Suzuki’s Grand Vitara rolls into 2009 with two new engines and one carryover goal – to capture a chunk of the compact SUV segment.

It’s a target worth hitting because small sport utility vehicles are the strongest part of the once huge and now downsized SUV market.

The new motors are a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.2-liter V-6. The four is rated at 166 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque and can be matched with a standard, five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. The six checks in at 230 horsepower (45 more than the engine it replaces) and 213 pound-feet of torque. Its sole transmission choice is a five-speed automatic.

In fuel economy, the smaller engine gets the edge as you would expect, but it’s a slight edge. The Environmental Protection Agency says that the four-cylinder models will get 19 mpg in the city and as much as 26 mpg on the open road.

Six-cylinder models should return 17-18 mpg in the city and 23-24 mpg highway.

My XSport test vehicle was equipped with the four-banger, which I found fine for all around use. It’s a little loud at wide-open throttle, but there’s enough power on hand to move you smartly from a standstill and it also cruises comfortably at highway speeds.

Fitted with the V-6, Grand Vitara can pull as much as 3,000 pounds. My suggestion on engine choice: If you don’t need to tow, save the extra dough and opt for the four-cylinder.

My tester had a price of $23,899.

Grand Vitara is offered with two available four-wheel-drive systems. In 4 Mode – a full-time 4WD system as found in my tester – the system can be left in 4H on pavement. So set, Grand Vitara will act essentially as a rear-drive vehicle, adding power to the front paws only when needed to maintain traction.

When heading off-road, drivers can lock in high- or low-range 4x4 modes with the twist of a dashboard dial. Six-cylinder models with 4 Mode 4x4 also get hill descent and hill hold control, which help the driver maintain controlled speeds on steep slopes.

Small SUVs sometimes see duty as tow-behind vehicles for RV owners. Grand Vitaras equipped with automatic transmission or with the 4 Mode 4x4 system can be flat-towed. Electronic stability control is standard on all models. It helps the driver maintain control when driving conditions deteriorate, applying individual brakes and reducing engine torque to help keep you on your intended path.

The biggest decision most SUV buyers face is figuring out how big or small their vehicle needs to be. The idea is to get one with an interior big enough to be useful and comfortable, yet not so big as to pay for space you’ll rarely (or never) use.

Grand Vitara measures up well on this right-size meter. It seats five and packs a usefully large, 24.4 cubic-feet of gear behind the back seat. The cargo hold is expandable to as much as 68.9 cubic-feet, with both halves of the split rear seat folded forward.

Access to the way-back is via side swinging rear door. Lift over height is low, but the door is hinged on the right. A driver parked curbside would find a left hinged (or top hinged) door more convenient for unloading.

Up front, the driver takes in a highly visible set of gauges sunk in deep dash binnacles.

Center stack controls are admirably straightforward. Even though the spare tire is mounted on the rear bumper, it’s low enough so that it doesn’t interfere with rearward visibility.

Four-cylinder models are offered in four trim levels (Base, Premium, XSport and Luxury). The base model Grand Vitara is rear-wheel drive and manual transmission only, but the list of standard equipment includes air conditioning, a four-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 sound system with available XM satellite service, a full complement of power features (windows, mirrors, door locks) and remote keyless entry.

XSport models like my tester add a combination of luxury and functional features such as power moon roof, an upgraded sound system with six-disc CD changer, keyless entry/start system, roof rack rails and fog lamps.

Suzuki’s Grand Vitara deserves a look and drive by anyone shopping compact SUVs. It hits the sweet spot for interior size – usably large, not wastefully so. And, in XSport 4x4 trim at just less than $24,000, the package is particularly attractive for those in Snow Belt states.

2009 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA XSPORT

ENGINE: 166-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder

TRANSMISSION: five-speed manual

DRIVETRAIN: four-wheel drive

FUEL ECONOMY: 19 city/26 highway

AS TESTED: $23,899

WEB SITE: Suzukiauto.com