2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury

Apparently luxury means leather, because the 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara Luxury offers plenty of it, with leather upholstery and leather trim for the steering wheel, shifter, and doors. Other upgrades in the top-end trim of this rear-wheel-drive compact SUV include heated front seats, a remote garage opener, and faux wood accents. The 2008 Grand Vitara Luxury also rides on larger 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires.

The SUV seats four in two roomy rows, with reclining rear seats that split-fold 60/40 and fold flat once the seat cushion is flipped up and secured to the back seat. The 24-cubic-foot cargo area then expands to 69 cubic feet. It comes with its own power outlet, a cargo net, cover, tie-downs, and a power tailgate that opens sideways. A roof rack is also standard. Full power features inside include SmartPass keyless entry and ignition and a power sunroof. Wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, a 7-speaker 6-CD changer with MP3 playback, intermittent front and rear wipers, a trip computer, heated mirrors, automatic climate control, and tilt steering are other nice conveniences. Also included are a compass and temperature readout, two front power outlets, and six cupholders.

Safety-wise, the 2008 Grand Vitara Luxury earns four stars in front and five stars in side impact tests. 4-wheel disc and ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, dual front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows, passenger airbag deactivation, traction and stability control, and rollover sensors offer protection. Also included are a tire monitor, automatic halogen lamps, and foglights. A 2.7-liter, 185-hp DOHC V6 gets 17/22 mpg and tows up to 3,000 pounds with the optional tow hitch. A 5-speed manual or automatic are the transmission choices. Ask the dealer about optional skid plates, running boards, and side step rails, as well as satellite radio and Bluetooth.