Todd,
I went an kicked the
tires on a Grand Vitara XL-7 which has three rows of seats (3rd row only good for children under seven). Yes 3rd row -- on that small a vehicle!
IMO the regular Grand vitara has too small an engine to tow a
Casita with.
Only the XL-7 has a large V6 and a wheelbase longer than the regular Grand Vitara. The tow rating for the V6 is 3500 lbs. and they do offer a factory tow package with a tow hitch and socket.
Initially the vehicle seemed a bit small on the outside.
That said, however, it is completely different inside from the regular cheesy Grand Vitara interior (Automatic Climate Control, Gauges are Lexus style fluorescent etc. etc.). Snug but comfy -- if you get the leather interior.
IMO you should get their V6 (only comes only with an XL-7) and not a regular Suzuki 4-banger.
http://www.suzukiauto.com/sr03/xl7/360_int.html
But then -- why settle for a five year old design??
If you really need a smaller SUV with a V6 then go for the 2005 Chevy Equinox (next generation Tracker). Available January 2004 (if you want to wait a few months). More details below,
<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3ebd7ceded11aequinox-1.jpg/>
<img src=http://www.fiberglassrv.com/board/uploads/3ebd7f130d7f8chevrolet.equinox.r34.jpg/>
http://www.nctd.com/sneakpreview.cfm?ReviewID=35
http://edmunds.nytimes.com/news/autoshows/...42/page040.html