So I am going to trade in my truck for a GV.  I do need a 4wd for when i go out to my deer lease (It can get real sloppy when wet).  I have been looking at youtube videos and it looks like the GV does well offroad.  Can someone help me figure out what year to buy that will do the best offroad? 

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the 06-08 were nearly the same. I read somewhere that the 2006s weren't available with low-range, but I did a quick search through portland.craigslist.org and found a 2006 (rare V-6 manual, too!) with "4L" on transfer case knob.

In 2009, however, the GV got the 3.2-liter V6.

- Andy

I'm not real sure about the low range in 06. 

I can sure tell you that if you can find a 3.2l v6 GV, that would be the one to get.  It has the best engine/tranny combo in NA.  We don't get the oil burner here in the states, and the 2.4l is a decent engine but it sure has some heft to pull around.  And it only gets the 4spd auto in the higher level trims. 

Beyond my recomendation of the 3.2l engine, the newest GV you can afford is my  honest opinion. 

Rob

Just an FYI, only the 2006-2008 models were available with the V6 and 4WD, too. The 3.2, although a more powerful engine, is auto only, if that's important to anyone (it is to me!). 

Also the '06-'08s weren't available with 4WD and the four cylinder. Apparently, they were in 2009+, though. This is according to http://www.fueleconomy.gov.

- Andy

I just want to make a comment here ...

What is/was available in any given year is dependent on which country you're in.
Also, as far as I know, the entire 06 and later Grand Vitara range IS 4WD - Suzuki does not offer a RWD or 2WD only version - you have a choice of single mode 4WD (AWD, no low range, no lockable center diff) or four mode 4WD (4H, 4HLc, N, 4LLc) - rumor has it that this will change for the 2012 model year.

I have driven an 07 2.0 four cylinder, auto transmisson with four mode 4WD - so they do exist.

I just want to make a comment here ...

What is/was available in any given year is dependent on which country you're in.
Also, as far as I know, the entire 06 and later Grand Vitara range IS 4WD - Suzuki does not offer a RWD or 2WD only version - you have a choice of single mode 4WD (AWD, no low range, no lockable center diff) or four mode 4WD (4H, 4HLc, N, 4LLc) - rumor has it that this will change for the 2012 model year.

I have driven an 07 2.0 four cylinder, auto transmisson with four mode 4WD - so they do exist.

Hi,

I'm sorry to point this out, but your information is incorrect.  Suzuki does make a RWD only version in the US.  In fact, you can get a manual RWD base model as well as the rest of the range in RWD with an auto.  There are alos two 4 wheel drive options; an AWD and a 4 mode set up with the low range and nuetral. 

Rob

Thanks for the correction - it does however illustrate my point - what's available is dependent on where you are - we don't get anything other than the 2.0 with four mode 4WD.

I should point out my information was for the U.S. market.

- Andy

And we have no idea where the original poster is ...

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1 post and gone.  A true drive by...

Well, I thought I'd take this moment and say you've got a great looking GV! One of the best looking ones I've seen.

- Andy

Thank you, I appreciate the feedback.  It's funny what a lift and Wheels/tires will do to a little truck.

Now if you could only help me figure out a way to put a Warrn winch behind the front bumper of my GV, it would look even better!

Rob

ARB has a winch bumper should fit that - they have two different ones for the second gen GV

Thank you, I appreciate the feedback.  It's funny what a lift and Wheels/tires will do to a little truck.

Now if you could only help me figure out a way to put a Warrn winch behind the front bumper of my GV, it would look even better!

Rob

I'm sure you know ARB makes a bumper for the new GV, but it's far from "behind" the bumper. I did find this out of Europe:

http://www.more4x4.eu/afn-winch-mounting-plates-details/381.html

- Andy

Thanks for finding an english version of that.  I have seen that same mount on other furums and I am interested in it, but all of the sites I found had it in different languages and not english.

I would look at a smaller winch and just make sure I always used at least one snatch block.  For as little as the GV weighs, I even though about a winch in the 4000lb range which is what a side by side Utility would have on it.  I just don't think the electrical on the GV could handle a 9000lb winch nor would I want to pull that much with my little truck.

Rob