2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara Interior Review at Automotive.com
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2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review: Interior

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2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review

Compact SUV is capable off road, comfortable on road.
Interior
The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara cabin puts to rest any notion that small equals penalty box. There is nothing ground-breaking in style or features but the logic and execution are first-rate, the materials fully appropriate and cheap to neither eye nor touch.

It's as easy to get in and out of the Grand Vitara as it is with most big cars and many drivers will appreciate that they can almost slide in rather than sit down and later have to climb out. Seats are nicely shaped to allow freedom of movement and supportive enough to empty the fuel tank. While appearance and materials vary by model, the entry-level model offers the same layout, usability, and safety features of the top-line model. Interior materials are upgraded as the price increases, and the Limited comes with leather seats. Regardless of fabric, the center and door armrests are nicely padded.

A three-spoke tilt wheel offers illuminated redundant controls on all but the base model and frames the three-pod instruments; tachometer, speed, and temperature/fuel/gear display on every model. Often-used operating controls are stalk mounted and easy to use. The shifter, gated on automatics, and handbrake are both well-placed.

Outboard dash vents are omni-directional, with conventional horizontal vents at the top of the central dash area. The audio system and climate control run down the panel, and the only potential issue is display visibility with polarized sunglasses. Door pockets, center console storage and a smaller one overhead, glovebox, and smaller bins handle miscellany.

Rear-seat passengers will find more than adequate leg and headroom, even with a sunroof, although some car-based truck-lets have a bit more room. Sheer width dictates that three-across should be youngsters or petite people but the fairly flat cushion and three full-size headrests equalize comfort among them. The rear seat splits with the narrow side behind the driver, and both sides recline independently.

The cargo load floor is not very high thanks to the rear suspension and with the tire outside there is a sizable open bin underneath it. Volume is decent given the compact exterior dimensions and shaped more upright than laid out flat. Various nets and clips help secure items, and the rear seats fold easily to increase volume by a factor of 2.8.

The back door swings open to the right, so you will have to step around it when loading and unloading curbside at the airport or in the big city. (This is in deference to the more crowded Japanese home market.) However, you will never scrape it on a low ceiling as you might a hatch nor have to jump up to reach the pull strap. Adding a piece of non-skid material, clear cover, or scuff plate to the top of the bumper would protect the paint from loading scars. Next Page



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