Suzuki's Grand Vitara is a standout among small sport-utility vehicles. Totally new last model year, the Grand Vitara is one of the few SUVs in this class built on truck principles -- live axles and two-speed transfer cases. It's also the only mini-utility to offer a V6 engine -- and it's a slick powerplant at that.

With 155 horsepower from its V6, the Grand Vitara JLX+ has power that the 4-cylinder Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V cannot match. Mate that V6 to a five-speed transmission, and the Grand Vitara turns as racy as a tall wagon can get. On-demand four-wheel drive and a five-link rear suspension with coil springs make it better prepared to rumble over rocks and rutted trails than the its car-based competition from Toyota and Honda.

Few mini-utilities offer the off-road capability of this new Suzuki. On the road or off the beaten trail, the Grand Vitara makes a convincing argument for being the best mini-utility.