Suzuki Grand Vitara FT,GT 2.5 i V6 (158 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.3 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.5 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Suzuki Grand Vitara:

The Suzuki Vitara is a series of SUVs produced by Suzuki in five generations since 1988. The second and third generation were known as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, while the fourth generation eschewed the "Grand" prefix. In Japan and a number of other markets, all generations have used the name Suzuki Escudo until 2024.
The choice of the name "Vitara" was inspired by the Latin word vita, as in the English word vitality. "Escudo", the name primarily used in the Japanese market, refers to the "escudo", the monetary unit of Portugal before adoption of the Euro. The original series was designed to fill the slot above the Suzuki Jimny. The first generation was known as Suzuki Sidekick in the United States. The North American version was produced as a joint venture between Suzuki and General Motors known as CAMI. It was also sold as the Santana 300 and 350 in Spain and in the Japanese market, and in select markets was rebadged as the Mazda Proceed Levante as well....(Read more on Wikipedia)

FT,GT Overview:

Suzuki Grand Vitara (FT,GT). With 213 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1405 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.1 s). The top speed reaches 175 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

2.5 i V6 (158 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The most powerful V6, likely paired with a manual gearbox, offering excellent driver engagement and strong, smooth acceleration for its class.

Fuel Economy

While a V6, a manual transmission might offer slightly better control over fuel consumption compared to the automatic, but it remains a thirsty engine.

Best Use Case: Enthusiast driving, highway cruising, light towing, spirited off-roading.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Excellent off-road capability for its class
  • • Robust and reliable body-on-frame construction
  • • Good value for money on the used market
  • • Compact size (3-door) for urban maneuverability
  • • Smooth V6 engine options for highway cruising
  • • HDI diesel offers good torque and economy

Cons:

  • • Fuel economy can be poor, especially with V6 engines
  • • On-road comfort and handling are not car-like
  • • Dated interior design and materials
  • • Weak base engines (1.6L petrol, 87hp diesels) struggle with performance
  • • Limited advanced safety features (no Euro NCAP rating)
  • • Can be noisy at highway speeds

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(FT,GT: 2000 - 2005).

General:
Brand:Suzuki
Model:Grand Vitara
Generation:FT,GT
Modification (Engine):2.5 i V6 (158 Hp)
Start of production:2002
End of production:2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:SUV
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:158 Hp @ 6200 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:63.4 Hp/l
Torque:213 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:H25A More details about the engine H25A
Engine displacement:2493
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:5.5 l
Coolant:8 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:84 mm
Piston Stroke:75 mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.3 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:11.1 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:11.1 sec
Maximum speed:175 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.9 kg/Hp, 112.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.6 kg/Nm, 151.6 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1405
Max. weight:1950
Max load:545
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1080 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:258 l
Fuel tank capacity:66 l
Size:
Length:4215 mm
Width:1780 mm
Height:1740 mm
Wheelbase:2480 mm
Front track:1500 mm
Rear (Back) track:1500 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.4 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size235/60 R16
Wheel rims size16
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Your first impression of the Suzuki Grand Vitara in one word? Go!