studs. It would seem, what is the connection? It's simple: the material turned out to be weak, the block began to flow over time. A typical problem is an antifreeze leak from the cooling jacket under exhaust manifold. Less common is a leak into the oil. It will not be possible to weld a crack exactly, extruded aluminum does not hold welding, and such procedures are not recommended due to thermal deformation. Reaming and putting a patch from “cold welding”, as is done on cast-iron blocks, will also fail: the block is weak and the vibrations will quickly loosen the patch. Usually the block is simply replaced. Moreover, the shot block assembly is changing. It was this operation that was done with all warranty cars, but there was no revocable company, so you can meet a car with a “leak on board”.

Another nuance is the lack of repair dimensions of the piston group. This is not a critical problem, because the pistons are cheap, and the liners can be removed with liquid nitrogen and replaced. And the materials are quite strong, the resource of the piston group during normal operation is more than 300 thousand kilometers. The crankshaft has one repair size, but the cylinder head must also be replaced when worn. However, there are always options. In general, the motor is also quite successful, and even pleases with a higher thrust, which is so lacking in a heavy machine. But his character is again, torsional, high-speed.

Car selection

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The small 1.6-liter engine on the three-door JB416 is in many ways similar to its two-liter counterpart. It is not considered particularly problematic, but at age it also begins to suffer from oily appetite, which can lead to serious damage.

V6 engines fit the car much better. Both the native Suzuki 2.7 J27 and the GM 3.2, which here received the “name” JB 632. But they are too rare. I have already written about GM motors and will not repeat myself. In short, it has a very successful design, but the timing resource is small and it is very demanding on the operation of the cooling system.

Suzuki's V6 is a little more troublesome. Firstly, the timing chain resource is far from unlimited here, but when noise appears on the right cylinder head, it is immediately worth changing the entire timing kit, it is prone to jumping, as a result of which the valves on one of the cylinder heads bend, and on the second they work normally, so the timing mechanism is already arranged. Usually the consequences are even worse than when the circuit breaks. The motor continues to run, tearing off valve heads and grinding pistons and cylinders. There will be nothing left to repair. Of the pluses - the presence of repair dimensions and a common resource. But with spare parts, everything is quite complicated, such machines were not supplied to us, and there are not many of them in Japan. However, about the features contract motors whole paragraph below.

For most Japanese cars, you can easily purchase contract units from Japan. This means guaranteed high quality and not a high price for motors. But in Suzuki's case, something went wrong. Motors of 2.0, 2.4 and 2.7 liters are difficult to purchase inexpensively. Prices even beyond the Urals start at 80 thousand rubles for the JB420A, and the V6 is even more expensive. You will have to repair the motor, but only if there is something to repair there. In addition, a fairly large number of versions of the block and piston group will cause a lot of trouble. The lack of mounting holes in the block and a completely different cylinder head can become unpleasant surprise for those who replace the power unit assembly. In general, in terms of Suzuki parts- not a typical Japanese car. Maybe this is a view from the European part of Russia, but everything is different with you? Are there specialists who can pick up the right node and sellers who sell it for a penny? Maybe so. But to warn future owners about this "nuance" is definitely worth it.

In the photo: Under the hood of Suzuki Grand Vitara 5-door ‘2008–12

Diesel Renault engines rare, but a few reviews indicate that they proved to be very mediocre, if not worse.

Pictured: Suzuki Grand Vitara 3-door ‘2005–08

Summary

Suzuki Grand Vitara is very interesting with technical point vision. Indeed, under a typical crossover appearance, a real “rogue” is hidden. Only now, its capabilities will still not be used to its fullest, because they buy it precisely as a crossover. And in this incarnation, he is not very strong. It rides hard, it manages mediocrely, and you don’t have to nod to all-wheel drive, it just doesn’t contribute to good handling. Vitara eats a lot of fuel and is much more difficult to maintain than a typical crossover with a motor "across" and a clutch in the rear wheel drive.

Pictured: Suzuki Grand Vitara 5-door ‘2012–present

True, Suzuki tried very hard to make it strong. The Grand Vitara has very good engines, excellent automatic transmissions and a strong body that can withstand tough off-road use. But the old joke comes to mind: “Mom, why do we need all these bells and whistles in the zoo”? That's what I don't understand. But if you are looking for serious car for serious tasks, then consider this car. With a little preparation, it will outdo many larger and heavier players, and at the same time it will be much more convenient in everyday use.