Which compact suv reigns supreme? subaru forester vs suzuki grand vitara
What To Know
- 5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Grand Vitara with the 2.
- Both the Forester and Grand Vitara are capable of handling light off-roading, but the Forester has a slight advantage due to its higher ground clearance and more advanced AWD system.
- The Forester has a generous amount of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats, while the Grand Vitara can feel cramped for taller passengers.
When it comes to compact SUVs, two formidable contenders emerge: the Subaru Forester and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Both vehicles have earned a reputation for reliability, versatility, and off-road prowess. However, they each possess unique strengths and weaknesses that set them apart. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the Subaru Forester and Suzuki Grand Vitara to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Subaru Forester offers a more powerful engine lineup than the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The base Forester comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Vitara, on the other hand, has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 166 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of fuel economy, the Forester has a slight edge over the Grand Vitara. The Forester with the 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the Grand Vitara with the 2.4-liter engine gets 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Drivetrain and Off-Road Capabilities
All Subaru Foresters come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), which provides excellent traction in all weather conditions. The Grand Vitara, however, offers a choice between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and AWD. The AWD system in the Grand Vitara is less sophisticated than that of the Forester, which can limit its off-road capabilities.
Both the Forester and Grand Vitara are capable of handling light off-roading, but the Forester has a slight advantage due to its higher ground clearance and more advanced AWD system. The Forester has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, while the Grand Vitara has a ground clearance of 7.5 inches.
Interior and Cargo Space
The Subaru Forester offers a more spacious and comfortable interior than the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The Forester has a generous amount of headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats, while the Grand Vitara can feel cramped for taller passengers.
In terms of cargo space, the Forester also has a significant advantage. The Forester offers 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, while the Grand Vitara offers only 24.4 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, the Forester’s cargo capacity increases to 74.5 cubic feet, while the Grand Vitara’s increases to 68.9 cubic feet.
Technology and Features
The Subaru Forester offers a more comprehensive suite of technology and features than the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The Forester comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, while the Grand Vitara does not offer these features.
Other available technology features in the Forester include a navigation system, a premium audio system, and a suite of advanced safety features. The Grand Vitara, on the other hand, has a more limited range of technology options.
Safety
Both the Subaru Forester and Suzuki Grand Vitara have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Forester has earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, while the Grand Vitara has earned a four-star overall safety rating.
The Forester also offers a wider range of advanced safety features than the Grand Vitara. These features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Price and Value
The Subaru Forester has a higher starting price than the Suzuki Grand Vitara. The base Forester starts at $26,395, while the base Grand Vitara starts at $23,999. However, the Forester offers a more comprehensive package of features and capabilities for the price.
Which SUV is Right for You?
The Subaru Forester is the better choice for buyers who prioritize performance, fuel economy, interior space, technology, and safety. The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a more affordable option for buyers who are looking for a basic compact SUV with decent off-road capabilities.
The Bottom Line: The Verdict
In the battle between the Subaru Forester and Suzuki Grand Vitara, the Forester emerges as the clear winner. It offers a more powerful engine, better fuel economy, a more spacious and comfortable interior, more advanced technology features, and a higher level of safety. While the Grand Vitara is a more affordable option, it simply cannot match the overall capabilities of the Forester.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Subaru Forester has a more powerful engine than the Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Q: Which SUV has better fuel economy?
A: The Subaru Forester has better fuel economy than the Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Subaru Forester has a more spacious interior than the Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Q: Which SUV has more advanced technology features?
A: The Subaru Forester has more advanced technology features than the Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Q: Which SUV has a higher safety rating?
A: The Subaru Forester has a higher safety rating than the Suzuki Grand Vitara.