Grand Vitara II (JT) vs Hunter I: which is better?
Suzuki Grand Vitara II (JT) (2005–2015) vs UAZ Hunter I (2003–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Suzuki Grand Vitara II (JT)
UAZ Hunter ISpecifications
| Suzuki Grand Vitara II (JT) | UAZ Hunter I | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2005–2015 | 2003–present |
| Body | SUV | SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 | 2.7 (ZMZ-409) |
| Power, up to | 140 hp | 128 hp |
| Torque, up to | 183 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | manual |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 470 mm | 4 100 mm |
| Width | 1 810 mm | 2 010 mm |
| Height | 1 695 mm | 2 025 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 640 mm | 2 380 mm |
| Ground clearance | 200 mm | 210 mm |
| Fuel tank | 66 L | 78 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 40 325 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Suzuki Grand Vitara II (JT)
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- High ground clearance: 200 mm
Cons
- Suzuki J20A/J24B engine (2.0–2.4): timing chain stretch at high mileage
- Modest power: up to 140 hp
Engine (Suzuki J20A/J24B (2.0–2.4)): timing chain stretch at high mileage; oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and seals.
UAZ Hunter I
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- High ground clearance: 210 mm
- Large fuel tank: 78 L
- Local assembly: Russia
Cons
- ZMZ-402/409, UMZ engine: chain and hydraulic tensioner noise (ZMZ-409)
- Modest power: up to 128 hp
Engine (ZMZ-402/409, UMZ): chain and hydraulic tensioner noise (ZMZ-409); oil leaks; overheating.
Which one to choose
- Grand Vitara II (JT) — if you care more about: power, wheelbase, kz tax 2026.
- Hunter I — if you care more about: torque, ground clearance, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Grand Vitara II (JT) or Hunter I?
Grand Vitara II (JT): up to 140 hp, Hunter I: up to 128 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
Grand Vitara II (JT): 200 mm, Hunter I: 210 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Grand Vitara II (JT) — about 16 475 ₸, Hunter I — about 40 325 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.