2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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For the 2012 model year, Suzuki adds a new trim level—the Ultimate Adventure Edition—to its Grand Vitara lineup. Other than that, there have been no significant changes to the automaker’s compact crossover SUV.
Trims available for the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara are the Base, Premium, Ultimate Adventure and Limited, with all but the Base trim available with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). All trim levels are equipped with a 166 hp 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine that runs on regular gasoline and attains 162 lb-ft of torque. The Base trim comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission, while the other trims are paired with an automatic transmission. The EPA estimates that the Grand Vitara gets 19 mpg city/26 highway (25 highway for the Ultimate Adventure trims).
All 2012 Grand Vitara trims are equipped with air conditioning and automatic climate control, power windows with an illuminated auto-down driver's-window switch, power remote control door locks with hazard lamp answerback and panic functions, remote keyless entry with panic button, power steering, a tilt steering wheel with audio controls, height-adjustable driver's seat with 6-way adjustment and low-fatigue foam, fold-and-tumble 60/40 rear seat, variable intermittent windshield wipers, rear window defroster, variable rear window wiper, driver information display, 4-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD/MP3/ WMA, integrated touchscreen navigation system with 1-year subscription to traffic service and rerouting, voice-recognition and advanced avoid and detour system, automatic multi-reflector projector headlamps, a full-size spare tire with a Suzuki-logo cover and 16-inch steel wheels.
For those opting for the Premium trim levels, additional standard equipment includes cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls, a 1-year subscription to nüLink! (with real-time safety cameras, weather, movie-time lookup, airline arrive/depart information, lowest gas price finds, Google search and more) and Bluetooth HandsFree system availability. Upgrading to the Ultimate Adventure trims adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, water-resistant 3-tone seats and 18-inch smoked finish aluminum alloy wheels. Opting for the Limited trim adds a touchfree Smart Key keyless start and entry system, heated outside mirrors, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, color-coordinated woodgrain interior accents, leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, a premium 7-speaker with subwoofer audio system with AM/FM/CD/Aux/MP3 and 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels as regular equipment.
For safety features, all trims of the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara are equipped with dual front supplemental airbags, front seat side-impact supplemental airbags, side curtain supplemental airbags, side-impact door beams, daytime running lights, tire pressure monitoring system, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, antilock brake system with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist function, and electronic stability control with a traction control system.
Current owners of the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara note that the SUV’s seats can be uncomfortable, especially for long-distance drives. Many also note that the Grand Vitara can get quite noisy when traveling at highway speeds. Handling-wise, the Grand Vitara gets fair marks, but many current Grand Vitara owners had more power than the current inline-4 setup delivers.
Finding itself in the ultra-competitive compact crossover SUV market, the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara gets high marks from professional reviewers for the number of standard features it comes with, many of which can be found only as optional equipment on competitors such as the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson. However, the Grand Vitara finds itself lacking against that same competition with a notoriously weak 4-cylinder engine that seems suited for a smaller, less versatile vehicle.
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Mar 04, 2024
The car is clean and well-maintained. The test drive didnt show any problems. The engine was running smoothly. The car accelerated promptly. The steering will was not loose. The automatic transmission was shifting smoothly as well.Mar 04, 2024
by alice h
Apr 03, 2021
Love, love, love the Suzuki Grand Vitara. I dont understand why they stopped importing them to the U.S. Ill have to go to Canada for my next one. Apr 03, 2021
by Karl Z
Mar 17, 2020
I was in the market for a white compact SUV. Exactly what I was searching for.Mar 17, 2020
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2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara Pricing
Original MSRP
$19,499 to $25,249Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Convenience Features
Cupholders: covered · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.73
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 5.13
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 5.13
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Convenience Features
Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 5.13 · Transfer Case: electronic
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 5.13
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 5.13 · Transfer Case: electronic
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: pearl · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: variable intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 7
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): three 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 5.13 · Transfer Case: electronic
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: side-hinged · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Headlights: Auto on
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rails: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flip and fold · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: outside · Size: full-size
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Rear wiper: with washer