The comeback of the 2021 Suzuki Grand Vitara means only one thing – the current SUV is heading to the new generation. Vitara is the nameplate that was used for the first and fourth series of the vehicle. In the second and third generations, the SUV had the ‘Grand’ prefix. Most enthusiasts remember the extended nameplate, so there is no surprise why Suzuki is considering bringing back the famous name.
The vehicle could be significantly larger when it hits the fifth generation. Usually, Vitara was under 170 inches long, except in the third generation, when it gained nearly 15 inches. The subcompact crossover is agile and capable of the off-road drive. Fans also love versions with three doors. This one will be continued after 2021 for sure. In some countries, the Japanese carmaker will still sell it as Suzuki Escudo, and other available names are also Grand Vitara Sport and Vitara S.
Suzuki uses three different petrol engines for this crossover and one diesel. We won’t see a V6, which is too big for a small SUV. However, the crossover is going to use a 4×4 drive. We can hear rumors about the hybrid unit, which could be quite a surprise. Still, official details are still unavailable.
2021 Suzuki Grand Vitara Redesign
The SUV is being in the market for more than 30 years. It has the reputation of a versatile vehicle. However, it is not available for buyers in North America for more than 20 years. The 2021 Suzuki Grand Vitara is not bringing the nameplate back, even with the start of the new generation. Still, all other markets, even these where the crossover is being sold as Escudo, will see the all-new design which has to cause more attention. Suzuki is ready for the move.
Sources telling about changes in the new Grand Vitara are not so reliable. Our informers are still quiet about precise details. The redesign and new generation could be prolonged for 2022 since the latest facelift dates back from 2019. So, it might be early for Suzuki to bring the new styling.
We can hear that the new 2021 Grand Vitara is going to be larger than before. Currently, the crossover is 165 inches long, with a 98-inch wheelbase. A few extra inches will enhance the appearance of the mini SUV. Plus, Vitara keeps the three-door layout as the optional setup. The extra gap between wheels will also result in more space inside the cockpit.
Interior
Even if the 2021 Suzuki Grand Vitara doesn’t deliver the new generation, Designers will update the cabin and infotainment system. The new generation will arrive with the next-gen of the most popular vehicle in the lineup. SmartPlay feature is standard and it allows smartphone integration with the car infotainment. The ultimate goal is to minimize distractions and make usage of phones easier while sitting behind the wheel.
2021 Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid
We saw this coming when Suzuki decided to invest in Toyota. The Japanese giant is a leader in many segments of the automotive industry. Definitely, Toyota is delivering the most advanced hybrid technologies. Rav4 is the most efficient crossover in the world, while its Highlander SUV is returning a better gas mileage than much smaller models. Suzuki is going to benefit from this partnership.
We assume that the 2021 Suzuki Grand Vitara Hybrid is one of the priorities. Electric support will improve the fuel economy and the company will base the setup on one of the petrol engines. However, do not be surprised if the carmaker borrows the same configuration Toyota Rav4 is using. A 2.5-liter displacement seems to be too big for Vitara, which currently offers no more than 140 horsepower. Toyota’s hybrid is returning 220 ponies. So, engineers from two companies could turn to the new configuration.
Other Sources of Power
Even if the hybrid setup joins the lineup, a trio of petrol engines will remain a part of the squad. A 1.6-liter is a larger, but less capable unit. It creates 86 hp and 115 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual is the standard power distributor. Optionally, you can select a six-pace auto gearbox. It is the only choice if you pick a 1.4-liter Boosterjet inline-four. In this case, the engine delivers between 100 and 140 horsepower. The smallest gasoline powerplant is a 1.0-l mill, also with Boosterjet technology. The I-3 motor produces 110 hp and 125 lb-ft of twist.
A 1.6-liter Multijet diesel unit is borrowed from the FCA lineup. However, this one might be dropped for the upcoming 2021 Suzuki Grand Vitara. The company is turning to greener sources of power and diesel powerplants will become history by the end of this decade. The replacement is almost ready, and the time is ticking away for this Multijet configuration.