Overview & Reviews
While Suzuki makes class-leading motorcycles that are desired from Okinawa to Omaha, its luck in the automobile market has been less than stellar. Most of its models were rebadged Daewoos when the Suzuki SX4 was introduced. This compact car proved the small Japanese company could make better cars when it took on the project itself. While it's not quite as fun as Suzuki's two-wheeled vehicles, the SX4 is nevertheless a thoroughly competent and well-made small car.
Considering that Americans still overwhelmingly prefer sedans to hatchbacks, the sedan model gives the Suzuki SX4 an advantage over other subcompact cars that are offered only with a hatch. The available all-wheel drive on the hatchback also gives the SX4 a decided advantage, as do both models' impressive build quality and sporty styling. However, its 143-horsepower four-cylinder engine struggles with the hefty curb weight, and fuel economy is consequently below average as a result. If your top priority is having a fuel-sipping compact, the SX4 is not the best choice. Yet while other subcompacts may lean toward either sportiness or comfort, the Suzuki SX4 does a good job of providing both, with the added bonus of all-wheel drive and a sedan model.
Current Suzuki SX4
The Suzuki SX4 is offered in four-door hatchback and four-door sedan body styles, which are split into two different styles. The sedan can be had in a no-nonsense economy car guise as well as a "Sport" series of trims that feature different suspension turning and styling. The hatchback is available as the sporty "Sportback" or the SX4 Crossover for those seeking a more rugged compact car with available all-wheel drive, SUV-like body cladding and a taller ride height.
Underneath its sporty exterior lies a platform shared with the previous-generation, award-winning Suzuki Swift sold in Europe and Japan. This translates into a car with ride and handling characteristics seemingly fashioned for those locales. The ride is on the firm side, but in an upscale sort of way, absorbing bumps and undulating pavement with impressive composure. Its steering is also tight and direct, offering one of the more fun driving experiences in this segment.
For those in colder climes, the SX4 Crossover should prove attractive, as it is the least expensive all-wheel-drive car on the market. Featuring three modes, the AWD system can be configured for maximum traction or fuel economy. AWD Auto is like many crossover SUV systems that shunt power to the rear wheels only when front-wheel slippage is detected. AWD Lock is for lower speeds through snow or mud, while FWD mode is best for fuel economy. In most cases, that's the mode of choice, since neither body style achieves good fuel economy numbers for this class.
Picking the right SX4 for you can be tricky, as there are a multitude of trim levels available. The range starts off with the base sedan, which is scarcely appointed with full power accessories, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt steering wheel and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat. Added niceties available on both the upper sedan and Sportback trims include air-conditioning, a four-speaker sound system, cruise control, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, keyless ignition/entry and an integrated Garmin navigation system. The "Sport" sedan options include a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes and an aero body kit.
The interior is one of the Suzuki SX4's best attributes, sporting a simple, user-friendly design and decent materials. Although not as versatile as some other subcompact hatchbacks, the SX4 does offer plenty of rear passenger room and cargo space thanks to a flip-and-fold backseat that's placed high atop the floor for so-called "stadium seating."
Used Suzuki SX4 Models
The Suzuki SX4 debuted for the 2007 model year. Changes since then include the addition of the front-wheel-drive SX4 Sport sedan in '08; in its first year of production, the SX4 was offered only as an all-wheel-drive hatchback. Model-year 2009 saw the arrival of a front-wheel-drive hatchback (known as "Crossover"), a split-folding rear seat for the sedan and a standard navigation system on upper trim levels.
For 2010, Suzuki added the SX4 Sportback model and power was ever so slightly increased from 143 hp to 150. New transmissions -- a six speed manual and continuously variable (CVT) -- replaced the previous five-speed manual and four-speed automatic, improving fuel economy A restyled front fascia, new gauges, a height-adjustable driver seat, an auxiliary audio jack, a few new navigation features and some renamed trim levels also debuted for 2010.
It's important to note that every SX4 got standard stability control for 2012. Previously, it was only available on upper trim levels. For 2011 only, rear drum brakes came on the base and LE trims.
User Reviews:
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Great Purchase! - 2009 Suzuki SX4
By taroo - November 14 - 8:30 amLet me start w/how much I love this car. From the 34 mpg I just averaged on a trip to CA last week, to the great navigation system, the heated seats, the panoramic view, the spacious trunk space, the back seats that comfortably seat a 170 lb. Great Dane, and the AWD/2WD/Auto system that leaves me looking forward to snow - there are only 4 things I would suggest improving on: Adding a sunroof, adding a 6th gear (manual), a little more power, and more comfortable seats/headrests. I did a lot of research & I knew what to expect. Its a lot of extras for the money, but if you are looking for luxury, this is not the car for you. I love my car! Great job Suzuki!
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The Little Car that Has! - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By gksintx - October 31 - 1:30 pmI can say I am pleased with this car. So far the only return trip to the dealer is for an oil change. The front tires arent even feathering which seems to be an issue on other makes I have owned. Suggested Improvements - This is all based on the SX4 Sport Sedan - Sunroof option, remote start, leather seating with heated seats, auto up & down windows on all four windows, auto locking doors at 15 mph & auto unlocking doors when shifted into park, auto on/off headlights, smaller keyless remote that doesnt take up some much room in your pocket, longer wheel base to improve looks & give more rear seat leg room, better gas mileage with better acceleration, larger fuel tank for longer driving
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Great Value! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
By recent buyer - October 16 - 5:46 pmWe looked at Matrix, Yaris, Fit, and Versa and then saw ads for the SX4 with AWD. The value for the price is unbelievable! Even the base model has power locks/windows and ABS and for a fairly small price difference, the Sport model also has traction control, automatic climate control, cruise, and a 6 CD changer with more speakers. The keyless entry and start feature seems very high-end to have on such an economical car. We had not planned to purchase until spring, but when one was delivered exactly like we wanted we didnt dare wait. I think this car will be discovered by a lot of buyers very soon and will become extremely scarce and in demand. It is such a good buy and such fun to drive!
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I love my Suzuki SX4 - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By MELYNDA - October 15 - 5:43 amI had a lot of expensive cars and fast cars. I compare the turning ratio on my Suzuki to my BMW 525xi. I love the stylish interior it reminds me of an Audi. I get great gas mileage. I live in south Jersey and I go to New York every weekend. I can fill up my gas tank on a Sunday and still have a quater of a tank left by Wednesday. For the price you cant beat all the features and benefits that comes with the SX4
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Great Vehicle - 2007 Suzuki SX4
By samsx4 - September 28 - 9:43 pmI just bought my SX4 and am very happy with it. I went looking to purchase an affordable vehicle for my daily commute and once I drove the SX4 I was sold. I did a lot of research via the internet on affordable vehicles and had narrowed my planned purchase to a couple of models. The SX4 was not one of them because I didnt know it existed. I live in a mountainous area and am very pleased at the power and handling of the vehicle. I test drove a number of other vehicles and didnt find any others that came close that also offered AWD at this affordable of a price.
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SX4 Magic! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
By Dubba D - September 28 - 12:23 pmIf you are looking for an AWD that is the BEST bang for the buck, you cant beat the SX4. Where else can you get a car with all these options for this price? Cant do it. Suzuki finally hit a homerun here. When the secret is finally out of the bag, watch the supply and demand! Everywhere I go, people ask questions about this car. When I bought the car, I was like a lot of others who would question buying a Suzuki. Well, I dont have any more questions!
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Great Car - 2009 Suzuki SX4
By DS - September 23 - 11:20 amThis car is great. It has a personality, looks good and runs well. Originally designed by Fiat.
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Love It - 2007 Suzuki SX4
By Love this car - September 23 - 4:36 amI traded in an 04 Explorer Sportrac for this car two days ago. I love everything about it so far. I am glad that I waited for the Sport model as the keyless entry/start is awesome. Also, the auto climate control works great. I got 25 mpg on first tank with 50/50 city hwy. Buy this car now.
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Crazy About My Crossover - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By Big Daddy Mack - September 21 - 10:40 pmMan I love this car! It looks small outside, but is it ever big on the inside. All the standard features in this car are awesome (see favorites). Who would believe I could get a gas saving AWD, fully loaded, for less than a Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, Hyundia Elantra, or a Toyota Matrix.
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Great, misunderstood car - 2009 Suzuki SX4
By baldwin - September 15 - 7:46 amThis is a great car! Ive had mine for a year now, and it has run flawlessly and handles great. It very much is the crossover vehicle that it is supposed to be. It is a very small cross-over SUV. People want to compare it to sub- compacts, but it is really not in that class. It has much bigger wheels and chassis, which reduce its gas mileage, but give it much greater strength when stressed. It has a 7" ground clearance, vs 4" for most sedans. This car can be compared to smaller SUVs. Think of something like a Hundai Tuscon, but strip away all the hunky metal. An extremely lean frame is put onto a solid chassis. It has plenty of room for 4 people. It drives well at high speeds/ long distances.
