| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1999 |
| Production Years: | 1998 - 2005 discontinued in 2005 |
The Suzuki Escudo II, produced between 1998 and 2005, represents the second generation of Suzuki's compact SUV lineup, known for its blend of off-road capability and urban practicality. Launched in 1999 as the model year, this generation Escudo continued Suzuki's tradition as a versatile and compact sport utility vehicle ideal for drivers seeking maneuverability without sacrificing rugged performance.
Dimension-wise, the Suzuki Escudo II fits within the compact SUV category, offering a balanced footprint that supports easy navigation in urban environments while retaining a robust, capable structure. Although exact external measurements may vary slightly depending on the specific trim and market, the Escudo II typically measures approximately 3.9 to 4 meters (about 154 to 157 inches) in length, with a width close to 1.7 meters (about 67 inches), and a height around 1.65 meters (approximately 65 inches). Its relatively light curb weight, often below 1,300 kilograms (approximately 2,870 pounds), enhances fuel efficiency and driving dynamics while maintaining sufficient stability and road presence.
This generation of the Escudo is notable for its compact yet functional design, making it favorable in cities where parking and tight spaces can challenge larger SUVs. The SUV's dimensions allow drivers to enjoy a commanding view of the road and elevated seating position, features typical of utility vehicles, while its moderate size disables it from feeling cumbersome. Under the hood, the Escudo II continued to offer efficient engines paired with front-wheel or four-wheel drive options, catering to both everyday commuters and outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
In terms of design, the Escudo II maintained a boxy, rugged exterior reminiscent of its predecessors but incorporated smoother lines and updated aesthetics that aligned with late-1990s trends. This generation strengthened Suzuki's foothold in global SUV markets, providing an alternative for buyers seeking a reliable, compact SUV with a reputation for solid reliability and practicality.
Overall, the Suzuki Escudo II from 1998 to 2005 stands out as a noteworthy compact SUV that balances manageable dimensions with capable performance. Its size makes it ideal not only for city driving but also for light off-roading, appealing to drivers who require versatile usage without the bulk of a full-size SUV.
Discover the standout features that make the 1999 Suzuki Escudo II a leader in its class
Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.
The Suzuki Escudo II, produced from 1998 to 2005, is a compact SUV with approximate dimensions of 4,160 mm (163.8 inches) in length, 1,695 mm (66.7 inches) in width, and 1,695 mm (66.7 inches) in height. These dimensions make the vehicle nimble enough for city driving while still offering decent interior space for passengers and cargo.
The wheelbase of the Suzuki Escudo II measures around 2,425 mm (95.5 inches). A longer wheelbase generally improves ride comfort and stability, and in the Escudo II, this length provides a balanced driving experience with sufficient cabin space for passengers. It helps in reducing pitch and contributes positively to the SUV’s overall handling characteristics.
The Suzuki Escudo II typically has a ground clearance of approximately 185 mm (7.3 inches), which is quite respectable for a compact SUV of its era. This clearance allows it to handle rough terrain and light off-road trails reasonably well, making it popular among drivers who require both urban usability and some off-road capability.
The curb weight of the Suzuki Escudo II ranges between 1,350 to 1,450 kg (2,976 to 3,196 lbs), depending on the specific trim and equipment. This moderate weight aids in achieving decent fuel efficiency for an SUV while contributing to stable handling characteristics. The balance between weight and power ensures the Escudo II remains agile, particularly in urban settings.
The Suzuki Escudo II offers a cargo capacity of approximately 340 liters (about 12 cubic feet) with rear seats up, which can be expanded significantly by folding the rear seats down. This level of cargo space makes it suitable for everyday use such as grocery runs, luggage storage for short trips, and transporting sports equipment. The rear seats’ fold-down capability enhances its practicality for larger items.
While exact interior measurements can vary slightly by model and trim, the Suzuki Escudo II provides comfortable seating for five passengers with adequate headroom and legroom given its compact SUV classification. The interior focuses on functionality, offering enough space to accommodate adults in both front and rear seats without feeling cramped, making it a practical choice for small families or groups.
Yes, the Suzuki Escudo II generally fits comfortably into a standard garage. Typical residential garage dimensions range from about 2,400 mm (94.5 inches) to 2,700 mm (106 inches) in width and 5,400 mm (212.6 inches) to 6,000 mm (236 inches) in length. Given the Escudo II’s compact length of approximately 4,160 mm (163.8 inches) and width of 1,695 mm (66.7 inches), it allows adequate space for opening doors and moving around the vehicle inside most standard garages.
Compared to the first-generation Suzuki Escudo, the Escudo II introduced a more refined and slightly larger body, offering increased interior space and improved comfort. The overall dimensions grew moderately to enhance passenger room and cargo capacity, while retaining the compact footprint that contributed to its popularity. Its updated styling and mechanical advancements also contributed to better handling and ride quality over the previous model.
The Suzuki Escudo II competes closely with other compact SUVs from the late 1990s and early 2000s, such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Mitsubishi Outlander. Dimensionally, it is slightly smaller or similar in length and width, which gives it an edge in maneuverability. Functionally, it offers solid off-road capability with decent ground clearance and 4WD options, sometimes outperforming rivals that prioritize urban driving comfort over ruggedness.
The Suzuki Escudo II is appreciated for its compact size, making urban driving and parking easy while still offering respectable off-road capabilities uncommon in many compact SUVs. Its moderate dimensions strike a balance between interior comfort and exterior agility. However, compared to newer models, its interior and some features may feel dated. Buyers valuing ruggedness and simplicity may find the Escudo II an excellent choice, while those after modern amenities might look elsewhere.
Suzuki