The Suzuki Grand Vitara vs. Competitors – How Does It Measure Up?

Looking for an SUV that can handle anything South Africa throws at it, without breaking the bank? The Suzuki Grand Vitara delivers impressive performance and style in a surprisingly affordable package. 
Grey Suzuki Grand Vitara Side View

Looking for an SUV that can handle anything South Africa throws at it, without breaking the bank? The Suzuki Grand Vitara delivers impressive performance and style in a surprisingly affordable package. 

But do the Suzuki Grand Vitara specs truly measure up against its rivals in the competitive SUV market? Can the Suzuki Grand Vitara off road? We know that it can and does! Let’s take a closer look at what makes the Grand Vitara such an irresistible choice for discerning South African SUV drivers. 

Overview of The Suzuki Grand Vitara 

The Grand Vitara bears out Suzuki’s long-standing reputation for producing reliable, high-performance and value-packed vehicles. This compact SUV appeals to a wide range of drivers, and this rugged beast is equally at home navigating the urban jungle or exploring the challenging mountain passes of the Western Cape. 

Key Features and Selling Points: 

  • Modern Design: The Grand Vitara boasts a contemporary and eye-catching design that makes it stand out wherever you are. Its bold lines, distinctive grille, and elevated stance give it a commanding presence on the road. 
  • Spacious and Comfortable: The Suzuki Grand Vitara interior is surprisingly spacious and comfortably accommodates five adults. Well-designed seats, ample leg- and head-room, as well as a capacious boot capacity of 398 litres, ensures everyone’s comfort. 
  • Advanced Technology: The Grand Vitara is equipped with modern technology. This includes a user-friendly and premium sound infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto integration, USB port connectivity, Bluetooth and an MP3-compatible CD player. 
  • Versatile Performance: Whether you choose the efficient 1.5L petrol engine or the innovative Mild-Hybrid ALLGRIP system, the Grand Vitara is capable of handling varying terrains, especially with its ALLGRIP select all-wheel drive system. Its four easily selectable driving modes – Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock (for maximum torque) – enables it to master any terrain.  

Suzuki Grand Vitara Competitors: 

South African drivers demand a lot from their SUVs. The Grand Vitara rises to the occasion with an irresistible blend of style, performance, and affordability. 

The Vitara’s Competitors 

The compact SUV segment in South Africa is fiercely competitive, so our gutsy Grand Vitara faces stiff competition:

  • The Hyundai Creta: A popular choice known for its stylish design, feature-rich interior, and efficient engine options. 
  • Kia Seltos: A close relative of the Creta, the Seltos offers a similar blend of style, technology, and value. 
  • Toyota Urban Cruiser: Toyota’s offering in this segment is renowned for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and strong resale value. 
  • Renault Duster: A rugged and capable SUV, the Duster is known for its off-road prowess and affordability. 

Here’s how the Grand Vitara measures:  

Design & Aesthetics 

The Grand Vitara strikes a balance between ruggedness and sophistication, and a distinctive look that exudes confidence and modernity. Its design language is clearly SUV-inspired, with a bold front grille, sculpted lines, and a raised stance that commands the road.  

The Hyundai Creta, with its sloping roofline and sharp creases, leans towards a sportier aesthetic. The Renault Duster, on the other hand, emphasises its off-road capabilities with a slightly more utilitarian look.  The Toyota Urban Cruiser, whilst practical, adopts a simpler and more conservative design. 

So, the Grand Vitara’s design stands out with its successful blend of these elements. Whilst not overly aggressive, it’s undeniably rugged and compelling, with an eye-catching look that appeals to a wide range of drivers. 

Interior Comfort & Technology 

You can’t fail to be impressed by the Grand Vitara’s spacious, well-appointed, inviting and highly functional cabin. The supportive seats are extremely comfortable, there’s ample leg- and headroom, and plenty of flexible, well-planned cargo space.  

The dashboard layout is clean with intuitive controls and an infotainment system that deservedly takes centre stage. The touchscreen interface, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone to access navigation, music, and communication features.  

Compared to its competitors, the Grand Vitara’s interior strikes a perfect balance between advanced tech and practicality. The Hyundai Creta boasts a similarly tech-savvy cabin with a larger touchscreen and a more extensive suite of features. The Toyota Urban Cruiser, while functional, offers a more basic interior. So, the Grand Vitara comfortably occupies the ‘sweet spot’ in the middle. 

Suzuki Grand Vitara Fuel Consumption & Performance 

The Grand Vitara offers a choice of high-performance engines. The 1.5L petrol engine delivers a balance of performance and fuel economy, making it ideal for city driving and highway cruising. 

For drivers wanting enhanced efficiency, its Mild-Hybrid ALLGRIP system combines a petrol engine with an electric motor for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. On the open road, the Grand Vitara ensures a smooth and comfortable driving experience, and its responsive handling is outstanding in urban environments.

The Hyundai Creta offers a wider range of engine options, including a more powerful turbocharged petrol engine. The Toyota Urban Cruiser prioritises fuel efficiency with its smaller engine. The Renault Duster excels in off-road situations with its robust suspension and available all-wheel drive. The Grand Vitara embodies the golden mean between these qualities.  

Safety & Reliability 

In the Grand Vitara, safety features include multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos offer similar safety features, while the Toyota Urban Cruiser boasts Toyota’s renowned reputation for reliability. As regards safety, the Grand Vitara really holds its own, and provides a safe and dependable driving experience for you and your family.   

Suzuki Grand Vitara Price & Value for Money 

One of the most appealing aspects of this vehicle is its price! Its combination of outstanding features, performance, and quality come at an unbeatable price point. The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are priced slightly higher. The Toyota Urban Cruiser, whilst more affordable, offers a more basic level of equipment. The Grand Vitara strikes the perfect balance between price and features, making it a logical choice for savvy, budget-conscious buyers. 

The Verdict 

The Suzuki Grand Vitara emerges as a very strong contender in SA’s competitive compact SUV market. Its combination of style, a spacious and comfortable interior, advanced technology and connectivity, efficient and versatile performance, and comprehensive safety features make it a self-evident choice for discerning SUV drivers.

Add in Suzuki’s reputation for reliability and our competitive pricing, and you have an unbeatable automotive package. And, when you bear in mind that we sell all our new Grand Vitaras with our free 10-year, 1 million km warranty exclusive to Thorp, it really doesn’t get any better!     

Are you ready to experience the outstanding Suzuki Grand Vitara for yourself? 

Visit one of our Western Cape dealerships at Suzuki N1 City or Suzuki Table View in Cape Town to meet this exceptional SUV. Or contact us at Thorp Suzuki today to book a test drive. We’ll be delighted to help you!