Overview & Reviews

Suzuki is renowned for its desirable motorcycles, but its cars historically haven't enjoyed nearly the same respect. The Suzuki Kizashi midsize sedan is a serious attempt to bring the company's automotive division up to snuff. Billed as a sophisticated sport sedan at a family-sedan price, the Kizashi generally delivers. It looks sharp, it drives well and its interior is one of the nicest in the segment.

While the Kizashi is billed as midsize, its dimensions actually fall in between that segment and increasingly large compacts. This means it's in the unique position to compete against both camps. It's larger, more luxurious and better built than most compacts, yet less expensive and more agile than the midsizers. We think it's definitely worth a look, but the biggest obstacle could be finding one given Suzuki's limited dealer network.

Current Suzuki Kizashi
The Suzuki Kizashi sedan is powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 185 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional. It comes in S, SE, Sport GTS and Sport SLS trim levels. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the S, Sport GTS and Sport SLS with front-wheel drive, while a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is optional on those trims and standard on the SE and all-wheel-drive models.

Standard equipment on the base model is impressive, including keyless ignition/entry, full power accessories, dual-zone automatic climate control, a USB/iPod interface and satellite radio. Higher trims net features like alloy wheels, power seats, a sunroof, leather upholstery, steering wheel shift paddles (for the CVT), a Rockford Fosgate sound system and Bluetooth. The Sport trims get cosmetic, aerodynamic and suspension enhancements.

The Suzuki Kizashi's design is an interesting mix of familiar and novel elements. Some people might see some Volkswagen influence in the car's exterior styling, but otherwise the Kizashi is its own beast. Inside, there's an attractive dashboard design with tastefully restrained metallic accents and upscale materials. Nice touches abound, such as standard keyless ignition and cushioned chrome-ringed door handles. The backseat has plenty of room for two full-size adults, and the relatively high seat cushion actually makes the Kizashi more comfortable for long-legged rear passengers than some larger rivals.

In reviews, we've praised the Suzuki Kizashi for emulating the sophisticated driving dynamics of Japanese and European sport sedans at a fraction of their price. Grip is ample in corners, the ride is supple yet well-controlled and the steering is a bit lacking in feel but nicely weighted. Wind and road noise are kept in check on the highway, and the Kizashi has a sense of straight-ahead that's uncommon for a car starting under $20,000. The four-cylinder engine is the closest thing to a weak link here -- it's plenty peppy for normal use, but those expecting the Kizashi's power to match its sport-sedanlike handling may be disappointed, particularly if they select the CVT.

Used Suzuki Kizashi Models
The Suzuki Kizashi was new for 2010. In that first year, the Sport GTS and Sport SLS lacked the "Sport" prefix as well as the associated cosmetic, aerodynamic and suspension enhancements.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 69.00

• 

  Love it, but growing a little weary. - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By sjmc - August 31 - 6:28 pm

  I bought this car because I fell in love with the body style, it had every feature I wanted, and I was offered a fantastic deal. After a year of driving it, though, the little annoyances are pushing me toward trading it. Little things like a radio with an already limited range losing the station a lot. The low tire pressure warning takes over the dashboard but doesnt indicate which tire. The rounded shape of the dash and hood make it difficult for someone of my height (55") to judge how close the front end of the car is to something. Because its so low to the ground, its either get out and look or risk damaging the car because it wont clear most curbs.

• 

  Expectations - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Jean67 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I never had a brand new vehicle. We traded in a 2007 Honda civic, which I absolutely loved. I dont know if its us or not but the passengers side seat is very low on the floor. Does anyone have the same problem? We have 1400 miles on it and only get 25 mpg. Im disappointed in that. I think its sluggish when first taking off. Dont like the funny looking long button near the speedometer. It looks stupid.

• 

  Gps/Bluetooth system - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By colonel1961 - February 1 - 7:30 am

  My daughter just bought this vehicle and frequently leaves it with me while she is on business trips. I was very impressed with the quality and value and would have purchased one until I tried out the GPS/navigation/bluetooth system. I had trouble setting up the bluetooth phone connection and finally went back to the dealer to get some instructions. There they told me I could not make a phone call using the voice system or the manual dial keypad unless the car was parked and had the emergency brake on. This makes the system useless. I have two other cars, a Prius and a Mercedes both of which let me push a button on the steering wheel and make a call using only my voice while driving.

• 

  Whats that? - 2012 Suzuki Kizashi
  By jaydee11 - May 30 - 2:13 am

  Well, on the 20th, I took delivery of a new 2012 Suzuki Kizashi SE,Leather Edition, after test driving one for 4 days! I was initially at the dealership for issues with my HHR, so I had time to kill and here I am! The salesman went with me and had me drive on a really curvy country road out here in Kansas...Man did I have a good time!!!We then hit the Interstate back to the dealer...I did a cool 75 mph..til we passed two State Troopers,then I stepped on it....We were at 115 mph before I knew it! I backed off though,dont want a ticket! Well anyway,I bought after reading all the reviews here in Edmunds and decided that I have to have this car. But I will keep posting....

• 

  Beware of TPMS fees to re-set - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By schmoos - March 28 - 5:23 pm

  I have owned this car for 5 months. I nice ride love the paddle shifters just to have fun. I travel in heavy traffic to work with light driving on the week ends I average a disappointing 22MPG. I have had studded tires on the car for most of that time. When I put my studs on the console lit up and locked me out of my features. The tire pressure monitoring system was locking the dash up. I had to pay $300.00 for computerized valve stems. I also found that each time I change my tires out I must pay the dealer $30.00 to re-set the TPMS in the on-board computer. Other servicers (Les Schwab) could not do the re-set.

• 

  First three weeks of ownership - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By formerreda3 - October 20 - 1:56 pm

  Having previously owned two VW Corrados, a VW Passat and an Audi A3 (among other cars), my comparison is with them. This car feels like it was cut from a solid block. It rides smoothly, ignores most bumps and makes the passengers feel like they are in a cocoon. It is quiet with little wind intrusion and has a great Rockford Fosgate stereo (10 speakers w/subwoofer) to eliminate any noise that might otherwise exist. The 6 speed manual shifts well and the clutch is easier to use than the A3. Love the smartkey system and am amazed at how fast the heat comes on. Plenty of room for "normal" sized people and far more content than I would have gotten in a comparably priced VW Jetta.

• 

  Lots of Fun .... BUT - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By rpbsp - March 5 - 3:48 pm

  Bought my Kizashi 6 months ago and have 14,000 miles on it. Fun to drive, sleek appearance and great gas mileage. However, the longer you live with it, the more it shows its weak design points. Two major complaints. 1. the paint is paper thin-chips if you look at it the wrong way. 2.windshield washers are useless for winter driving. they freeze after 1 squirt and that first squirt doesnt even hit the windshield. The car could be considered unsafe to drive in messy winter roads ... zero visibility.

• 

  Kizashi - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By GG - May 28 - 6:10 am

  On 1/22/2010 my wife and I took delivery of 2010 suzuki kizashi sls awd ctv. The car drives very well,it feels very solid and tight as a drum and therefore quiet and with very little road noise intrusion into the cabin. Suzuki did a great job with the interior of the car, one will notice excellent interior materials and ergonomics, in my opinion it is much better than usual competition. The awd is a plus and the fact that one can turn it off is an excellent feature. This is not the car that was intended to beat mustangs or like cars in 0 to 60 race but if one chooses to have little fun, kizashi will deliver. The only disappointment: cramped back seats and single cd changer

• 

  Paint Problem - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By suzcust - February 9 - 6:20 am

  There is a problem with the paint on these cars. At first I thought it was rock chips but the more I paint chips I find on my car it appears to be a defective paint job...paint lifting off the car and flaking off. Suzuki must stop ignoring the problem and come clean that there is an issue

• 

  Terrible paint and warranty - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By homer1041 - November 17 - 1:46 pm

  I bought a 2011 around this time last year. From a mechanical and fun to drive standpoint, its great, but the painted metal surfaces are rusting and Suzuki is denying it as a defect, claiming instead that its an environmental. I havent owned many cars that rusted, let alone with only 6000 miles on them. Needless to say, my good will towards the company is lost and now it will become a legal matter. Its ashame really, as I did whole lot of research before picking this car.....so I really wanted it. Now Im not so sure.....and who really knows the extent of the rust....it could be encompass the entirely of the unibody. Beware as this isnt an isolated issue, just the responses vary.