Subaru Forester vs. Suzuki Grand Vitara

Why the comparison?

The SUV has not enjoyed the best press in recent times, but the British weather being what it is - winter ice and snow or summer floods - the four-wheel drive, go-anywhere vehicle still has its place. Two of the most capable and affordable SUVs on sale also happen to be two of the longest established adversaries: the Subaru Forester and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Neither will win prizes in the style stakes, but when it comes to value for money and getting you out of a rut, this pair will not fail.

How are they similar?

The Subaru and Suzuki have a great deal in common. Each is a compact size that occupies no more space on the road than an average hatchback, yet they both provide plenty of cabin space for five passengers plus a good deal of luggage. The interiors of both cars make a stab at classy appeal, but functionality is the over-riding impression. They both also use sturdy, if uninspiring plastics and trim materials.

Permanent four-wheel drive features in the Forester and Grand Vitara, so each car has plenty to offer when it comes to the rough stuff. Where most rivals only send power to all four wheels when the car senses a loss of traction, the Suzuki and Subaru have already got things under control. On the road, it gives these cars confident grip through corners; though both lean quite noticeably and neither has steering that could be described as full of feel. The Subaru's softer ride helps absorb surface abnormalities more easily, but the Grand Vitara makes up for its firm ride with greater cornering agility.

How do they differ?

The Subaru's 2.0-litre 'flat-four' engine produces 148bhp to the Suzuki's 167bhp from its 2.4-litre motor. The difference in capacity and the extra power of the Suzuki doesn't help it to be quicker than the Subaru and it's the Forester that covers 0-62mph in less time (10.6 seconds versus 11.7). However, the Grand Vitara's larger engine delivers more low- to mid-rev shove and this makes a difference when driving away from a standstill and off-road. The Suzuki feels more brisk and needs fewer revs to give its best, while the Subaru's engine needs to be worked hard. Driven in this way, the Forester loses out to the Grand Vitara for refinement, though the Subaru has the edge when it comes to economy (33.6mpg compared to 31.3mpg).

Off-road, the Grand Vitara is the car that will take you further into the wilds and still get you out. The Forester is surprisingly capable, but no low-ratio transfer 'box means the engine and transmission can only cope with so much before traction is lost. In the Vitara, there's a choice of low ratio and locked 4x4, where each wheel has the same power supplied. Point the Suzuki at intimidating terrain and it just gets on with the job of getting through unperturbed. Try that in most other compact SUV rivals and you'd be facing a stiff repair bill, but the Grand Vitara and Forester have sufficient under-body protection to cope.

So which one would we have?

City dwellers are likely to find both of these SUVs a little too rough and ready for refined tastes that want the image of a 4x4 but all the refinement of a saloon. The Forester manages this balancing act better than the Suzuki for ride comfort, though the Grand Vitara is the quieter on the motorway. For those who need a car that can deal with dells and broach brooks, the Grand Vitara is the more able, thanks to the stronger pull from its engine and a low ratio transfer 'box that's easily used via the dash-mounted controls.

The Subaru has a slightly higher towing limit (2,000kg versus the Suzuki's 1,850kg limit) so anyone looking for a tow car is better served by the Suzuki, but for us, the Grand Vitara's marginally better handling and tough, no-nonsense off-road sure-footedness win the day.

Alisdair Suttie