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Photo of a Suzuki Grand Vitara

Suzuki Grand Vitara

Researched November 9, 2026 from 33 sources

Also called

  • extraterrestrial potentateContributor "Uncle Fred" Gregory's playful description of the Grand Vitara.1

At a glance

0150300
87–230 hpPower
0510
9–9.7 s0–60 mph
0100200
171–182 km/hTop speed
0150300
121.5–300 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,150–1,711 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.45781014

Layout
Front engine; early RWD/4WD; revival FWD or mild-hybrid AWD412
Gearbox
Earlier: 5MT, 4/5AT; revival: 5MT, 4/6AT or strong-hybrid eCVT41314
Built at
Original: Iwata Plant, Japan; revival: Toyota's second Bidadi plant, India412

The story

Born in 1998 to update an aging, underpowered range, the Grand Vitara was redesigned in 2005. Its 2022 revival became a Toyota-built Global C crossover with mild and strong hybrids.234

1998: The Grand Vitara badge arrives19982001: XL-7 stretches to seven seats20012006: 7:38 wins a shortened Pikes Peak20062009: 166 hp four, 230 hp V620092012: SZ-T: 500 diesel specials20122022: Hybrid revival, built by Toyota20222023: S-CNG joins in Delta and Zeta trims20232025: Six airbags and automatic ALLGRIP2025 Suzuki Vitara / Sidekick (ET/TA): 1988–1998ET/TASuzuki Grand Vitara (original) (FT/GT): 1998–2005FT/GTSuzuki Grand Vitara (2005 generation) (JT): 2005–JTSuzuki SX4 S-Cross (JY): 2013–2022JYSuzuki Vitara (2015 generation) (LY): 2015–LYSuzuki Grand Vitara (crossover revival) (YK): 2022–presentYK 19901995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones134712202425
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1988–1998Suzuki Vitara / Sidekick (ET/TA)
1998–2005Suzuki Grand Vitara (original) (FT/GT)
2005–Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 generation) (JT)
2013–2022Suzuki SX4 S-Cross (JY)
2015–Suzuki Vitara (2015 generation) (LY)
2022–presentSuzuki Grand Vitara (crossover revival) (YK)
1998The Grand Vitara badge arrives
2001XL-7 stretches to seven seats
20067:38 wins a shortened Pikes Peak
2009166 hp four, 230 hp V6
2012SZ-T: 500 diesel specials
2022Hybrid revival, built by Toyota
2023S-CNG joins in Delta and Zeta trims
2025Six airbags and automatic ALLGRIP
  1. 1998

    The Grand Vitara badge arrives

    The first Grand Vitara updated an aging, underpowered range, pairing authentic 4WD with improved on-road manners.23

  2. 2001

    XL-7 stretches to seven seats

    The seven-seat Grand Vitara XL-7 stretched the body by 19.2 inches and used a 170 hp 2.7 L V6.35

  3. 2006

    7:38 wins a shortened Pikes Peak

    Monster Tajima's 940 hp space-frame Grand Vitara Hill Climb Special won overall after snow and hail cut the course short.6

  4. 2009

    166 hp four, 230 hp V6

    The engine overhaul replaced the old 2.7 L V6 with a 166 hp 2.4 L four-cylinder and an optional 230 hp 3.2 L V6.7

  5. 2012

    SZ-T: 500 diesel specials

    Limited to 500 five-door 1.9 DDiS cars, the SZ-T added 18-inch alloys and returned the spare wheel to the tailgate.8

  6. 2022

    Hybrid revival, built by Toyota

    The Global C revival was Toyota-built in Bidadi. Its strong hybrid clocked 12.84 s to 100 km/h and 23.77 km/L in city testing, with a 255 L boot.49

  7. 2023

    S-CNG joins in Delta and Zeta trims

    Delta and Zeta gained a 5-speed-manual S-CNG version: 87 hp and 121.5 Nm on CNG, with a certified 26.6 km/kg.10

  8. 2025

    Six airbags and automatic ALLGRIP

    The update added a Delta+ strong hybrid, optional-sunroof trims and standard six airbags; ALLGRIP Select gained a 6-speed automatic.11

Every generation

  • Suzuki Vitara / Sidekick
    ET/TA1988–1998
  • Suzuki Grand Vitara (original)
    FT/GT1998–2005
  • Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005 generation)
    JT
  • Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
    JY2013–2022
  • Suzuki Vitara (2015 generation)
    LY
  • Suzuki Grand Vitara (crossover revival)
    YK2022–present

Power over the years

From 155 hp to 230 hp in 10 years.

0100200300 20002005201020152020 hp 1999 · 155 hp · 2.5 L V6, JLX+2001 · 170 hp · 2.7 L V6 XL-72002 · 165 hp · 2.5 L V6 power increase2004 · 165 hp · V6-only wagon range2007 · 185 hp · 2.7 L V6 4WD Luxury2009 · 166 hp · 2.4 L four-cylinder2009 · 230 hp · 3.2 L V62012 · 127 hp · SZ-T 1.9 DDiS diesel2022 · 102 hp · Mild hybrid 1.5 L2022 · 114 hp · Strong hybrid system2023 · 87 hp · S-CNG, running on CNG 230 hp 3.2 L V6 155 hp 2.5 L V6, JLX+
14578101314
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
19991552.5 L V6, JLX+
20011702.7 L V6 XL-7
20021652.5 L V6 power increase
2004165V6-only wagon range
20071852.7 L V6 4WD Luxury
20091662.4 L four-cylinder
20092303.2 L V6
2012127SZ-T 1.9 DDiS diesel
2022102Mild hybrid 1.5 L
2022114Strong hybrid system
202387S-CNG, running on CNG

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Early JS / JLS Plus / JLX / JLX Plus

    Standard

    Early JS / JLS Plus / JLX / JLX Plus

    155 hp

  • Standard

    Cabriolet / Sports Hardtop and early wagons

  • Standard

    Limited

    2000–2002

  • Standard

    4WD XSport / Luxury

    2006–2007

  • Sigma / Delta / Zeta / Alpha ALLGRIP (India)

    Standard

    Sigma / Delta / Zeta / Alpha ALLGRIP (India)

    2022–present

    102 hp

  • Standard

    Intelligent Electric Hybrid (India)

    2022–present

    114 hp

  • Standard

    Delta / Zeta S-CNG (India)

    2023–present

    87 hp

  • Special

    Ultimate Adventure Edition

    2012

    166 hp

  • Limited

    Dominion Edition

    2024

  • Limited

    SZ-T

    2012

    127 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Early Grand Vitara wagons have bulkier bodywork than the regular Vitara.13
  • Third generation: clamshell hood, wraparound lamps and flared wheel arches.20
  • 2022 revival: three-point lamps flank a polygonal grille crossed by a chrome bar.21
  • Revived model: a sloping roofline and rear lights linked across the tail.17

Year by year

  1. 2001

    Limited gains a different alloy-wheel design.13

  2. July 2010

    Some third-generation models lose the rear-mounted spare wheel and carry tire sealant instead.22

  3. December 2012 / 2013

    Bumper and grille become more angular; five-door SZ5 gets black headlamp inners, and this range regains a rear-door spare.1622

  4. 2022

    The new crossover body introduces three-point lamps, a polygonal grille and a chrome strip joining the front lamps.421

  5. April 2025

    Updated cars gain a fresh design of 17-inch precision-cut alloy wheels.11

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Suzuki Grand Vitara
    Grand Vitara
    Photo of a Suzuki Vitara
    Suzuki Vitara

    Suzuki Vitara

    The early Grand Vitara has beefier bodywork; alloy wheels distinguish its Plus trims.13

  • Photo of a Suzuki Grand Vitara
    Grand Vitara
    Photo of a Chevrolet Tracker
    Chevrolet Tracker

    Chevrolet Tracker

    Check the branding: the early Tracker is the Chevrolet-badged sibling of the Grand Vitara.1

  • Photo of a Suzuki Grand Vitara
    Grand Vitara
    Photo of a Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder / Urban Cruiser
    Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder / Urban Cruiser

    Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder / Urban Cruiser

    Toyota-badged sister models; the Grand Vitara's polygonal grille carries an S emblem on its chrome bar.423

Against its rivals

  • Subaru Forester L

    Grand Vitara vs Subaru Forester L

    Power

    Grand Vitara155 hp
    Subaru Forester L165 hp
    1
  • Hyundai Creta 1.5P IVT

    Grand Vitara vs Hyundai Creta 1.5P IVT

    City fuel economy

    Grand Vitara23.8 km/l
    Hyundai Creta 1.5P IVT10.3 km/l
    9

  • Grand Vitara vs Kia Seltos 1.5D AT

    Fuel cost per km lower is better

    Grand Vitara4.4 Rs/km
    Kia Seltos 1.5D AT5.8 Rs/km
    9

Prices

Value today $1.5K–$19.0K33

Price when newValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $1,500–$19,000 1999 · $20,429 · US JLX+, as tested2007 · $25,649 · US 4WD Luxury base2012 · $20,464 · US 2WD manual base
11418
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1999Price when new$20,429US JLX+, as tested
2007Price when new$25,649US 4WD Luxury base
2012Price when new$20,464US 2WD manual base
2026Value today$1,500–$19,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “An 8:01 record, then another win”
    • “Pikes Peak class win on his first try”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 33 sources
  1. 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara JLX+ caranddriver.com
  2. Buying a used Suzuki Grand Vitara (2001-08) - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  3. 35 Years History of Vitara Series Opens New Chapter in Suzuki’s Vitara-ism | Suzuki Family | Global Suzuki globalsuzuki.com
  4. Suzuki Grand Vitara (2022) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. Suzuki Grand Vitara XL-7 caranddriver.com
  6. PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB 2006 Special Site monster-sport.com
  7. 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara - First Drive - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  8. Special edition Grand Vitara | News | by Car Enthusiast carenthusiast.com
  9. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos SUV comparison – fuel efficiency, price, engine, cost of running compared | Autocar India autocarindia.com
  10. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara S-CNG now available at NEXA marutisuzuki.com
  11. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara updated with 6 Airbags as standard & new premium features marutisuzuki.com
  12. Suzuki Vitara - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  13. 1999-05 Suzuki Vitara | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  14. 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD Luxury caranddriver.com
  15. 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Xsport Review - Four Wheeler Magazine motortrend.com
  16. Suzuki Grand Vitara updated for 2013 | News | by Car Enthusiast carenthusiast.com
  17. Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara SUV review, drive: engine, hybrid, performance, fuel economy, price | Autocar India autocarindia.com
  18. 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims motortrend.com
  19. Maruti Suzuki launches Grand Vitara Dominion Edition: Where distinctive style meets dominance marutisuzuki.com
  20. Maruti offers New Grand Vitara marutisuzuki.com
  21. Suzuki Unveils the All-New SUV Grand Vitara in India | GLOBAL NEWS | Global Suzuki globalsuzuki.com
  22. Used Suzuki Grand Vitara buying guide: 2005-2014 (Mk3) | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  23. New Grand Vitara: Interview of the Designers for the Exterior and Interior of Suzuki’s Flagship Model | Suzuki Family | Global Suzuki globalsuzuki.com
  24. IGCD.net: Suzuki Grand Vitara in The Last of Us Part II igcd.net
  25. Suzuki SX4 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  26. Suzuki Grand Vitara (2005-2015) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  27. GLOBAL SUZUKI globalsuzuki.com
  28. Special Contents monster-sport.com
  29. 2022 Maruti Grand Vitara: Which Variant Should You Buy? | CarDekho.com cardekho.com
  30. 2000 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA GV2000 | Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th January | Anglia Car Auctions angliacarauctions.co.uk
  31. 2002 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA XL7 | Sat 20th & Sun 21st June | Anglia Car Auctions angliacarauctions.co.uk
  32. Buying a used Suzuki Grand Vitara (2008-2015) - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  33. Suzuki Grand Vitara Price & Specs | CarsGuide carsguide.com.au
  • caranddriver.com
  • carsales.com.au
  • globalsuzuki.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • monster-sport.com
  • motortrend.com
  • carenthusiast.com
  • autocarindia.com
  • marutisuzuki.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • igcd.net
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • cardekho.com

Photo credits

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