July 20, 2022

2023 Suzuki Grand Vitara: This Is It


It’s now official. After Toyota showed off the Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Suzuki has done the same; only this time it’s taking on a very familiar nameplate: Grand Vitara.

Launched in India, but slated to be a global model, the all-new Grand Vitara shares its underpinnings with the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder. In turn, it rides on Suzuki’s Global C platform which happens to be used on the Suzuki Brezza and S-Cross too.

Separating the Grand Vitara from its Toyota cousin, it gains what the brand calls, “Crafted Futurism.” As such, it gets a differently designed grille and vertically-split headlamps with three-part LED projectors and DRLs. Over to the side, it has a “floating roof” motif along with differently styled 17-inch alloy wheels. At the back, there’s a full-length LED bar with multi-layered elements.



Like its Toyota counterpart, the Grand Vitara gets a choice between two electrified powertrains. The first is a mild-hybrid developed by Suzuki, while the other is a full-hybrid developed by Toyota.

The former pairs Suzuki’s K15C engine with a 12-volt 6-Ah lithium-ion battery for a total of 102 horsepower and 135 Nm of torque (Suzuki Smart Hybrid). It’s the very same engine used in the Ertiga Hybrid which was just launched for the ASEAN market. On the other hand, the full-hybrid system pairs Toyota’s 1.5-liter 3-cylinder motor with an 80-horsepower AC Synchronous Motor (Suzuki calls it Intelligent Electric Hybrid). Total output is rated at 116 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque.

The mild-hybrid is available in both manual (5-speed) and automatic (6-speed) versions, while the full-hybrid only comes with Toyota’s e-Drive CVT. It’s also worth noting that for buyers who want all-wheel drive, the Suzuki AllGrip system can only be had with the mild-hybrid. Like its application in the Vitara, it comes with multiple drive modes.



According to Suzuki, the Grand Vitara is the most fuel-efficient SUV registering up to 27.97 km/L with the full-hybrid powertrain (21.11 km/L on the manual and 20.58 km/L for the automatic in mild hybrid guise). The AllGrip manual does 19.38 km/L.

In terms of available features, Suzuki is pulling out all the stops. Aside from offering a panoramic sunroof for the first time, it gets ambient interior lighting, a wireless device charger, digital instruments, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, and a 9-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

For safety, it gets up to 6 SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, hill descent control, tire pressure sensors, and electronic stability control.

With Suzuki Philippines discontinuing the Hungarian-made Vitara in favor of sourcing it from India, it’s not a matter of ‘if’, but ‘when’ it’ll be brought into the country. What are your thoughts on the all-new Grand Vitara?

2023 Suzuki Grand Vitara General Specifications
  • Overall Length: 4,345 mm
  • Overall Width: 1,795 mm
  • Overall Height: 1,645 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,600 mm
  • Turning Radius: 5.4 m
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 45 liters
  • Curb Weight: 1,150-1,185 kg (MT, 2WD); 1,260 kg (MT, AWD); 1,185-1,210 kg (AT); 1,290-1,295 kg (Intelligent Electric Hybrid)
  • Engine: 1.5-liter Petrol
  • Maximum Output: 103 PS @ 6,000 rpm (Smart Hybrid); 115 PS (combined, Intelligent Electric Hybrid)
  • Maximum Torque: 136.8 Nm @ 4,400 rpm (Smart Hybrid); 122 Nm @ 4,400-4,800 rpm + 141 Nm (Intelligent Electric Hybrid)
  • Transmission: 5-speed MT / 6-speed AT (Smart Hybrid), e-CVT (Intelligent Electric Hybrid)
  • Front Suspension: MacPherson Strut
  • Rear Suspension: Torsion Beam Axle
  • Front Brakes: Ventilated Disc
  • Rear Brakes: Solid Disc
  • Wheel & Tire Size: 215/60R17

17 comments:

  1. I like that new Grand Vitara yes bring it here in the philippines

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  2. I hope suzuki ph brings every feature listed here, and price it right. Will be hard to choose between e-kicks and this (not sure if they are on the same category but they are both coming and are both efficient).

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    1. Kicks is not in the same category with the Grand Vitara (and Corolla Cross). The competition of it are the MG ZST, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Coolray and Territory.

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  3. Mt awd? Sarap nyan! Price it similar to jimny and we're talking!

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  4. Its all about price.

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  5. Nissan kicks will kick this underpowered suv

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  6. Too underpowered. Not very impressive.

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  7. Smart versus Intelligent. Lulz. Their combined marketing teams can't even think of a non-cliched marketing term. Just goes to show their lack of imagination.

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  8. Still underpowered (despite mild-hybrid, now compare it to its segment competitors) and also, no ADAS (I am yet to see a local-spec Suzuki with blindspot warning, RCTA, pre-collision braking and even, adaptive cruise control)

    Suzuki Philippines is so behind the times. Much like the Indian Maruti, where even its competitors have more powerful engines and ADAS.

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  9. What's the ground clearance?

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  10. Sounds like a natural competitor for the Toyota Raize.

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  11. What's the ground clearance as that's vital information for the horrible Filipino roads, especially in Leyte where I live.

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  12. I dunno about these Indian made Suzukis. They seem to not be made that well.

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  13. Brezza is better and cheaper, Brezza vs Raize

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  14. Hey Suzuki Philippines, why continue with the pricey Vitara, what we need is a practical daily driver like the Brezza. We don't live anymore on mountainous area like our ancestors , we are city dwellers now. We don't need 4x4s and if I need one, I'll just buy the proven 4x4 Jimny.

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  15. Hope Suzuki Ph would bring in the manual mild hybrid Grand Vitara.

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