What kind of four-wheel drive is the Suzuki Vitara?
2 Answers
The Suzuki Vitara features a front-engine, four-wheel-drive (4WD) system with a full-time 4WD configuration. Below are the detailed specifications: 1. Background of the Suzuki Vitara: The Suzuki Vitara is an off-road vehicle jointly developed by Japanese automaker Suzuki and General Motors. It is the only model in its price range equipped with an intelligent full-time 4WD system, offering performance that meets both daily driving needs and off-road demands. The vehicle is equipped with the ALLGRIP intelligent full-time 4WD system. 2. Modes and configurations of the Suzuki Vitara: The 4WD system provides four driving modes: Auto Mode, Sport Mode, Snow Mode, and Lock Mode, catering comprehensively to the driver's requirements. This 4WD system includes a multi-plate clutch-type limited-slip differential and an open differential. In 4WD Lock Mode, the central differential can be locked to achieve a 50:50 power distribution between the front and rear wheels. In terms of powertrain, the vehicle is available with a 1.6L and a 1.4T engine. The 1.6L engine delivers a maximum power of 90 kW and a maximum torque of 158 Nm, while the 1.4T engine produces a maximum power of 103 kW and a maximum torque of 220 Nm.
Suzuki equips the Vitara with the ALLGRIP four-wheel drive system. I've been driving this car for three years and particularly love its intelligent switching capability. On urban roads, it mainly operates in two-wheel drive mode, delivering excellent fuel efficiency—the dashboard shows around 7 liters per 100 kilometers. When encountering rainy days or slippery roads after snow, it automatically engages four-wheel drive, significantly improving traction, and the steering feels very stable. On weekends, when taking my family camping in the countryside, I simply turn the knob to LOCK mode for muddy roads, ensuring even power distribution to all four wheels. The high ground clearance also prevents scraping the undercarriage. However, I’d like to remind everyone to check the rear axle fluid after prolonged off-road use—during my last maintenance, I noticed a slight oil seepage.
