KansasCity.com's view

SUVs call to mind the tale of the three bears. Some are too big, some are too little and some are just right.

I classify most compact SUVs as just right. They are big enough to carry a fair amount of bulky stuff, drive like a car and get decent gas mileage. And they don’t cost a king’s ransom. If you need a third seat, however, most compact SUVs don’t have one.

I list Suzuki’s all-new Grand Vitara as one of the new players in this just-right category. It is available in rear-wheel and four-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes a 2.7-liter V-6 engine, six airbags and an electronic vehicle stability program with traction control. Automatic climate control, cruise control and an AM/FM/CD player are also standard. Prices start at $19,594 and top out at $24,994 for the Luxury model, which is the car I drove. A sport model will be available later in the year.

The restyled Grand Vitara looks great. The simple but attractive design is a good example of the “less is more” philosophy. Flared wheel arches emerge from a fairly rectangular body like nicely honed biceps. The Luxury model’s 17-inch alloy wheels provide a solid foundation and do a good job of filling the wheel openings.

The new Grand Vitara has a 103.9-inch wheelbase, but it is longer and wider than the previous model. The larger interior has greater headroom and legroom, especially in the back seat.

The spacious interior is nicely turned out. Fit and finish is excellent, and the quality of materials is on par with vehicles costing thousands more. The luminescent gauges are easy to read in all light conditions, the center stack is nicely integrated into the console, and controls for the radio and climate control feel exceptionally smooth. The Luxury model has a keyless start system, something usually found only on upscale vehicles. You can leave the key fob in your pocket or purse and start the vehicle by twisting the ignition switch.

The 60/40 split-folding back seat is not only comfortable for adults, but it folds down easily. The cargo hold is generous, in part because it is tall. The side-opening tailgate makes it easy to load large items because it is easier to operate than swinging up a heavy tailgate. Some have criticized the Grand Vitara because the tailgate door handle is on the left side. That would be the curb side in Japan, but it is the street side here. I like it because it is closer to the driver.

It’s unusual to find a V-6 as standard equipment in a compact SUV. The Grand Vitara’s powerplant produces 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, figures that are not much better than some competitors’ four-cylinder engines. The V-6 is smooth and capable of towing 3,000 pounds, but it doesn’t feel relaxed and confident.

A self-lubricating chain drives the dual-overhead-camshafts, so there is no timing belt to be replaced.

A five-speed manual transmission and a five-speed automatic is optional.

Two four-wheel-drive systems are offered: a full-time single-mode four-wheel-drive system and a full-time four-mode four-wheel-drive system. The latter system has a locking center differential and an extra-low gear for low-speed and off-road use. This system can be completely disengaged so the vehicle can be towed without imposing wear on the drivetrain. This feature will be appealing to RVers who like to tow a vehicle behind their motor homes.

The Grand Vitara has a smooth, carlike ride, thanks in part to a four-wheel independent suspension and a multi-link rear axle design. Brakes are disc in front, drum in back. Anti-lock is standard.

Safety features include front and side-impact airbags, including side-curtain airbags that cover both the front and rear seats.

Price

The test car’s base price was $24,399. The sticker price, with destination, was $24,994.

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles, with a seven-year, 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty.

Engine: 2.7-liter, 185-hp V-6

Transmission: Automatic

Four-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 103.9 inches

Curb weight: 3,682 lbs.

Base price: $24,399

As driven: $24,994

MPG rating: 19 city, 23 hwy. At A Glance

Point: The all-new Grand Vitara has clean, elegant styling; a standard V-6; and an interior that uses materials that look more expensive than the vehicle’s price suggests. The cargo space is tall and easy to access through the side-opening door.

Counterpoint: The V-6 is rather small and sounds as if it is working harder than it probably is. More midrange torque or an increase in size would improve performance.

To get in touch with Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tstrongman@kc.rr.com.