2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD Urban/Jx/Jlx/Jlx-L
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
22 combined · 19 city / 25 hwy
Length
168.9 in
Curb weight
3,651 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
2 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Few owner complaints4 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 105 for similar models.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a small SUV offered with a 2.4L 4-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 169 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,651 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (19 city / 25 highway), 4% worse than the 2013 small SUV average of 23 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2013

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Grand Vitara — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Grand Vitara →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD Urban/Jx/Jlx/Jlx-L168.9 in71.3 in66.5 in103.9 in60.6 / 61.4 in3,651 lb50/50

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Grand Vitara2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 22-4%$3,050409
Grand Vitara2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21-9%$3,200416
Grand Vitara 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel Drive19 / 23 / 20-7%$3,350431
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23 MPG2013 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara.

Similar 2013 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara (this car)22 MPGNot rated2
2013 Honda CR-V26 MPGNot rated2
2013 Hyundai Tucson25 MPGNot rated3
2013 Volkswagen Tiguan23 MPGNot rated3
2013 Kia Sportage25 MPGNot rated3
2013 Ford Escape26 MPGNot rated18
2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser18 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (2)

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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

4Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
62,587 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train2
Air Bags2
Electrical System1
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
17/05: 117/06: 118/01: 118/12: 117/0517/0618/0118/12max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 62,587 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Grand Vitara years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2012 Grand Vitara22168.9 inNot rated211
2011 Grand Vitara22168.9 inNot rated42
2010 Grand Vitara22168.9 inNot rated514
2009 Grand Vitara22168.9 inNot rated49
2008 Grand Vitara19168.9 inNot rated216
2007 Grand Vitara19168.9 inNot rated213
2006 Grand Vitara19168.9 inNot rated427
2005 Grand Vitara18161.4 inNot rated00

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Suzuki. How we calculate this →