SUZUKI Escudo / Grand Vitara 5 Doors Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Suzuki introduced an upgraded version of the Grand Vitara's third generation in 2008, improving the car's safety and engine range.

Over the years, Suzuki changed the Vitara to Grand Vitara, and in 2005, it launched the third generation of this vehicle. In 2008, this was refreshed for all markets. While in Europe, the change was needed to comply with the Euro5 emission standards, in the U.S., these changes were made mostly to adapt to the market's situation, which was very bad due to the world financial crisis.

On the facelifted version of the Grand Vitara's third generation, the automaker introduced some styling updates at the front. Thus, the bumper was replaced with a new model that sported smaller fog lamps for vehicles fitted with them. The car was available in four trim levels, and the top version got a sunroof and roof rails. Moreover, there was a new design for the 17" light-alloy wheels.

Inside, Grand Vitara provided enough room for five adult occupants, despite its small footprint. The front high-mounted seats offered the driver and side passenger a better view of the road. At the same time, at the back, the small-sized SUV featured a 60/40 split-folding bench that could expand the cargo capacity. Moreover, when completely folded, the bench's seatback formed a flat area for the trunk area, suitable for being used as a camper vehicle.

Under the hood, Suzuki installed a wide choice of engines, depending on the market. Thus, while the Europeans received a version with a Fiat-sourced 1.9-liter turbo-diesel, the U.S. versions got a range of powerplants that ranged from a 2.4-liter inline-four to a punchy 3.2-liter V6 provided by GM.

Suzuki introduced the third generation of the Grand Vitara/Escudo in 2005 and became one of the best budget-priced SUVs from its class.

The Japanese carmaker was already known for its impressive experience in building affordable SUVs. It proved it many times with the Samurai, Jimny, or Vitara. With the 2005 generation, Suzuki did more than just confirming its experience. It proved to be a better alternative for most hatchbacks and compact-sized station wagons. Moreover, it offered an all-wheel-drive version.

Once it abandoned the rounded shapes from the Grand Vitara's second generation, Suzuki rocketed its sales. The new design featured angular headlights and side windows. Its flared wheel-arches enhanced the off-road look even though it was not that hard-core off-road vehicle as its predecessors. Its front bumper was rounded and sported two grilles: one between the headlights and the other one lower in the apron, flanked by the fog lights. In the back, the carmaker kept the spare-wheel mounted on the tailgate, which was side-hinged.

The 2005 Grand Vitara/Escudo was only available with five seats and a generous trunk. Its instrument panel featured a Swift-inspired layout with three cylinders design that showed the speedometer in the middle, the tachometer on the left, and the fuel and temperature gauges on the right side. Also, an LCD displayed the on-board computer data regarding the fuel consumption, average speed, and distances.

Under the hood, Suzuki installed a wide engine choice ranged between 125 hp and 185 hp, paired with a five-speed manual as standard. Depending on the engine option, a four or five-speed automatic transmission was available. For selected markets, Suzuki offered the 2005 Grand Vitara/Escudo with a rear-wheel-drive system, while most of the markets received the all-wheel-drive version.

After it successfully introduction of the Vitara, Suzuki made another step and pushed forward with the Grand Vitara. It was a 4x4 on demand SUV, which offered more for everyone.

The first generation of Vitara was an instant hit. It was an affordable and comfortable SUV, better on tarmac than most of the other big 4x4 vehicles on the market. It was light, nimble, and fuel-efficient due to its low-displacement engines.

With a rounded shape look and flared arches, the Grand Vitara was one of the most popular SUVs from its time in the low-budget market. Its high roof and low beltline were appreciated by its customers it offered plenty of views all around. These qualities were carried over to the second generation, which appeared in 1998. The external spare wheel, mounted on the tailgate, was typical for an off-road vehicle.

Inside, the typical Japanese design with a low dashboard and high seats was a successful recipe for the Grand Vitara. The sales rocketed to the top of the European charts. In other parts of the word, where it was sold under various names, the Grand Vitara made a good impression. The big interior offered enough room for four adults, five if they were skinny.

The car was built on an integrated chassis. Its light construction allowed it to be nimble, even with a small 1.6-liter engine. For those who wished more, a 2.5-liter V6 was on the list. For the European diesel fans, the Grand Vitara was available with a 2.0-liter Peugeot engine. The standard transmission for the Grand Vitara was a 5-speed manual.

The Grand Vitara was the long-wheelbase version of the popular Vitara and offered more room for five adult passengers.

Suzuki produced the Vitara as an upgrade for customers who asked for more comfort and a relaxed, affordable SUV. The new range featured a new platform with independent front suspension and a rigid axle in the rear. Along with the unit-body construction, the new vehicle was not only spacious but more comfortable as well. In 1988, the Japanese carmaker introduced it as a three-door hard-top or a two-door convertible, but three years later, the bigger, five-door version arrived on specific markets.

The Grand Vitara/Escudo kept the same front fascia as its three-door sibling, with rectangular headlights and rectangular headlights. Its three-slat grille with chrome surrounding was available for the full-option version, together with light color wrapped-around plastic molds. Suzuki installed flared rear wheel fenders for the car's rear side, extended over the back doors. Even though the car was long enough to accommodate the spare wheel inside the trunk, the Japanese carmaker still kept it mounted on the tailgate.

Inside, the front seats and the dashboard were similar to the one in the three-door version, but it was a different story in the back. As expected, thanks to its longer wheelbase, the car offered more legroom for the rear passengers.

Under the hood, Suzuki offered the Grand Vitara a choice of four engines, depending on the market. The most unusual was the 2.0-liter V-6 gasoline version, which was offered in Vietnam and Indonesia, where that displacement led to lower taxes.