Anyone here driving a 2nd-gen (1999–2005) Vitara or Grand Vitara? How well does the tech hold up, and has anyone tried upgrading the infotainment system for modern features?
Kara Mullikin
Second gens had no "infotainment tech" worth mentioning, depending on the market & trim level your options ranged from an AM/FM Cassette radio with a pair of cheap front speakers up to an AM/FM/6CD changer with six speakers + subwoofer.
As for upgrades, almost anything is possible, dependent on what you're capable of installing or what you're willing to foot the bill for. One thing to bear in mind, the vehicle electronics predates CANBus, so you won't be able to monitor things like fuel consumption and range(distance to empty) via the infotainment unit, but, reverse cameras, 360 top down cameras, bluetooth, handsfree calling, built-in NAV systems, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Sirius, DAB - it's all possible, it's just a matter of choosing a unit with the features you want and installing it or having it installed.
One last thing, the unit you choose has to be compatible with broadcast systems in the country where the vehicle will be used, Japan for example uses a different FM broadcast band to the US, so it might be best to choose a system from a supplier in your country.
As for upgrades, almost anything is possible, dependent on what you're capable of installing or what you're willing to foot the bill for. One thing to bear in mind, the vehicle electronics predates CANBus, so you won't be able to monitor things like fuel consumption and range(distance to empty) via the infotainment unit, but, reverse cameras, 360 top down cameras, bluetooth, handsfree calling, built-in NAV systems, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Sirius, DAB - it's all possible, it's just a matter of choosing a unit with the features you want and installing it or having it installed.
One last thing, the unit you choose has to be compatible with broadcast systems in the country where the vehicle will be used, Japan for example uses a different FM broadcast band to the US, so it might be best to choose a system from a supplier in your country.
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