2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD vs. Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD AT
Two Strong Contenders

Susan Frissell
Women With Wheels

2003 Jeep Liberty Sport 4WD	Suzuki Grand Vitara 4WD AT

Back-to-back driving these two energetic, right-sized sport-utility-vehicles provided an opportunity for a comparison of what’s available in both. We drove them both when first introduced and found the Grand Vitara (www.suzukiauto.com), even with its much-touted V6 (the only one in this segment at the time) to be lacking in power. The Jeep Liberty (www.jeep.com), much improved this time around, also now available in V6, carried a total vehicle price around $4,000 higher than the Grand Vitara. So unless you’re attached to the Jeep brand name, Suzuki provides a more attractive package, if you’re watching your pennies, and don’t give a hoot about off-roading.

Our test Grand Vitara came equipped with four options, including 4-speed automatic transmission ($1,000), alloy wheels ($500), ABS ($500), and GV Gray floor mats ($75). The Jeep Liberty Sport we drove came equipped with several options including Trailer Tow Group (Class III Receiver hitch, Adaptor, $245), Off-Road Group (skid plate, front suspension, axle, trac-loc differential, P235/70R16OWL All-terrain tires, Skid plate shields for fuel tank and transfer case, tow hooks, engine cooling, heavy duty, $765), ABS, 4-wheel disc brakes, $600), Multi-speed automatic 45RFE transmission, 4-speed automatic ($825), 3.7-liter Power Tech V-6 engine ($850), speed control, leather-wrapped steering wheel ($300), AM/FM/Cassette/CD/Equalizer/Changer ($225), and six Premium Infinity speakers with steering wheel mounted audio controls ($475).

Both vehicles were dressed up with a considerable amount of amenities, including power outlets, intermittent wipers, rear window defroster/wiper, folding rear seats,, etc. Jeep Liberty Sport, a little larger SUV, was specially equipped for off-roading. We felt somewhat uncomfortable at top speeds and when taking corners in the Jeep Liberty. There was a sense of being top heavy, although when you compare the dimensions, the Grand Vitara is several inches taller. We weren’t sure, then, why the feeling of tip over occurred in the Jeep Liberty. Illusion?

Both SUV’s offer decent fuel economy; the Jeep Liberty equipped with a 18.5 gallon fuel tank, the Grand Vitara, a 16.9 gallon tank. Both the Jeep Liberty and Grand Vitara ride well and are quiet, easy to handle vehicles. As daily drivers, they’re both desirable. One doesn’t tire from maneuvering them around.

For 2003, Suzuki updated the Vitara interior with a new dashboard and console design, in-dash CD changer with seven speakers, automatic climate control, center armrest with storage, overhead storage console and ambient temperature display. The dash trim is an attractive brushed aluminum.

Rather than a unibody passenger car construction, the Grand Vitara is built on a "full spectrum" body-on-frame SUV. The Grand Vitara’s ride is far from truck-like, however, and still provides utility. The Vitara is available in 2WD and 4WD versions. The JLS and JLX levels were discontinued for 2003. The Grand Vitara is available in one trim level.

The Grand Vitara seats five comfortably and leg and headroom are adequate. Hauling around gear is possible with a total of 50.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Making this happen is easy, as well. Not something that can be said for all SUV’s. At times, getting the rear seats to fold down is an exercise requiring a fair amount of patience.

The Jeep nameplate is synonymous with off-roading and ruggedness. Liberty, originally built to replace Jeep Cherokee, is "ruggedly," but comfortably, outfitted. Because Jeep Liberty probably most often sees street driving, it handles well with these drivers in mind. Bragging rights include the most horsepower in its class. Liberty is equipped with a standard 5-speed manual transmission and 2.4L engine. We much preferred the V6 upgrade.

Liberty’s interior space tops the Grand Vitara at 69 cubic feet, and like the Vitara, the seats are easily folded down for cargo hauling.

Although SUV-ing most likely isn’t in this writer’s future, we enjoyed our time in the Jeep Liberty Sport and Grand Vitara. Both vehicles pulling a B grade with us in terms of what we favor in this category.

Perhaps it isn’t fair to compare these two offerings, the Jeep Liberty aiming more for the active lifestyle set. But because there are so many choices now in this smaller SUV lineup, potential buyers want to know how to make a choice. We highly suggest you try them both–or all, for that matter.

Copyright 2003. Susan Frissell, Women With Wheels. All Rights Reserved.