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 41 through 50 of 69.00

• 

  This car has a paint issue! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Greg Wade - September 2 - 4:10 pm

  Just purchased this vehicle Aug. 15th 2010. I spent 20+mins going over the exterior of this car looking for defects in the paint ( scratches, chips dents ) and nothing was visible. I drove the car home ( approx. 4 km ) and was very shocked to see several paint chips in the passenger side door. The next day I drove this car to work on paved roads ( approx. 70 km ) The car now has several more paint chips. This car most definitely has a paint issue. I am not sure if it has something to do with the coating they applied for me at no cost. I will be talking to the dealership about this, however I have no confidence that they will support me based on other reviews I have read.

• 

  Is this the best value car you can buy? - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By edbearnz - July 10 - 1:07 pm

  We recently purchased our second new car, (we’ve had many second hand cars over the years), having had to sell our 12 year-old Nissan Pulsar SLX due to me breaking my back in a car accident last year. The seating position of the Pulsar was no longer tenable for me and I had to get a vehicle with a higher, more ergonomically correct seat. We bought the Pulsar new in 1999 and it had been a pleasure to own and was well specced for the time with ABS, drivers air-bag, four-wheel disc brakes, air-conditioning, factory alloys and the engine was chain-drive DOHC with VVT. It was the cheapest car to own wed ever had and I was sad to see it go. After briefly considering second hand cars, I was conscious that had I been driving a vehicle with traction control, I would not have crashed, spinning out on oil, so when looking at later models with this feature I decided to go with another new car. My requirements centered around my physical needs, but I wanted several other things. The car had to have the latest in technology as I felt it was a waste of time buying older technology that was already outdated and due to be replaced. I wanted fuel economy that was at least as good as the 1600cc Nissan Pulsar auto wed just sold and the car had to be value for money. We wanted an automatic so manual cars were not considered. This ruled out the otherwise excellent Ford Fiesta Econetic as it was only available in manual form. So too, the Toyota Rav4 diesel, the petrol being too thirsty. It became apparent early on that the small cars of today are excellent vehicles and all were superior in power and economy, ride and handling and of course features by comparison to our 12 year old Pulsar, with the Honda City the best over all, but the Swift being cheaper equalled the ride and comfort factor emphasising to me just why it is NZs best selling small car. Also in the early running was the Honda Insight hybrid, which I liked but the passenger seat was uncomfortable and my wife didnt like the rear view through the mirror, the split window was disconcerting to her. So despite the lowest running costs, even over the Fiesta once RUCs, were counted, (Road User Charges - New Zealand has a separate charge for mileage on diesel vehicles on a $ per Kilometer basis, and Diesel fuel is not taxed at the pump. Depending on size and type of vehicle you pay a particular charge per Kilometer), the Insight dropped off the list. I looked at SUVs but despite the great performance and economy of the new generation diesels, with the Hyundai ix35 being the best of them, I didnt need the size and expense. On a $ per km figure including RUCs they were going to cost the same as the medium sized petrol cars to run. So that left me to look at the medium car market as an alternative to buying a small car. The Suzuki SX4i AWD is unique and a great wee SUV with comfort, features and power, but let itself down on wind and engine noise. A shame because otherwise Id have bought it! It was amazing to realise that the new cars with 2.4lt engines could equal the Pulsar for fuel economy while being a lot bigger and a lot more powerful! I compared the Ford Mondeo Titanium Hatch diesel, the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord Euro, Hyundai i45, VW Passat and the Suzuki Kizashi Ltd. and Sport. The Camry was the first to go as it was dearer and less economical and while the ride and seating were comfortable it was very plain-Jane. It was also a run-out model, due to be replaced with an all new one. The VW was too dear as was the Honda Accord. The Hyundai was my early favourite for technology, style, economy, features and seemed good value. It was perfect in driving position and nearly took the prize. Until I tried the Kizashi... What can I say? I run out of superlatives to describe this car! All the neighbours are jealous, all our friends love it, especially the colour and my wife doesnt want to get out of it. The heated seats and dual-zone climate air were the clincher for her, as was the colour and tints which set the car off beautifully! My back is happy and we look forward to many years of service from what has to be the best mid-sized car on the road today!

• 

  Suzuki Kizashi is awesome. - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Larry Rogers - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Driving the Kizashi is a very great time of fun on wheels. With great standard features that can help me enjoy the ride of my life.

• 

  Kizashi/Pisahsi........ - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By mfleming - June 3 - 4:30 pm

  I am a loyal Audi owner, but decided to take chance on this purchase. I have a pearl black fully loaded version, the only version sold in Canada. So far, the car has been phenomenal. It is quiet, refined, interior is all leather and very well put together. The sporty ride and good power are as advertised, and very impressive. I am getting used to the CVT, but the paddle-shifters compensate for tranny issues, as I would have preferred a stick, but it is not sold here. It is not an Audi, but is very close, and for $20,000 less than a comparably equipped A-4, I am a happy camper. I will likely avoid all of the reliability issues/problems encountered with the audis in the long run. Great job.

• 

  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

• 

  Just try it and you will love it - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Gucio84 - April 1 - 3:56 pm

  Iwas waiting for that car for more than a month. First i want to get GTS AWD CVT but they dont make it yet so i put order for SLS AWD CVT. I took delivery on 2/18 and the car had 24 miles on it. Now i cant say to much about acceleration because i have 350miles and still i am brake in a car but driving on high way taking few seconds to get to 80mph. So far i can say car is cool and fun to drive. On snow car feel steady. Interior its nice and it has a lots of room. Car has a lot of features for that price. If you will buy different car with those futures you will pay much more.

• 

  kizashi experience - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By hraez - February 28 - 4:26 am

  Just purchased a 2011 Kizashi SE, I have to say that for the money there is absolutely nothing that comes close to this car, I test drove the KIA Optima, Buick Regal, Volvo C30, Mini Clubman, even the Mazda CX7 and I thought the value offered by the Kizashi couldnt be matched. I encourage anyone looking for a midsized or sport sedan to do yourself a favor and test drive the Kizashi, due to poor marketing efforts by Suzuki the Kizashi is not known and is not selling very well which gives the buyer good leverage when negotiating a deal, I got mine for $3600 less than the sticker price and I also got 0% financing for 60 months.

• 

  Wish Suzuki was still making this car - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Conrad Usner - January 20 - 10:59 am

  Buy this car if you have a chance for a good one.... Ive had this car for 5 years, with not one, mechanical issue.... Never had to utilize the warranty for anything.... Only thinking of selling car because the 5 year bumper to bumper warranty I purchased runs out in December, 2016.... Couple that with the unfortunate fact that Suzuki no longer produces automobiles for the U.S. market, the dealer network is close to non existent.... (Closest dealer left is 1 1/2 hours drive away.) Parts will still be readily available until 2025 so says Suzuki Inc., for the DYI driver though...

• 

  Rock Solid Decision To Buy A Kizashi - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
  By Smokey - December 29 - 11:50 am

  Love at first sight at last winters Greater Phoenix Auto Show. We had a long courtship. Yesterday, we tied the knot. For months I dated a VW CC, Hyundai Genesis, Nissan Maxima, and this little terror named Kizashi. My friends said, "Dont pick her. Shes weird, has a funny name, no ones heard of her, you surely cant get your golf bag in her trunk." But every time I took her out (and I test drove her 4 times), she was awesome. Now, shes mine. Comfort? A. Technology A. Driving sensation? A. I could have married a slightly faster or prettier one, but Im not much for gold-diggers. I like value. We are gonna go the distance. And the golf bag fits just fine.

• 

  Kizashi vs Jetta - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
  By sabkosalam - December 13 - 12:03 am

  I have an 06 jetta and just got my Kizashi. Its only natural for me to compare the two. I have fallen in love with the Kizashi so I only want to mention the things I didnt like or am not used to. Car is extremely beautiful but too low, Id be scared to drive on serious bumps/snow. Doors dont lock automatically when you start driving. All four windows are not on one touch auto like jetta (I am spoiled by this jetta feature). Center armrest doesnt extend forward like jetta. Floor Mats are too black, can see dirt. Harsh ride in the GTS sport trim that we got. Has bump steer because of strong suspension. Front passenger seat cant be moved up and down like the Jetta.