Two all-wheel-drive systems are offered in the Grand Vitara. The full-time single-mode four-wheel drive, available in the base and Premium Package models, has a transfer case with a differential for full-time operation in 4H mode. The full-time four-mode four-wheel drive offered with the XSport and Luxury Packages has a transfer case with a locking differential and a low range. The operating modes are: 4H, 4H locked, 4L locked, and Neutral for flat-towing behind an RV. The transfer case ratio is 1.97:1.
We drove off highway in a Grand Vitara with the Luxury package, which includes the four-mode 4WD system, and it proved to be a stellar performer. It rode smoothly while traversing a graded dirt road, taking ruts in stride. Nothing surprising there, as a car could have tackled the dirt road.
But then we headed off the graded track to an uphill section strewn with boulders that was nothing much more than a dry streambed. No way could any vehicle without a low gear tackle this. We tried it in 4H but within yards a boulder stopped our forward movement. After gingerly backing down, we shifted the automatic transmission into neutral and turned and pushed the knob to engage Low gear. Gently easing the gas pedal we inched up the steep mountain trail, crawling from rock to rock as we tried hard to avoid hitting the undercarriage. We weren't entirely successful, as we did misjudge one maneuver and left a small ding in the passenger side doorsill. One driver said this exercise, directed by Suzuki, was too much. Maybe it was too much for that driver, but it certainly wasn't too much for the Grand Vitara. We thought it proved that this SUV has true off-road capabilities with good ground clearance, approach, departure and break-over angles as well as short front and rear overhangs. Good off-road maneuvering might not be a trait required by most SUV buyers nowadays, but surely it is still desired by some. Next Page