The Grand Vitara is like an old friend you're always happy to see again. It doesn't undergo a radical personality change every chance it gets, and its steadfastness is reassuring. Yet the current generation, introduced in 2006, still doesn't offer the smooth ride of a Honda CR-V or the spirit of a Toyota RAV4 V6. That's because it was designed with something else in mind: to convey four people (five if need be) and their baggage to their destination in a satisfactory level of comfort, by way of road or trail.

The 2009 Suzuki Grand Vitara hasn't changed much style-wise.

Things have considerably changed since the days of the Vitara and its twins, the Tracker and Sunrunner (remember the Geo and Asüna brands?). The Spartan accommodations and jumpy suspension have given way to some welcome modernism. The Grand Vitara has adopted a unibody chassis coupled with a ladder frame, an effective way to counter the vagaries of off-road driving.

Handling is the key word
Thanks to the generous travel of the fully independent suspension, this compact, go-anywhere ride proves stable on the road. And, surprisingly, it effectively holds its own against the side roll that is the bane of so many SUVs, such as the new Subaru Forester, for instance.

The 4x4 maintains a relatively high ground clearance (200 cm), at least compared to the CR-V (185 cm) and the RAV4 (190 cm). A difference that helps deal with obstacles without impairing cabin access for as much.

Light but precise power steering and a reduced turning radius (11.2 metres) explain this driveability. It's definitely appreciated, whether we're avoiding a gaping hole on a forest trail or popping a u-ey on a city boulevard.

New engines
The big news this year is hiding under the hood. Suzuki is now offering not one but two drive trains. The 2009 model-year sees the return of the 4-cylinder mill. The last 4-cylinder put forth by Suzuki for its SUV was the 2003 Vitara's 2-litre number.

A new, more potent 3.2-litre V6 can power the JLX and JLX-L versions on request.

Now, the new 2.4-litre, 166-hp, 4-cylinder engine is equipping all four Grand Vitara variations: JA, JX, JLX and JLX-L, the latter referring to the high-end, leather-clad model.

As for the 2.7-litre V6 powering the current generation of the Grand Vitara, launched in 2006, it has made way for a new 3.2-litre engine. More potent (230 ponies instead of 185), the new V6 produces a lot more torque at low RPM: 213 ft-lb at 3,500 RPM compared to 184 ft-lb at 4,500 RPM.

The dash board layout is simple and efficient.

Available on the JLX and JLX-L versions, it's coupled with a 5-speed automatic and very flexible transmission. As for the 4-cylinder models, they've teamed up with a 4-speed automatic transmission. A 5-speed manual is available on the basic model only.

More get up and go
This V6 doesn't bring any extra towing capacity to the table, and it's its flexibility and performance that make all the difference. Even if it can bound from 0 to 100 km/h 1.5 seconds faster than its old counterpart, it does so with less regular gas: 0.3 litres less per 100 km on average, according to the manufacturer's numbers.

Naturally, buyers looking for fuel efficiency will opt for the 4-cylinder mill, which swallows one litre less per 100 km than the V6 offered in 2008.

An advanced 4x4
All the versions of the Grand Vitara, except the JA, are equipped with a four-mode, driver-selectable, four-wheel-drive system. The system is reactive (in 4H mode, it sends power to the front wheels when a rear wheel loses traction) and features low settings for off-road driving.

The 2009 Grand Vitara V6s benefit from an exclusive hill descent control and hill hold control system. The brakes are easy to measure out and now feature discs on all four wheels.

The Grand Vitara is one of the rare vehicles that still sport an exterior spare tire.

Subtle touch-ups
The 2009 Grand Vitara's style has only been lightly refreshed. The most obvious differences reside in the grille and wheel designs, as well as the slight modification of the central dash board (the stereo system and air conditioning controls) and the steering wheel (cruise control and audio buttons).

It also sports new, extendable sun visors, a welcome improvement considering the generous window real estate. What's more, the JLX and JLX-L models have inherited a new 8-speaker sound system that turns out a worthy performance.

Obviously, it has kept its large rear door that accesses the cargo area. The door opens from left to right (towards the sidewalk) and requires nearly the equivalent of the car's width to open fully, which is quite a bit.

The cargo area is accessed through the large rear door, which opens from left to right.

However, by electing to install the spare tire on the outside of the door, the automaker has increased the trunk's capacity. But plan on buying a lock (not included with the car) to secure the tire cover made of synthetic material, or it might get nicked!

The trunk is spacious, but not as much as that of the CR-V or RAV4. With the folding rear seat in its upright position, there is 25% less cargo space in the Grand Vitara. Folded down, the difference drops to 5%. This is due to the Suzuki's shorter overall length (447 cm compared to 452 for the CR-V and 460 for the RAV4).

Price drop--or is it increase?
The 2009 Grand Vitara remains an attractive option, especially with the 4-cylinder mill: the more fuel-efficient engine enabled Suzuki to drop the base price to $25,995, $3,750 less than the 2008 Grand Vitara. Of course, that one sported a V6. To get a V6 in 2009, you'll have to shell out a minimum of $31,695, $1,950 more than last year. That said, with a comparable level of equipment, it's still cheaper than a Honda CR-V EX ($32,690) or a Toyota RAV4 Limited V6 ($33,890).

Truly, an old friend that hasn't changed.