Adventure-ready rivals: subaru crosstrek vs grand vitara – exploring the wilds in style and comfort

The Subaru Crosstrek and Suzuki Grand Vitara are two popular compact SUVs that offer a blend of versatility, adventure, and everyday practicality. But which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key features, performance, and value of these two SUVs to help you make an informed decision.

Exterior Design

The Crosstrek sports a rugged and athletic exterior, with a raised ride height, bold grille, and protective body cladding. The Grand Vitara, on the other hand, boasts a more traditional SUV design, with a sleeker profile and less aggressive styling. Both SUVs offer a variety of exterior colors and trim levels to suit different tastes.

Interior Comfort and Space

Inside, the Crosstrek offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin with comfortable seats, a user-friendly infotainment system, and ample storage space. The Grand Vitara also features a comfortable interior, but it feels slightly more cramped than the Crosstrek, especially in the rear seats. Both SUVs offer a sunroof option for added natural light and a sense of openness.

Performance and Handling

The Crosstrek comes standard with a 2.0-liter boxer engine that produces 152 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It offers nimble handling and responsive acceleration, making it a pleasure to drive both on and off-road. The Grand Vitara is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four engine that generates 166 horsepower, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It provides adequate power but feels less engaging to drive than the Crosstrek.

Off-Road Capabilities

Both the Crosstrek and Grand Vitara are designed for light off-roading adventures. The Crosstrek features standard all-wheel drive (AWD) and a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, while the Grand Vitara offers optional AWD and a ground clearance of 7.9 inches. However, the Crosstrek’s superior AWD system, X-Mode off-road settings, and hill descent control give it an edge in terms of off-road performance.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for both SUVs. The Crosstrek comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Grand Vitara also offers a range of safety features, but some of them are only available as optional extras.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many SUV buyers. The Crosstrek with its 2.0-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Grand Vitara with its 2.4-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. While the Crosstrek has the advantage in fuel economy, the Grand Vitara’s larger engine provides more power for towing or hauling.

Value and Pricing

The Subaru Crosstrek starts at a base price of around $23,000, while the Suzuki Grand Vitara is discontinued and no longer available new. However, used Grand Vitaras can be found for a lower price point. The Crosstrek offers a more comprehensive range of standard features and advanced safety technologies, which may justify its slightly higher price compared to the Grand Vitara.

Which SUV Is Right for You?

The Subaru Crosstrek and Suzuki Grand Vitara are both excellent compact SUVs with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Crosstrek excels in off-road performance, fuel efficiency, and safety features, while the Grand Vitara offers a lower price point and more powerful engine. Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs, preferences, and budget.

The Bottom Line: The Ultimate Compact SUV Choice

Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast seeking off-road capability or a daily commuter looking for a practical and fuel-efficient SUV, the Subaru Crosstrek and Suzuki Grand Vitara are both worthy contenders. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this comparison, you can make an informed decision and choose the compact SUV that best meets your requirements.

Answers to Your Questions

1. Which SUV has better off-road capabilities?
The Subaru Crosstrek has superior off-road capabilities with its X-Mode off-road settings, hill descent control, and higher ground clearance.

2. Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
The Subaru Crosstrek with its 2.0-liter engine achieves better fuel economy than the Suzuki Grand Vitara with its 2.4-liter engine.

3. Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
The Subaru Crosstrek offers a more spacious interior with more headroom and legroom, especially in the rear seats.

4. Which SUV is more affordable?
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is generally more affordable than the Subaru Crosstrek, especially when considering used models.

5. Which SUV has more advanced safety features?
The Subaru Crosstrek comes standard with a more comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.