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Photo of a Suzuki Vitara

Suzuki Vitara

A compact 4x4 pioneer from 1988, six years before the Toyota RAV4.12

Researched October 28, 2026 from 30 sources

At a glance

0150300
64–230 hpPower
0510
8.6–9 s0–60 mph
0100200
140–200 km/hTop speed
0200400
132–319 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
950–1,899 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.236811131415

Engine
1.3-3.2 L gas I4/V6; 1.9-2.0 L diesel I4; hybrids; e Vitara: electric381011
Layout
Early RWD/4WD; 2015-on FWD/4WD; e Vitara: 2WD/4WD311
Gearbox
5/6-speed manuals; 3-6-speed autos; automated manuals; single-speed EV3101112
Built at
Grand Vitara: Iwata, Japan; 2015 Vitara: Magyar Suzuki, Hungary16

The story

Built to sit above the Jimny, the 1988 Vitara mixed city-friendly size with genuine 4WD. Known as Escudo in Japan and Sidekick in North America, it became a road-focused crossover for 2015.134

1988: July debut for Japan's Escudo19881994: Suzuki's first six-cylinder arrives19941998: Grand Vitara broadens the range19982005: Ladder frame inside a unibody20052009: 230 hp from a new 3.2 L V620092014: Paris debut for the 2015 crossover20142020: 100 Katana-inspired anniversary cars20202022: Suzuki's own 1.5 L Full Hybrid20222024: e Vitara turns the name electric2024 Suzuki Vitara (first generation) (ET/TA): 1988–1998; regional production to 2006ET/TASuzuki Grand Vitara (second generation) (FT/GT): 1998–2005FT/GTSuzuki Grand Vitara (third generation) (JT): 2005–2015 (Europe)JTSuzuki Vitara (fourth generation) (LY): 2015–presentLYSuzuki e VITARA: Unveiled 2024; production planned for 2025 19901995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsMilestones13461117
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1988–1998; regional production to 2006Suzuki Vitara (first generation) (ET/TA)
1998–2005Suzuki Grand Vitara (second generation) (FT/GT)
2005–2015 (Europe)Suzuki Grand Vitara (third generation) (JT)
2015–presentSuzuki Vitara (fourth generation) (LY)
Unveiled 2024; production planned for 2025Suzuki e VITARA
1988July debut for Japan's Escudo
1994Suzuki's first six-cylinder arrives
1998Grand Vitara broadens the range
2005Ladder frame inside a unibody
2009230 hp from a new 3.2 L V6
2014Paris debut for the 2015 crossover
2020100 Katana-inspired anniversary cars
2022Suzuki's own 1.5 L Full Hybrid
2024e Vitara turns the name electric
  1. 1988

    July debut for Japan's Escudo

    The Escudo debuts in Japan in July; for 1989, North America gets the Sidekick with an 80-hp 1.6 L eight-valve engine.3

  2. 1994

    Suzuki's first six-cylinder arrives

    The 2.0 L V6 makes 134 hp alongside a Mazda turbodiesel; Europe's 70-hp Peugeot 1.9 L diesel follows in 1996.35

  3. 1998

    Grand Vitara broadens the range

    The 1998-2005 Grand Vitara offers 1.6-2.7 L gas engines with 93-181 hp and 2.0 L diesels with 86-107 hp.6

  4. 2005

    Ladder frame inside a unibody

    The redesigned Grand Vitara gets an integrated ladder frame, independent suspension and optional low range, with towing up to 1,361 kg.17

  5. 2009

    230 hp from a new 3.2 L V6

    The update adds a 166-hp 2.4 L four-cylinder and a 230-hp 3.2 L V6; the rear-drive V6 records 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds.8

  6. 2014

    Paris debut for the 2015 crossover

    The road-focused fourth generation loses the Grand prefix, with production at Magyar Suzuki in Hungary scheduled for early 2015.13

  7. 2020

    100 Katana-inspired anniversary cars

    Suzuki's centenary Limited Edition uses the 1.4 L Boosterjet with 48V mild-hybrid assistance and 127 hp; the run is capped at 100.9

  8. 2022

    Suzuki's own 1.5 L Full Hybrid

    Suzuki pairs a new 1.5 L gas engine with a 33-hp motor and 0.84-kWh battery for 113 hp, using a six-speed automated manual.10

  9. 2024

    e Vitara turns the name electric

    The e Vitara debuts as Suzuki's first production EV: 2023 eVX roots, HEARTECT-e, 49/61-kWh batteries and ALLGRIP-e electric 4WD.11

Every generation

  • Suzuki SJ/Samurai
    SJ
  • Suzuki Vitara (first generation)
    ET/TA1988–1998; regional production to 2006
  • Suzuki Grand Vitara (second generation)
    FT/GT1998–2005
  • Suzuki Grand Vitara (third generation)
    JT2005–2015 (Europe)
  • Suzuki Vitara (fourth generation)
    LY2015–present
  • Suzuki e VITARA
    Suzuki e VITARAUnveiled 2024; production planned for 2025

Power over the years

From 64 hp to 230 hp in 21 years.

0100200300 19901995200020052010201520202025 hp 1988 · 64 hp · Sidekick JA 1.31992 · 95 hp · Sidekick 1.6 16V (US)1994 · 134 hp · 2.0 L V62006 · 185 hp · Grand Vitara 2.7 V62009 · 166 hp · Grand Vitara 2.42009 · 230 hp · Grand Vitara 3.2 V62015 · 119 hp · Vitara 1.6 gas / DDiS2016 · 138 hp · Vitara S 1.4 Boosterjet2018 · 109 hp · Vitara 1.0 Boosterjet2020 · 127 hp · Limited Edition 1.4 Hybrid2022 · 113 hp · Vitara 1.5 Full Hybrid2025 · 108 hp · Vitara 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid Club 230 hp Grand Vitara 3.2 V6 64 hp Sidekick JA 1.3
235789101617
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
198864Sidekick JA 1.3
199295Sidekick 1.6 16V (US)
19941342.0 L V6
2006185Grand Vitara 2.7 V6
2009166Grand Vitara 2.4
2009230Grand Vitara 3.2 V6
2015119Vitara 1.6 gas / DDiS
2016138Vitara S 1.4 Boosterjet
2018109Vitara 1.0 Boosterjet
2020127Limited Edition 1.4 Hybrid
2022113Vitara 1.5 Full Hybrid
2025108Vitara 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid Club

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Vitara JX / JLX short-wheelbase

    1988–1998

  • Standard

    Vitara Long

    1990–1998

  • Standard

    Vitara SZ4 / SZ-T / SZ5; Motion / Ultra

  • Grand Vitara XL-7

    Standard

    Grand Vitara XL-7

    2001–2005

  • Sidekick Sport

    Performance

    Sidekick Sport

    1996–1998

    120 hp
  • Vitara S

    Performance

    Vitara S

    138 hp

  • Special

    Vitara Hybrid Kuro

    2026

  • Special

    Fatboy conversion

  • Limited

    Vitara Kuro (2018)

    2018

  • Limited

    Rossini / Verdi

  • Limited

    Vitara Limited Edition (Katana)

    2020

    127 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • Original three-door: tiny overhangs, tall body and a rear-mounted spare.5
  • 2009 Grand Vitara: oversized fender flares and a full-size spare mounted at the back.8
  • India's 2022 Grand Vitara hybrid (Toyota partnership): 3-point lamps, chrome crossbar and polygonal grille.22

Year by year

  1. 1993 / July 1996

    North American Sidekick: revised dash in 1993. Indonesian Escudo/Sidekick: rounded dash and new grille from July 1996.3

  2. December 1994

    First-generation V6 and Mazda-diesel models gain bigger bumpers, plastic arch flares and a different grille.5

  3. 2009 (Grand Vitara)

    New grille and front bumper; European models move their side turn signals into the mirror housings.68

  4. Fall 2012 (Grand Vitara)

    Another facelift changes the front end with a new grille and revised bumpers.6

  5. 2018–2019 (Vitara)

    New grille, front bumper, alloys and LED taillights; a revised instrument cluster adds a central color information screen.16

  6. 2024–2025 (Vitara)

    Second facelift: new grille, front bumper and 17-inch wheels outside, plus a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring inside.18

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Suzuki Vitara
    Vitara
    Photo of a Tracker / Sunrunner / Mazda Proceed Levante
    Tracker / Sunrunner / Mazda Proceed Levante

    Tracker / Sunrunner / Mazda Proceed Levante

    First-generation rebadges share the body: check for Geo/Chevrolet/GMC Tracker, Pontiac/Asüna Sunrunner or Mazda Proceed Levante branding.3

  • Photo of a Suzuki Vitara
    Vitara
    Photo of a Santana 300 / 350
    Santana 300 / 350

    Santana 300 / 350

    Round headlights and taillights, plus factory front-bumper fog lights, distinguish these Spanish relatives from Suzuki-badged Vitaras.3

  • Photo of a Suzuki Vitara
    Vitara
    Photo of a Suzuki X-90
    Suzuki X-90

    Suzuki X-90

    Same first-generation Vitara mechanicals, but a rounder two-seat body with a separate trunk and removable T-bar roof.3

Prices

Price when new
$0$10K$20K$30K 200620082010 2006 · $22,699 · US tested, Grand Vitara XSport2007 · $20,029 · US base, Grand Vitara2007 · $25,649 · US base, Grand Vitara 4WD Luxury2009 · $19,249 · US base, Grand Vitara2009 · $23,999 · US base, Grand Vitara Luxury
81430
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2006Price when new$22,699US tested, Grand Vitara XSport
2007Price when new$20,029US base, Grand Vitara
2007Price when new$25,649US base, Grand Vitara 4WD Luxury
2009Price when new$19,249US base, Grand Vitara
2009Price when new$23,999US base, Grand Vitara Luxury

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 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “Later records: XL7 in 2007, SX4 in 2011”
    • “Two shortened-course Pikes Peak wins”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 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 30 sources
  1. Global News News.2014 | Global Suzuki globalsuzuki.com
  2. Used Suzuki Vitara (Mk4, 2015-date) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  3. Suzuki Vitara - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. 35 Years History of Vitara Series Opens New Chapter in Suzuki’s Vitara-ism | Suzuki Family | Global Suzuki globalsuzuki.com
  5. Suzuki Vitara: První generaci je třicet | Auto.cz auto.cz
  6. Suzuki Grand Vitara – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  7. Pre-Owned: 2006-2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara motortrend.com
  8. 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara - MotorWeek motorweek.org
  9. Schneidig wie ein Katana-Schwert und auf 100 Stück limitiert - News - AUTOWELT - motorline.cc motorline.cc
  10. Suzuki Vitara SZ5 Full Hybrid 2022 review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  11. Suzuki Unveils Its First Battery EV, the e VITARA in Europe | GLOBAL NEWS | Global Suzuki globalsuzuki.com
  12. Suzuki Vitara S review - light, punchy Suzuki goes against the crossover grain | evo evo.co.uk
  13. Suzuki Vitara – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  14. 2007 Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD Luxury — Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  15. Gebrauchtwagen-Test: Suzuki Vitara - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  16. 2019 Suzuki Vitara SUV: specs, prices and on-sale date | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  17. Suzuki Vitara 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid Club (ab 08/25): Technische Daten, Bilder, Preise | ADAC adac.de
  18. New 2025 Suzuki Vitara facelift gets extra kit but costs more than a Ford Puma | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  19. Suzuki presenta Vitara Hybrid e S-Cross Hybrid Kuro: il nero diventa icona press.suzuki.it
  20. Suzuki Ignis Adventure and Vitara Kuro special editions launched | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  21. ClassicAuto classicautomag.pl
  22. Suzuki Unveils the All-New SUV Grand Vitara in India | GLOBAL NEWS | Global Suzuki globalsuzuki.com
  23. ������� �^�W�} ���[�^�[�R�[�|���[�V���� tajima-motor.com
  24. ABOUT HILL CLIMB monster-sport.com
  25. BEHIND THE WHEEL - Nobuhiro "Monster" Tajima - Pikes Peak International Hill Climb ppihc.org
  26. GLOBAL SUZUKI globalsuzuki.com
  27. Suzuki Vitara 2015: l'intervista al progettista - alVolante alvolante.it
  28. Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.17 brings three new 3 cars, an international circuit, and Extra Menus – PlayStation.Blog blog.playstation.com
  29. El legendario Suzuki Escudo de Pikes Peak regresa a Gran Turismo 7 noticias.autocosmos.com.mx
  30. 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara Xsport Review - Four Wheeler Magazine motortrend.com
  • globalsuzuki.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • auto.cz
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • motortrend.com
  • motorweek.org
  • motorline.cc
  • evo.co.uk
  • caranddriver.com
  • autobild.de
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • adac.de
  • press.suzuki.it

Photo credits

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