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 31 through 40 of 69.00

• 

  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.

• 

  Excellent car. Nothing better for the price - 2012 Suzuki Kizashi
  By ggms16 - March 22 - 1:39 am

  Ive owned and still own a few late Mercedes and Bmws Even with my german cars experience, I can definitely say THIS CAR IS AWESOME!. Period! Yes, a few flaws, there are no perfect cars anywhere. but for the price you pay, the thing is amazing. Suspension: PERFECT Brakes: ONE OF THE BEST BRAKES I EVER TESTED Driving dynamics: I wont say its a BMW or a Mercedes, but its close, its wayyyyy over what you get from Toyota or Honda, but its still not a BMW... The price isnt either. Steering: Precise and sporty, love it.!

• 

  after one year... - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By mtaylor3 - March 15 - 9:48 am

  and 15K miles, not a single regret. The car has been completely problem free and remains a joy to drive. If youre looking for a fun-to-drive, economical, comfortable car, then the Kizashi is tailor-made for you. Many people want to compare the Kizashi to the Civic/Mazda3, but Suzuki has in reality created a bargain alternative to the Acura TSX or even Audi A4. Best seats, handling, and build quality of any car Ive ever owned. Why Suzuki isnt selling more of these is a complete mystery to me. If folks would give a test drive, I think theyd be shocked at what they can get for their money.

• 

  Excellent Car - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By realitycheck1 - February 2 - 5:55 pm

  I bought a white Kizashi 2 months ago and I could not be happier. This car has the most fluid steering I have ever felt in a regular mid sized sedan. It has a very expensive feel to it in how it drives and the interior quality is excellent. Very quiet. I average 27 MPG around town and Ive got 32 MPG on the highway. No problems as of yet, but of course the car is still brand new so I dont expect any. I love how few people own these and I get inquires all the time about it. Fantastic car.

• 

  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.

• 

  Love My Kizashi - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Tanya - October 19 - 1:50 am

  I learned about the Kizashi months ago from a friend. I had a 08 SX4 Crossover and loved it but wanted more comfort and performance. Ive been bugging my dealership and they called me the day it came in. The first and only Kizashi was brought out (hadnt even been cleaned yet). It was an SLS with AWD in Black Pearl. The look, the size, the increased comfort and incredible quality and attention to detail in the interior completely sold. They cleaned it up and put it in the showroom until I picked it up a couple of days later. It is so comfortable and fun to drive. What an incredible bang for the buck...and the same fuel economy that I had in my much smaller SX4. Great work Suzuki!

• 

  Snap one up while you can - 2012 Suzuki Kizashi
  By unclerolly - July 22 - 10:32 pm

  I had a 2004 BMW 330XI that was killing me in repair costs. I went back and forth on the Kizashi for so long and Im glad I finally pulled the trigger. After six weeks of ownership I have really enjoyed he car. Distinctive exterior styling, plush, comfortable interior, fun to drive, great build quality. The car is so well engineered and its clear a lot of thought went into everything right down to the tactile feedback of control buttons on the steering wheel and center stack console. Normally you have to spend at least twice this much money to drive something so rare. Dont get me wrong this is not a high end Mercedes or an exotic but its a lot of car for under $30k that nobody has.

• 

  What a great new car! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By jim2491 - July 4 - 11:22 pm

  After test driving the new Sonata and Kia Optima I decided to buy the 2010 Kizashi and am thrilled I did! First 700 miles I am getting 26 mpg city. Only drove a few miles on the freeway so far and the car showed 36 mpg! This car isnt even broke in yet and is only rated 23/30 mpg but gets much better mpgs. Love the build quality, fit and finish, styling, handling, and quality of the interior materials. The seats are very comfortable and the ride is sporty but never harsh. Absorbs bumps very well and is very quiet at hwy speeds. Smooth and solid ride with very adequate power. This car is my "BMW" at a lot less money. A blast to drive! Find myself inventing places to go just to drive it.

• 

  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.

• 

  10 out of 10 - Not your typical Suzuki - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By ToddA - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I honestly was looking at Mercedes and Audi, the C300 Sport and A4. In between the two dealerships was the New Sutliff Suzuki. Having owned 2 Suzukis before I knew they were good, reliable, tough little cars... But whats this big BMW looking car on the lot? After a little deliberating and going back and forth between the Big two I choose the Suzuki. Why? Its just better all around. The lower cost is a bonus. Having the only one in the corporate lot is a big plus. It drives like a BMW (think 2002-2006 3 series), has build quality like a Mercedes (seriously, not kidding around it does) and all the safety features of an Audi A8 (10 airbags, EuroNCAP 5 star-higher than C300)!