2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara

Check out the window sticker of Suzuki's handsome new sport/ute, and you're bound to think it's one heck of a deal: V-6 power, five-speed automatic, independent front suspension, and a four-wheel-drive system with a limited-slip differential, locking center differential, and a low range. All this for $25,000! What a steal, right? Well, not exactly. On paper, this Vitara is grand, but from behind the wheel it's a different story. The 185-horse V-6 lacks muscle and complains loudly when flogged, proof that engineering a powerplant with double-overhead cams and multivalves doesn't guarantee BMW-like performance and refinement. Although the Vitara features a unique unibody chassis with integrated ladder frame, this does little to assist its on-road handling. Its slalom speed is admirable, but flinging it around twisty canyon roads is another story--the tire squeal came early and loud.

With its low-range transfer case, the Vitara at least will take you farther off-road than most of its small-'ute competitors. The rigid frame emits no creaks or groans, and the low-range provides a respectable crawl speed in the rough stuff. Also, the compact size means it's easy to maneuver on tighter trails, and good outward visibility allows the driver to easily place a wheel where needed. Peek underneath the nicely tailored sheetmetal, however, and you'll find bits and pieces--including the catalytic converter and rear exhaust hanger--just waiting to be devoured by hungry rocks.

Inside, the Vitara's interior leaves a good first impression and conveys a somewhat upscale feel compared with other 'utes in this class. Though why is the ESP deactivation button on the center stack the size of a Ronald Reagan silver dollar? Especially since it didn't make a difference to the dynamics when we pressed it.

Suzuki is one of Japan's smallest automakers, and the new Grand Vitara exposes the weaknesses inherent in being a small player trying to exist at the mainstream end of the market. Without huge amounts of money to invest in R&D, it's now fallen behind the very best of the Koreans in terms of vehicle refinement and quality.