2022 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA REVIEW

Detailed Review

The Suzuki Grand Vitara serves as Suzuki’s flagship compact SUV, reintroduced in 2022 after a long hiatus. Developed in partnership with Toyota, it represents Suzuki’s push into hybrid technology and the growing premium SUV segment. Initially launched in India and select global markets, the Grand Vitara has quickly become one of Suzuki’s most important models, blending sharp design, hybrid efficiency, and genuine SUV capability through its available ALLGRIP Select AWD system.

The 2022 Suzuki Grand Vitara is available with two powertrain options: a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated mild-hybrid petrol engine producing 103 horsepower and 136 Nm of torque, and a more advanced 1.5-liter strong-hybrid petrol system that combines a petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver 114 horsepower and significantly higher fuel efficiency of up to 27 km/l. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic (with paddle shifters), and an e-CVT for the strong-hybrid model. The mild-hybrid variants are available in both front-wheel drive and Suzuki’s ALLGRIP AWD, giving it an edge over many rivals in light off-road use.

The Grand Vitara’s cabin features premium materials, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof, and up to six airbags on higher trims. With its mix of efficiency, practicality, and technology, it appeals strongly to family buyers looking for a reliable yet modern SUV.

For those interested in buying the Suzuki Grand Vitara, we have prepared a separate Buyer’s Guide with details on trims, engine options, key features, and what to look out for when considering a used model.Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.

2022 Suzuki Grand Vitara Grades

Sigma — The entry-level trim, powered by the 1.5L mild-hybrid petrol engine with 103 PS and 136 Nm, paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. Standard features include halogen projector headlights, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and fabric upholstery. A practical choice for budget-focused buyers wanting the Grand Vitara’s styling and efficiency.

Delta — Adds key comfort and convenience features such as automatic climate control, rear wiper/defogger, steering-mounted controls, keyless entry with push-button start, and cruise control. Available with both 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions. This trim is often the best value for everyday usability.

Zeta — A more premium mid-tier trim, featuring LED projector headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, side and curtain airbags (total six), and rearview camera. Offered with mild-hybrid powertrain options and Suzuki’s ALLGRIP Select AWD on the manual version.

Alpha — The top-of-the-line mild-hybrid variant, adding panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, wireless charging, and 360-degree camera with heads-up display. Positioned for buyers who want luxury touches in addition to practicality.

Strong Hybrid (Zeta+ / Alpha+) — Equipped with the Toyota-sourced 1.5L strong-hybrid system (114 PS combined) paired to an e-CVT gearbox. Features include premium dual-tone interiors, drive modes, higher fuel efficiency (up to 27 km/l), and all features from the top trims. These are the most tech-advanced and efficient versions of the Grand Vitara.

Special Editions — Limited runs with cosmetic enhancements, dual-tone paint schemes, and unique interior themes offered on Alpha/Alpha+ trims.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2022 Suzuki Grand Vitara has been carefully designed with comfort and practicality in mind, making it one of the most family-friendly compact SUVs in its class. The cabin easily accommodates five passengers, with supportive front seats that provide excellent thigh and lumbar comfort during long drives. Drivers benefit from a commanding seating position with height adjustment, ensuring clear visibility of the road ahead, while the co-driver gets ample legroom for a relaxed seating posture.

Rear passengers are equally well-catered for, with generous knee clearance even when taller occupants sit in the front. The wide 1795 mm body allows three adults to sit across the rear bench in reasonable comfort, though the center occupant will find it best for shorter journeys due to the transmission tunnel. Headroom stands at around 960 mm, giving taller passengers enough space without feeling cramped.

Access and usability are also strengths: the rear doors open wide, making it convenient for families to install child seats using the ISOFIX anchors or for elderly passengers to get in and out without strain. The elevated “SUV-style” hip point means occupants slide in and out rather than climbing or crouching, a big plus for daily usability.

Sound insulation has been improved over previous Suzuki models, reducing engine noise and road vibrations, while the overall sense of space is enhanced by clever seat cushioning and an airy greenhouse effect from large windows. In higher trims, a panoramic sunroof adds further to the open and roomy feel, giving the Grand Vitara’s cabin a more premium and inviting character.

Cabin Design & Quality
Despite its focus on affordability within the compact SUV class, the Grand Vitara’s interior feels premium for its segment. Highlights include a layered dashboard with soft-touch inserts on higher trims, leatherette upholstery (Alpha/Alpha+), and a large 9-inch touchscreen as the centerpiece. The fully digital instrument cluster (in strong-hybrid variants), wireless charging pad, ambient lighting, and panoramic sunroof enhance the upscale feel. Controls are ergonomically positioned, making it easy to access infotainment, climate, and drive mode functions.

Cabin Storage
Practical storage spaces are thoughtfully distributed across the cabin, including dual cupholders, large door pockets, a cooled glovebox, and open cubbies for smartphones and wallets. Rear passengers get bottle holders in the doors and seatback pockets. The central armrest offers additional storage, adding convenience for long drives.

Boot Space
The Grand Vitara provides 373 liters of cargo capacity in mild-hybrid models, slightly reduced in strong-hybrid variants due to the battery pack. Folding the rear seats expands usable space for larger items. The wide opening and low loading lip make it functional for everyday errands and weekend trips.

Exterior

The 2022 Grand Vitara projects a bold, SUV-like stance with its wide hexagonal grille, chrome accents, and tri-element LED DRLs integrated into the upper fascia. LED projector headlights (Zeta and above) provide strong illumination, while skid-plate styling reinforces its rugged appeal.

The side view emphasizes proportions and strength, with muscular wheel arches, plastic body cladding, and 17-inch alloy wheels (dual-tone on higher trims). A floating-roof effect created by blacked-out pillars and optional dual-tone paint adds a premium, modern flair. Roof rails further enhance practicality and SUV presence.

At the back, the Grand Vitara stands out with a full-width LED light bar connecting the sleek tail lamps, a sculpted tailgate, and bold “Grand Vitara” lettering. A chunky bumper with a skid-plate insert completes the tough yet stylish look, ensuring strong road presence from every angle.

2022 Suzuki Grand Vitara Safety Features

The 2022 Grand Vitara prioritizes occupant protection and driver assistance across its range. Standard equipment includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child-seat anchors, and seatbelt reminders for all passengers. Higher trims add side and curtain airbags (up to six in total), hill-hold assist, electronic stability program (ESP), and rearview camera.

Flagship grades introduce advanced driver aids such as a 360-degree camera with dynamic guidelines, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), front parking sensors, and auto-dimming IRVM. LED projector headlamps with DRLs and fog lamps ensure improved visibility in poor conditions.

2022 Suzuki Grand Vitara Fuel Consumption

• 1.5L Mild-Hybrid Petrol (MT) — approx. 20–21 km/L

• 1.5L Mild-Hybrid Petrol (AT) — approx. 19–20 km/L

• 1.5L Strong-Hybrid Petrol (e-CVT) — approx. 27–28 km/L (segment-leading efficiency)

2022 Suzuki Grand Vitara Acceleration

• 1.5L Strong-Hybrid e-CVT — 0–100 km/h in approx. 12 seconds

• 1.5L Mild-Hybrid Petrol (MT/AT) — better suited for relaxed urban and highway cruising, not outright performance-oriented

Fuel Tank Capacity

45 liters

Ground Clearance

210 mm

Service and Maintenance

Parts Availability – Widely accessible via Maruti Suzuki’s Nexa network and authorized dealers across markets. Routine consumables like filters, brake pads, and fluids are inexpensive and easy to source. Hybrid-specific components (battery packs, e-CVT parts) may carry higher costs but are backed by extended warranties and service support.

For service parts and body components, Visit: https://yokaspares.co.ke/

Stability and Handling

The 2022 Suzuki Grand Vitara is engineered to strike a balance between comfort, efficiency, and light SUV versatility. Built on the Suzuki Global-C platform, it feels planted in city traffic and composed on highways. Electric power steering is light at low speeds, making urban maneuvering and parking simple, while still offering enough feedback for stable highway cruising.

The suspension setup—MacPherson struts at the front and torsion beam at the rear—is tuned for comfort, effectively soaking up potholes, bumps, and rough rural roads. Ground clearance of 210 mm enhances its ability to handle speed bumps, gravel paths, and mild off-road trails with confidence. Models with AllGrip Select AWD add extra grip and selectable drive modes (Auto, Snow, Sport, Lock), making the Grand Vitara one of the few compact SUVs capable of handling light adventure beyond city limits.

Hybrid variants deliver smooth, linear acceleration, with the Toyota-sourced strong-hybrid e-CVT standing out for seamless performance in traffic. Braking confidence comes from front discs and rear drums (or discs in higher trims), supported by ABS, EBD, and stability control systems.

Overall, the Grand Vitara delivers a well-rounded mix of ride comfort, stability, and light off-road usability—ideal for families who split their time between city commutes and weekend getaways.

Reliability

The Grand Vitara benefits from Suzuki’s tried-and-tested 1.5L K15C mild-hybrid engine and Toyota’s 1.5L strong-hybrid system, both of which are globally proven for long-term dependability. Routine servicing is affordable, with wide parts availability across Asia and Africa. The mild-hybrid models are especially low-maintenance, while the strong-hybrid requires careful adherence to service intervals for the battery and e-motor system. Electronics are generally robust, with few early-ownership issues reported.

Resale Value:Good

Suzuki Grand Vitara Competitors

• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder (twin model, co-developed)

• Hyundai Creta

• Kia Seltos

• Nissan Kicks

• MG Astor / ZS

• Honda HR-V (in some markets)

What We Like About the 2022 Suzuki Grand Vitara

• Hybrid options with excellent fuel efficiency

• AllGrip AWD availability (rare in this class)

• Strong build quality and modern SUV styling

• Spacious, practical cabin with premium features

• Toyota-Suzuki joint development ensures reliability

What We Don’t

• Mild-hybrid performance feels modest on highways

• Boot space is reduced in strong-hybrid variants due to the battery pack

• Not as feature-loaded as Hyundai/Kia rivals (e.g., panoramic sunroof in select trims only)

• Rear drum brakes on lower trims

Conclusion

The 2022 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a well-rounded compact SUV that combines Suzuki’s proven practicality with Toyota’s hybrid expertise. With its high ground clearance, hybrid efficiency, available AWD, and family-friendly cabin, it appeals to buyers who want more than just an urban crossover. While it may not have the flashy gadget list of Korean rivals, the Grand Vitara excels in real-world usability, reliability, and long-term value, making it one of the most sensible choices in its class.

For those interested in buying the Suzuki Grand Vitara, we have prepared a detailed Buyer’s Guide covering trims, engines, and what to look out for in used models.Click here to purchase the Buyer’s Guide.

If you are looking to import the Suzuki Grand Vitara to Kenya, click here to fill out our contact form, and we will get back to you immediately, or email us directly via [email protected].

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