2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara

The Grand Vitara has been freshened for 2009, with the biggest difference being under the hood. Gone is the overburdened 184-hp 2.7L V-6 engine. In its place is the standard 2.5L four producing 166 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque and an optional 3.2L V-6 producing 230 hp and 213 lb-ft of torque.

The first thing you notice when you climb into the Grand Vitara is the simplicity of the interior. All the controls are within easy reach and easy to use, and there aren't too many of them -- enough buttons and dials to get the job done and no more. The black dash, carpet, doors and seats are set off by tasteful silver accents. Unfortunately, they're also offset by cheap-looking faux-marble trim around the gear selector and on the interior door handles. Marble works in kitchens, not cars, and cheap, plastic, fake marble really doesn't work.

For 2009, the Suzuki Grand Vitara will receive a bevy of changes including new powertrain options, styling revisions, and increased user conveniences. To start off with styling, a new front grille and front bumper design make their way onto the face of the Grand Vitara. Interior changes include illuminated steering wheel controls, a sliding front center armrest, visor extenders, improved HVAC cluster controls, an upgraded audio system, and updated cloth upholstery.

The new 2.4L I-4 makes 166 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque while delivering EPA fuel economy estimates of 19 city/ 26 highway when mated with the standard five-speed manual transmission and 2WD.

The new 3.2L V-6 provides 230 hp and 213 lb-ft of torque while producing 20% less emissions. The V-6 is capable of producing EPA fuel economy ratings of 18 city/24 highway with 2WD, and 17 city/23 highway with 4WD.

Suzuki's given its 2009 Grand Vitara a minor update in style and a major update under the hood. The V-6 model has been upgraded to a 3.2-liter version of the "high-feature" V-6 found as a 3.6 in Cadillac's CTS and Suzuki's XL7 crossover or as a turbocharged 2.8 in Saab's 9-3. The Japan-built, longitudinal V-6 is rated at 230 horsepower/213 pound-feet and paired exclusively to a five-speed automatic.

A four-cylinder has also joined the lineup, a Suzuki 2.4-liter with 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are available with rear or low-range four-wheel drive, and the 2.4 also is available with a part-time 4WD system.

The Grand Vitara compact SUV has been refreshed for 2009 with some new muscle. Standard under the hood now is a 2.4L DOHC inline four-cylinder engine putting down 166 hp and 162 lb-ft. of torque. Optional on the XSport and Luxury models is a 3.2L V-6 making 232 hp and 213 lb-ft. Four-cylinder models are available with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission while V-6 models are only available with a five-speed automatic transmission. Suzuki says both engines are cleaner and more efficient than their predecessors.

Getting into a 2009 Grand Vitara can cost you as little as $19,249 including delivery charges. That will get you a 2WD, four-cylinder model with a manual transmission.