Ron Perry’s Opinion of the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara’s Design:
The 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara’s designers may not have hit a home run with this SUV, but they did get a line drive hit up the third baseline. The Grand Vitara is a nice looking vehicle without that sometimes odd Japanese flavor that looks out of place on these shores. The design isn’t especially distinctive but the smooth flowing lines are pleasing to the eye.

Inside, the interior is visually pleasing and well laid out. I like the use of the multiple textures on the plastic surfaces and how they used them throughout the interior. There are a few things I don’t quite understand, like the swinging tailgate. In parallel parking situations the rear door becomes an issue. If you can find a space large enough to accommodate both the Grand Vitara and the swinging door, you then have to maneuver whatever you are unloading around the door to the sidewalk. Designers also missed the boat when it comes to the fold-down rear seats. They don’t become part of the rear cargo area like most other SUV’s. They only fold forward and add the width of the seatbacks in that position, blocking access through the rear door in the process. There is also the issue of the wheel wells intruding into the rear passenger door opening and making it difficult to get into the back seats. With all of the other good examples out there to study, Suzuki designers need to spend more time in the competitors’ models.

Christian Wardlaw’s Opinion of the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara’s Design:
On the outside, with the exception of that spare tire hanging on the rear door, the new Suzuki Grand Vitara looks terrific. This is a handsome SUV, well balanced, clean, with none of that rugged gimcrackery that stylists continue to think sport-ute buyers want. But, be sure that it won’t be long before some buffoon bedecks the Grand Vitara with a brush guard, side rails, taillight protectors, an oversized roof rack, and dopey looking fender extensions. I like the design right out of the factory, but would recommend that on the next go-round, Suzuki figure out a different spot for the spare and install a proper liftgate on this vehicle.

Inside, the Grand Vitara looks upscale, and the brightly lit gauge cluster reminds me of a Lexus. What’s missing is nighttime illumination – none for the steering wheel controls, or most of the door panel controls, or many of the stereo markings. And how the heck do you get the trip computer to display average fuel economy instead of instant miles-per-gallon? A check of the owner’s manual index for “trip computer” and “fuel economy” results in no entries, and the operation of this feature remains a mystery to me. I also think the rear seats should be removable in addition to offering the fold-and-tumble feature. That would free up lots of space, and since many Grand Vitara owners are likely to be singles or empty-nesters towing the rig behind an RV, that extra space could come in handy.

Thom Blackett’s Opinion of the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara’s Design:
Aside from its off-road prowess, design may be the 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara’s greatest claim to fame. This is a sharp little truck. Positives include the honeycomb grille, scalloped headlights akin to those on the new Dodge Charger, wheel flares that impart a sense of power, and simple yet attractive body lines. The rear spoiler blends in well, as does the body-color exterior spare tire cover. Five-spoke alloy wheels and deeply tinted glass dress things up nicely, serving to move the Grand Vitara a bit upscale. Before heading off road, I was concerned that the low-hanging rear license plate frame, integrated into the rear fascia, would get hung up on some rocks, though those fears proved to be unfounded. My only complaint regarding exterior design has to do with that oversized chrome emblem on the grille, though that is a minor consideration.

Our tester featured an attractive black interior with silver accents that were obviously plastic and not even close to resembling alloy parts. A small, leather-wrapped steering wheel and silver ringed gauges added a bit of sport, and the layout of the controls was well-designed and logical. Large rearview mirrors and rear quarter windows aided visibility, yet wide rear pillars limited the view.