2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara: Behind the Scenes of a TFLcar Off-Road Review

( www.TFLcar.com ) The 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara is certainly a small, rugged and off-road worthy SUV. But we at TFLcar have already reviewed the 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara...which is almost identical to the 2013 model. So in this video we pull back the curtain and take you behind the scenes and show you how we produce a Fast Lane Car off-road mountain review. If you are curious as to where we go to test our cars, Crossovers and SUV and Jeeps: this video will show all of our muddy and dirty secrets.

[@johnnywishbone932]

I own one and I love it! It’s a good all round v/c that has 4x4 capabilities. I ditched the 17 inch wheels dropped to 16 and use truck tires. Changed the drive off road completely and added a bit of clearance. I love mine. “The plastic” interior is easy to clean when it’s muddy. Like I said I love mine.

[@TehMagilla]

"17 cm for you Europeans". Really? There are about 3 countries left (including the USA) that don't use metric. It's not 17 cm for the Europeans - it's 17 cm for basically everyone else in the world.

[@ZepG]

The rest of the world is bat shit crazy :)

[@TehMagilla]

Yeah, it's crazy to use powers of 10 rather than 16ths and 32nds :P

[@ZepG]

Luke Boland I actually wish we would have switched to metric back in the 70's when our teachers told us it was coming, 10's are so much easier to work with. But at least we don't drive on the wrong side of the road lol.

[@TehMagilla]

Really? You can drive on the left as well? I assume that oncoming traffic would make that difficult.

[@Antenox]

Luke Boland I'm a metric kind of guy, being an engineer and a science enthusiast, but there is a kind of logic behind the Imperial system. Every unit in Imperial came from a real world use (e.g. a cup was the volume of one drink, a yard was the length of one stride, an ounce was the weight of one coin, etc.), which makes Imperial units marginally more intuitive to use in everyday conversation (e.g. it's more intuitive to say, "I'll have a cup of water to drink," vs "I'll have 240 milliliters of water to drink"). On the other hand, SI units were designed for easy conversions between orders of magnitude (milli to centi to deca) and between types of measurements (watts to joules).

[@almonpoole]

I'm a car nut and have owned about fifty or so cars/trucks/suvs in a my short life and I can tell you that I LOVE your channel. You guys actually test a vehicle to it's limits and report fairly informing your viewers. I'm looking at a Grand Vitara 4x4 as a fourth vehicle for snow days and farm days for our house hold so thanks for the videos and all the hard work and keep it up you guys!!!

[@williamneumann7578]

Behind the scenes virtually always beats the episode. Great video.

[@MrCADuncan]

Good job as always, guys. Really enjoy all your videos.

[@Canakar360]

Hey dude, your videos have improved over the past few months. Lots of creative stuff and pointers, and I always like to know those little "quirky" things about a car that makes it stand out from the bunch, because not all of have time to go to dealers. Thanks for the vids,and I think I'm going to keep watching! Andriy

[@honkytonk2010]

As always!..awesome review thanks so much guys keep them videos coming.

[@ohgodwhat1]

Love your guys show..video and pictures never do offroad trails justice :)

[@khadimah]

suzuki...probably one of the most under rated brand there is...but, good enough

[@oleg1981]

The only problem with Suzuki, that they are totally not investing in interior design...

[@frankg-p132]

Better than toyota's same bland/boring or all the american cheap plastic. My 2011 doesnt have fit and finish problems, no weird noises, for now. 9 years old tho !

[@pk509]

In all seriousness, I enjoy your video reviews and features very much. Thanks for posting so many. Have you guys ever gotten well and truly stuck doing an off-road review?

[@richarddmogg1]

My 2013 would do this with no effort. the traction control works better than most other 4wds. They turned it off. Why??

[@Mythosa]

It's amazing how many people don't realise that the steepness of a hill doesn't translate to a vehicle unless it is a very small hill and you can get the whole thing into a single frame. My brother in-law used to modify his own ATV's usually built on old suzuki SUV chassis from the 80's and some of the stuff you could do with those was intense. Bit more hard core then this as winches and the like were needed, but these hills are certainly rougher then they look on video. Keep up the good work.

[@TFLcar]

We'll be happy to make a video, and of course you are the driver as it is your pick-up.

[@IAMRONIN]

I like the bit about new videos coming out every single day! :-) What would have been interesting is how the Vitara would have done if it had had proper off-road tires. Looks like a nice small SUV. A comparison between that and the Toyota Rav 4 would be interesting as I believe that would be it's competition? The front head lights etc. look a bit like my '02 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Anyways, great vid guys!

[@TFLcar]

Just a quick question because we're curious. Did you not listen to the video? In the first thirty seconds we make it pretty clear that we already reviewed the 2012 Vitara and this car is little changed. We say right up front AND in the title. This is not a formal review but a "behind the scenes" video. Are we not being clear enough?

[@wtrdogg20]

Thats correct!! There are Lift Kits for the Vitara, and good Off Road tires, and it is good to go anywhere!

[@gene978]

First of all you both have changed my mind about Off Off Roading! I can see how cool it is to go where not to many have been and get away from it all. I guess I never thought much of it before is I didn't know where to try it. Now, I can bring my MOMS Beetle with the bud vase. ;)

[@hejmuesli]

That was great! Thanks for doing something different. Really interesting :)

[@Miniorpernik]

Come ooon....one if the best in its class!nope, it doesn't have diff locks really but EBD is quite agressive and can take you out of most difficult situations! One of the last of its kind!

[@TFLcar]

Thanks Paul for the kind words. We have yet to get so stuck that we've needed a winch or help from a another vehicle.

[@richarddmogg1]

WHY did they turn off the traction control?????

[@marc-andrebenoit5776]

Because in offroad, it tends to kill momentum and keep you from going over obstacles. 9years late but I hope this answers your question 😂

[@Mattb57]

I like how y'all are, taking up for y'all selves. I don't think I could get up that hill with my XC90

[@PedroFTeixeira]

You should mount the camera low on the front bumper, in front of the wheel. that would give a good perspective on the terrain you are about to tackle.

[@evaristoblazquez9954]

Didn't find the video informative enough ¿ were you recommending the vitara or not, from 1 to 10 what do you rate it ? Too much talk more info on the car please !!

[@markrussell24]

Hmm, didn't even think of the Grand Vitara as a mild off-road-capable vehicle. TFLcar bringing me real-world car reviews!

[@slondavokensteen]

Love that Aquabats shirt!

[@themouas]

Did you turn off the ESP at the start of your review to make it stuck? I think you did.

[@Coordinator61]

Just fit an Old Man Emu suspension set. Brilliant.

[@thegoods34]

Aquabats shirt! That group reminds me of high school :)

[@OverlandWay]

It doesn't have lockable differentials. It has one single lockable differential out of the three diffs the car has. And that is why it got stuck when two wheels were airborne.

[@RoadRunnerLaser]

Overland Way - It attempts to overcome the lack of front and rear difflockers by employing traction control. When one wheel is lifted or spinning out on a very loose surface, it applies the brakes to send torque to the other wheel. It's not as surefire as difflockers but it does work. I've seen these pull themselves off sets of rollers with only one wheel on the ground and all others spinning. The issue there is that in order for it to kick in, the wheels must spin and on many surfaces, that means digging in and making the situation a lot worse. I would rather that it wasn't an AWD but was a proper 4WD with a transfer case like its older brother. We've got the older brother and it's a far more capable off-roader than this prom-dress.

[@TheMysteriousCoast]

You have to remember that 4WD just doesn't magically kick in when you hit the switch, you have to roll a bit for it to engage in most vehicles.

[@ChizzarAlex]

I would very much appreciate if you someday come to Africa (Tanzania in particular) and do some really serious off-road test of any leading vehicles in the category...most American conditions aren't off-road enough!!

[@TFLcar]

Hugo, our channel, our rules.If you can't play nice we have zero interest in mean spirited comments.

[@bretthillas6578]

is there any chance you could describe what mode you are in 4H 4Lock 4 Low range and show wheel placement on videos to show actual capabilities of vehicles as opposed to rav/crv/xtrail/jeep as your reviews look like dirt track look like reviews for normal Australian roads

[@bryanlogan1220]

Does it still have the 4 speed auto for 2013? Great video Btw:)

[@ashdeep2cool]

you guys should try taking a hummer h2 with huge off road tires to climb up that hill. that is something i would like to see and many of us would too.

[@fmmnta]

Really good.

[@robertlee4172]

THE LAST YEAR...2013, of the made in Japan version of GVs. Toyota makes them in India now. They launched 1 month ago. The 2022 Grand Vitara/Toyota Hyryder produces...94 horse power. No AWD, 4 cylinder, gutless, with shiny electronics. About $18,000 usd base model.

[@adrianrorvik7488]

Yeah. Ground clearance. My 2010 has an inexpensive lift kit, radiator and belly plates and 245/17/16 ATs, which gives me 220cm clearance (and grip and ability to deflate adequately). With it's relatively short wheelbase, I would definitely take it up the "wrangler" trail.

[@robertlee4172]

According to Google, you have 86.61 inches of clearance. That's over 7.2 feet.😂😂😂

[@adrianrorvik7488]

@@robertlee4172 🤣what's a zero here and there?

[@hafiz789]

Were you guys reviewing the trail or the Suzuki?

[@markrussell24]

Absolutely agree. If you've seen the hill in-person, you'd know it's an actual hill and not some slightly steep grade.

[@equaliser2265]

My series 3 Lightweight 1989 will just be a warm up for her.

[@TFLcar]

I think you are correct. We'll keep our money because towing a broken car back to the paved road is considerably more ;-)

[@ushanikam3387]

Its the last of its kind .the greatest awd offroader till time.

[@cheesie34]

sweet!!! lol, if you guys come down to california anytime soon ill be more than happy to do so lol

[@Palpac]

Have seen vids of these Vitara going some crazy places in stock form, wouldn't mind one myself, but need a bit more in cab room for what I do. Looking at an Nissan xtrail, though I know they don't have the same off road capabilities as these which sucks, they do offer more room.

[@jasopeso3907]

You know, next year when I get a car maybe I will take a road trip up there because I want to show you how bad it will get stuck in the mud

[@techmaster611]

great job guys one of the best reviewers on the internet!!!

[@P5YcHoM4N]

I have been up a path similar to this in a Ford Escort Van Mk6, however I won't say it was easy. There were very few workable routes trough (something that wasn't an issue when I got a offroad vehicle) and I went through 2 exhausts, a sump, a rad mount, and two tyres over the space of 6 months. As much as I liked my van, it wasn't suitable for where I live so had to get rid. Dirt tracks are deceiving on film as they always look kind and friendly.

[@symmetry08]

I think, one of those car companies need to manufacture this type of vehicle again. We and many people, out there, needs small and efficient package with real off-road capabilities. Well, may be Suzuki should go back to it's own proven design and make one with locking differentials. It doesn't have to be ladder framed. And how about Chevy do the same thing with Suzuki, again ?

[@greenfalcon1568]

Is it a 2L or 2.4l engine?

[@TFLcar]

Only with the proper off-road tires of course ;-)

[@boy638]

could you guys test the updated Merc G63 or heck, the G65 AMG here in this off road course?

[@tmwall25]

btw @nathan adlen where is anchorman dave?!? back in northern iowa?

[@boy638]

From description:" But we at TFLcar have already reviewed the 2013 Suzuki Grand Vitara...which is almost identical to the 2013 model." i belive you meant the 2012 model like u said in the video :)

[@TFLcar]

What model of BMW? X5, X3, maybe even X1.

[@hejmuesli]

Hey, Roman, where is Dave? It's been a while since he's done a segment :)

[@Igi1477]

what kind of car is the red one at 1:07?

[@BeeBznz]

fair point, Im a bit old school though and don't believe in lifting there is really no need at all. I remember as a kid we had the original FJ series Land cruiser, it was big blocky and extremely ugly with bad road manners and uncomfortable but it could drop off cliffs and plough through water like a duck and never break down or get bogged a power house of a machine. These 4wds today have too much speed for the bush , you dont need speed only torque. But in regards to your comment I do agree.

[@AMDX1325]

Isn't Suzuki pulling out of USA? So would we still be able to get this car?

[@srephim]

How tall is Roman? He makes the Vitara look like a Jimny while he's standing next to it.

[@carlos4731]

Is this this road section at 7:25 the same where you tested the X3 and the RAV4[¿]... It seemed so easy forthe Vitara, was it set in 4L[¿]

[@jmc6000]

Love to take my Dakota up some of those trails. No chance wining the 100 bucks tho since it is a proper 4x4 truck. Would like to see a wimpy Honda Ridgeline on the crossover trail.

[@Saytheodd]

Haha I laughed when y'all said "try bringing your mom's Honda Civic up this trail". I remember long ago me commenting that mud pit wasn't anything I can do that in my moms civic. :p

[@MiguelLuna1]

This is the Behind the Scenes. Look for the full video.

[@blastofo]

That Suzuki is Super Rad!

[@andreabonucci3834]

Where is the ESP whit TCS????????????

[@ischemic2115]

Yo! Im scrapping my old volvo and i would LOVE to take it up here- bringing it into situations it shouldnt be in, one last time. ;)

[@kenzo201093]

REALLY GOOD AND FUNNY VIDEO! why you don't make a video about how to wash a vehicule after an off roading day? and sorry for my english, i'm from Peru so this is not my foreing language.

[@laurenlalo153]

i like to c the vw tourag!

[@audiolujoschiquinquira7882]

BUEN CARRO

[@euyoooo]

Grand Vitara or Subaru XV ?! I gonna take it occasionally on sand, not very serious offroading, mainly for everyday use.

[@andresalfaro7356]

V4... MOTHER OF MECHANICS

[@BeeBznz]

NO i meant the Subaru liberty, but did actually mistake it for the Subaru forester, and yes mate it would , im a massive fan of the Suzuki they are a very capable machine but the Subaru are incredible

[@jaykob757]

sweet dude and aquabats tshirt that decides it i now like this channel

[@moondog573]

I heard "locking diffs" twice... were you talking about front and rear diffs? factory locking?

[@crashandburnbirner]

More than likely not its the transfer case...

[@ElMasCafre]

yeah but no V6.... why dont you make old car reviews ? I would like to see you both offroading in a 2 gen 4Runner (open diffs,low power,etc)

[@glsracer]

Subarus are incredible but without low-range they will not be able to tackle trails that a properly outfitted Vitara will. I have a lifted Vitara and a lifted XC70, my XC70 is surprisingly capable off-road but when the rocks get big the XC stays at home... No doubt you could have fun with a Forester, I almost bought a Forester XT. They are great cars for the money.

[@NathanDAdlen]

Try Motorweek, I bet they have what you're looking for.

[@Chevyfan20179]

I dont understand how people can say that it isnt really that big of hill when they are not even there to see in person!

[@grandemage]

Man, grats to you guys for getting all those low to the ground cross overs up there from previous reviews. Looks like a fun trail to go on for a day :D

[@carnut9193]

I wish I could try your $100 challenge, however unfortunately I live in NSW Australia and my car wont drive over an ocean...

[@lillypinto6354]

4x2 1988 22r pickup

[@NathanDAdlen]

Uh.... I got super stuck in a Subaru in the snow and we needed a tractor to pull me out. That was over three years ago.

[@cuestionadorinvitro8014]

0:10 tires....

[@CCPvirus141]

buying this suzuki grand vitara or a mitsubishi is probably a bad idea right now since they're both going out of business.. right?

[@scastlet]

Haha. oh the things ive done on my Marquis. im not saying it will make it but damn those things are amazing.

[@TFLcar]

We'll make a video and give $100.00 if you can make it to the top.

[@greenfalcon1568]

Did you all make any videos of people trying to drive their regular cars up the track? Would like to see it

[@NathanDAdlen]

Big Mamma hill too. Don't risk killing your Grand Prix! It might be a classic... one day... maybe.

[@AvacadokenHonda19]

Mothers Honda Civic ... LOOOOL nice one :P

[@norcalenduro9149]

that's why i drive a ranger, as economical nearly as economical and fully capable of that handling that road.

[@josue3ds]

Wth why you dont push trought than stop on every obstacle just to get stuck

[@GOINFINITI]

I know for A FACT that filming off-roading is very unthankful job, since for some reason the viewer just cant get the realism of how it is out there on those paths and terrains. Cameras can`t capture those depths so that you can compare them to real life - thats why they broke out the meter and measured that rock. Believe me guys - that Vitara is pretty awesome to go through all that. P.S. thank you Nathan and Roman for trying so hard to put things in perspective ;)

[@74sickness]

ill take my 4x4 explorer 2006 limited ;)

[@MEAMERIE]

you guys drive the Grand Vitara alot lol...anyways idk if i like what they did with the grill/ front fascia. reminds me of an older Mitsubishi or something -_-

[@camry7628]

I'm only 12, but when i can drive, i am going to rent a suzuki Sx4 and go to the top of that hill and what as people wonder how i got up there, like in your top 5 offroad ready crossovers

[@vwmatt33]

I saw Sasquatch!

[@liama9393]

"would be fun if it was a little bit higher" Thats why I lifted mine ;)

[@rogueee]

That's great smacking down trolls while wearing an aquabats t shirt. Thumbs up.

[@laurynasmotekunas7095]

10 years ago 100 bucks was a whole lotta money.