Jeep Liberty vs. Suzuki Grand Vitara
The 2008 Jeep Liberty
The Jeep Liberty comes from an automaker with a strong heritage and a well respected production line. The Liberty is a five seat Jeep and was for 2008. A unique feature is its optional Sky Slider movable canvas roof. The fabric roof folds on itself as it opens, and Jeep says the top is leak-proof. There are two trim levels for 2008, Sport and Limited, and both models have a V-6 engine.
Liberty Features
Available features for the 2008 Liberty include remote start, a memory feature for the seats and a MyGIG navigation radio. MyGIG has a 20GB hard drive that can store music and photos, as well as a navigation component. Standard safety features include dual front airbags, plus head-protecting side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors and front side airbags for torso protection, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, hill start assist, traction control, and electronic stability control with rollover mitigation. Hill descent control is standard on 4x4 models. Optional safety features include trailer sway control and rear obstacle detection. The Liberty's second row seats fold flat, and cargo space is average for a vehicle in this class.
Liberty Design
The climate functions are controlled by three simple knobs and the radio and other vehicle controls are straightforward. A notable feature of the rear is the lack of an exterior spare tire. The tailgate also changes from a swing gate to a liftgate design, and separate opening rear glass is newly standard.
Driving the Liberty
The Liberty rides firmly, but is stable on the highway. The Liberty sacrifices handling for off-road abilities, however. With a maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds, rugged off-road capability and plenty of cargo space, the 2008 Jeep Liberty is a good choice for small families or couples that tow boats or go camping.
The 2008 Suzuki Grand Vitara
The Grand Vitara is based on a purely Suzuki design. Changes for 2008 are minimal; they include a new release lever for the fuel door and new sound-deadening material. For trims, Base, XSport and Luxury versions are offered. Full-time four-mode four-wheel drive is available, and both automatic and standard drive trains are offered.
2008 Suzuki Design
Basically unibodied in construction, the Grand Vitara has a built-in ladder frame. For off-roading, the approach angle is 29 degrees and the departure angle is 27 degrees. Inside, the Grand Vitara has a three-pod instrument panel, and the wide console sweeps up into the dashboard. Steering-wheel audio controls and automatic climate control are standard. XSport and Luxury models include a six-CD changer.
Grand Vitara Features
Standard on the 2008 Grand Vitara are automatic climate control with a micron air-filtration system, cruise control, digital clock with outside temperature and fuel consumption indicators, power door locks with a remote key, power mirrors and power windows. The standard sound system features an AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA unit that is XM Satellite Radio-ready and features steering-wheel-mounted controls. Safety features that come standard on all models include an Electronic Stability Program with traction control, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. That's an impressive array of active safety features, which work together to reduce the chance of skidding and help drivers avoid accidents. Other safety features include six airbags: advanced dual-stage front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags for torso protection for driver and front passenger, and front and rear side-curtain airbags for head protection for the four passengers in the outboard seats. The headlights blend nicely into the top edge of the front bumper, grille surround and front edge of the full width hood. All models include redundant audio controls as well as cruise control buttons on the steering wheel. The rear seat splits 60/40 for carrying different load combinations. The rear cargo floor is lower than in many SUVs so there is a reasonable amount of storage space even when the rear seat is in use, but the distance from the rear seat back to the tailgate is relatively shallow.
Summary
The 2008 Jeep Liberty has better off-road capability and more towing capacity than most of its competitors, including the Grand Vitara; because after all, that’s what Jeeps do. It offers generous cargo space and a high seating position. If off-road capability is important, Liberty is a good choice. The Liberty gets 22 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg in the city. The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a great choice among compact SUVs, and is an excellent family vehicle and a great value. It's has a limited range of off road capability, but enough for all those but hard core off roaders. The Grand Vitara has an estimated fuel economy range is 22 mpg Hwy, 16 mpg City, and it comes with a basic warranty of 36 months/36,000 miles.
