Suzuki Grand Vitara

Question

Friends....I am considering replacing my Chevrolet Tracker with a 2008 -2010 Suzuki Grand Vitara but I am confused about the 4x4 drive systems. My Tracker is a 4X4 (4H,4L and N). Since the Tracker is actually a Suzuki wearing the Chevrolet name I assumed all Suzuki 4X4's were the same until I read the following excerpt from an Edumunds.com review of the 2010 Grand Vitara;
"Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all trims except for the Base can be optioned with four-wheel drive. The Premium trim's optional 4WD is a single-mode system (as is the Premium Special Edition), while all XSport and Limited trims get four-mode 4WD (4H, 4H Lock, 4L Lock and N). The four-mode system's neutral (N) setting allows the Grand Vitara to be flat-towed behind a recreational vehicle without mileage accumulation. XSport and Limited 4WD V6 models also come with hill descent control."
My question is what is the difference between the "single mode" 4x4 drive system and the "four mode"4x4 drive system? Can vehicles equipped with either system be flat towed? Your comments about the two drive systems will be appreciated. Many thanks...

dakzuki · Answer

Sounds like the "single mode" doesn't have a transfer case but rather a center diff and is full time 4wd.

You will want to check the owners manuals of the specific vehicles you are interested in for towing ability and directions.

islandman · Answer

You would probably get more direct and informative answers to your questions if this topic was posted in the Dinghy Towing Forum under Technical Resources down below than here in the Class C Forum.

janss · Answer

I also used to own a Chevy Tracker (1999) with the separate transfer case gear shift stick. I researched and hunted for a newer Suzuki Grand Vitara. As you see in my signature, I got one.

In my research, the excerpt you quoted is correct. Only the four-mode 4WD is flat-towable. The car needs to have a 4WD dial (no longer a gear stick). Some ads may state that the car is 4WD, but watch out...the single-mode 4WD does not have this dial and is not flat-towable.

Take a look at the pics in this craigslist ad:
Grand Vitara

Look at the pic with the automatic gear shift. Just in front of that are several dials. The four-mode 4wd dial will be in the lower left. This car doesn't have it, but you can see where the space is for it. Anyway, that's what I always looked for to make sure the car was flat-towable.

As always, it is best to read the owners manual of any car you are considering purchasing to make sure it states that the car is towable on the ground behind a recreational vehicle. Look in the index for "Recreational Towing". Usually what you find under just "Towing" is for a breakdown (i.e. road service).

ronfisherman · Answer

Moved from Class C.

donn0128 · Answer

My 2007 premium has a real transfer case including a neutral position.

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