2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD Ja/Jx/Jlx
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.2L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 22 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 168.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,607 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints9 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 35 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 20 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.2L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 169 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,607 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 13% better than the 2009 SUV - average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electronic stability control (esc).
What changed for 2009
- Engines added: 2.4L 4-cyl and 3.2L 6-cyl
- Engine dropped: 2.7L 6-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 19 to 22
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Grand Vitara →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD Ja/Jx/Jlx | 168.9 in | 71.3 in | 66.5 in | 103.9 in | 60.6 / 61.4 in | 3,607 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Vitara | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +13% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Grand Vitara | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +8% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Grand Vitara 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +19% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Grand Vitara | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +3% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Grand Vitara 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 23 / 20 | +13% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Grand Vitara 4WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | +7% | $3,550 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara (this car) | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2009 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2009 Kia Sportage | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2009 Ford Escape | 32 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (4)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Mar 7, 2019
NHTSA campaign 19V187000 · 31,302 vehicles
- Problem
- Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kizashi and 2006-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles. The front passenger leather seat may shrink due to high humidity and high temperature. As a result, the occupant classification system (OCS) sensor mat may not accurately detect if an adult or child is occupying the seat.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, an incorrect classification may result in the passenger frontal air bag deploying even if there is a child in the front passenger seat, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat bottom cushion, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on May 3, 2019. All second letters notifying owners of the remedy were mailed by April 10, 2020. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's numbers for this recall are 4011 and 4012.
Power Train › Manual Transmission · Feb 9, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V085000 · 791 vehicles
- Problem
- Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Grand Vitara vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The gear shift rear shaft on these vehicles may break, preventing the gears from being able to be changed.
- Risk
- If the transmission cannot be shifted, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the gear shift rear shaft, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's number for this recall is VZ.
Air Bags · Sep 6, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V405000 · 189,901 vehicles
- Problem
- Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, over time, the OCS sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat may fail due to repeated flexing of the mat from use of the seat. As a result, during a crash necessitating deployment, the air bag will deploy regardless of whether the front seat occupant is an adult or a child.
- Risk
- Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.
- Fix
- Suzuki will notify owners and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion assembly (which includes the OCS sensor mat) free of charge. Sufficient quantities of parts are not currently available to fix all of the affected vehicles. Owners will be notified of the recall in October 2013 and will receive a second notification when parts are available to have their vehicle repaired. The recall began on May 23, 2014. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's recall campaign number is VD.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator · Jan 27, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V055000 · 32,291 vehicles
- Problem
- SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES; MODEL YEAR 2011 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 17, 2010; MODEL YEAR 2010 SUZUKI SX4 PASSENGER VEHICLES; AND 2011 SUZUKI SX4 PASSENGER VEHICLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 14, 2010. THE TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY FOR THE DRIVE BELT THAT OPERATES THE ALTERNATOR, WATER PUMP, AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR AND POWER STEERING PUMP, HAS AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED INTERNAL SPRING THAT CAN BREAK DUE TO REPEATED STRESS. IF THE SPRING BREAKS, THE DRIVE BELT WILL NOT BE ADJUSTED PROPERLY AND CAN SLIP, CAUSING A SQUEAKING NOISE. OR THE DRIVE BELT COULD COME OFF CAUSING THE DRIVER TO INCREASE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THIS CAN ALSO CAUSE THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE INDICATION TO RISE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO THE ENGINE OVERHEATING, OR CAN CAUSE THE CHARGING LIGHT TO COME ON, WHICH CAN LEAD TO BATTERY DISCHARGE AND ENGINE STALL.
- Risk
- IF THE DRIVE BELT COMES OFF, REQUIRING THE DRIVER TO USE INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, OR THE ENGINE STALLS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY WITH AN IMPROVED PART. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-887-697-8985 OR VISIT SUZUKI'S WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.SUZUKIAUTO.COM.
Not every 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 3 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Exterior Lighting — 2 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 87,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Grand Vitara years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Grand Vitara | 22 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 4 |
| 2012 Grand Vitara | 22 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 11 |
| 2011 Grand Vitara | 22 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 2 |
| 2010 Grand Vitara | 22 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 5 | 14 |
| 2008 Grand Vitara | 19 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 16 |
| 2007 Grand Vitara | 19 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 13 |
| 2006 Grand Vitara | 19 | 168.9 in | Not rated | 4 | 27 |
| 2005 Grand Vitara | 18 | 161.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Suzuki. How we calculate this →