"The 4WD system is "full time," not generally called "AWD." The latter is a common system on FWD-based SUVs and doesn't do anything until the front wheels slip. The GV system pushes all the time with all four wheels, nice to have.
Typical small suv's have a "slip&grip" system. What makes an awd different from a 4wd/4x4 is that the transfer case has enough slippage so there's no binding when cornering on dry roads. The GV is an awd in 4High mode, and like a 4wd/4x4 in 4 High Locked and 4 Low Locked. Be aware that some of them lacked the low range. Not a problem unless you need to do rockcrawling or slowly descend very steep and slippery hills.
"AQUANAUT....hey, that's not nice...hahahah I will always be a canadian dude! i would assume that the GV is also a "body-on-frame" construction?
The GV is regarded as a body-on-frame, like the earlier generations. But it's more like a hybrid construction, like a Range Rover, with frame-like channels welded to the bottom of the unibody. It does not have a separate frame.
"The only thing that kinda gets me, is that side opening hatch, not too sure about that, as it'll take up more room to open in the back, i don't know why they did it that way and not up like most suv's???.
Two things bug me about the hatch. Actually three. You can't open the hatch glass. The hatch does not form a rain shelter when open, and in fact the flat top drains into the cargo area when open. And unlike a regular hatch you shouldn't have it partway open to carry large objects.
Things I like about it: It's easy to open and close. From the driver's position and movements, it's very "natural" and convenient. It is not so big that there isn't room to open it. Any more so than a regular hatch. You can put a bike rack on it, and still get into the cargo area by swinging the whole thing out of the way. The spare is easier to get at than storing it underneath. The cargo area is bigger without the spare inside or underneath. You can swing it open even if you have something long on the roof, like a canoe.
"the other car option is maybe the mitsu outlander..
The Outlander is a good alternative. It's bigger though, with third row seating.
""How is the engine in terms of performance and "get-up-and-go"? is the engine traverse or longitudinal AND does it have a timing belt or chain? if it's a chain, we're good to go? .
The engine is longitudinal, and certainly has enough power for sane people. There is a maintenance-free timing chain
However there is a requirement to check the valve clearance about every 100,000km, and, depending on who does it, this can be expensive. Actual charges for this have varied wildly. It's good not to skip it. If buying used, be sure to establish whether this has been done.
Also, some earlier GV's suffered from bad alignment, which resulted in poor mileage, very rapid tire wear and unstable handling.
