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:
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Hot Little Car - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
By laura5medic - July 7 - 4:00 amI have to say I have owned several nice cars in my day and I love to try out new and different models, especially if they have great curb appeal. This one caught my eye as soon as I saw it on the road and I had to find out what it was and where to test drive one at. I was driving a Mustang GT at the time which is an awesome car in itself. This one didnt quite have the GT pep but this old lady needed to chill a bit and this car was perfect. I also owned a Lexus IS 250 and this reminded me of it almost to a tee. Very well made, excellent interior quality and accessories and the exterior is just awesome (I own a Black metallic one). I have had this car 2 yrs now and love it.
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Luv this car - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
By TomD - February 13 - 10:00 amHave had the Kizashi for 4 months, and have 6000+ miles. The most comfortable car Ive ever driven and the quietest. Recent 3,000 mile trip averaged 30 mpg overall. It has plenty of pep, and handles hills well even in cruise control, and the transmission crosses the hills efficiently and quietly, unlike some cars Ive driven. Bought the car for my wife, and she loves the memory seats. I purchased the FWD for a bit better gas mileage. Lived in Buffalo 15 years and even there never needed 4 wheel. Happy that Suzuki made the FWD available.
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First 10 days of ownership - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
By Jerry R - February 12 - 4:43 pmIt is now March 1, 2010 and I purchased a Suzuki Kizashi SLS on February 20 with every option except the GPS. Weve driven the car 433 miles sense we picked it up. My automobile reference point was a 2000 Cadillac Eldorado that we had owned from new. The Cadillac had a 300hp V8 but under normal city driving the Kizashi performs very well as compared. For the first 300 = miles we are recording 20.0 mpg on 87 octane fuel. The car rides very compatible to my series 6 BMW but not as soft as the Cadillac. The highway noise level is about the same as the BMW.
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Great car, feels expensive - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
By jim - February 1 - 2:36 amDriving off the lot, I could not believe that I had gotten such a cheap deal on a car that drives like a BMW. And Ive had BMWs. The interior is excellent, every time you take the time to look around it, it feels like youre in a car thats worth at least 20K more. The exterior is excellent as well, its a lot like the Lexus IS but has a bit more curves. I really believe once you get in this car, youll be sold. The problem with Suzuki is that not a lot of people know it, but its really a well kept secret worth discovering. The only negative thing about this car is the uncertainty of reliability, it looks like it will be a great car as its solidly built. The 10 year warranty is comfort
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Love this car - 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
By firefly1366 - December 31 - 1:59 amThe Kizashi was on my short list to test drive, along with the new Optima. I drove the Optima first. Then I got in the Kizashi and the Optima quickly became a fuzzy memory. This car is fun to drive, the design and quality of the interior is top-notch, and its looks get compliments everywhere. Power is adequate for my needs. It is larger than it looks in pictures. Rear seat room is a bit less than most competitors, but four adults fit comfortably. The seats are well shaped and supportive, even in back, unlike the rear seat in the Optima which felt low, flat and dark.
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Best bang for your buck EVER!! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
By mikeyt1818 - December 26 - 8:08 amI have been driving a new Kia every year for the last 10 years. I went to test drive the new Optima but it felt a little too big and heavy for me, almost as heavy as the new Sonata felt when I tested that one out. I took a chance and test drove the Kizashi. SPORTY! Bought it! Thats all I can say! I also like that while every Joe on my block has a Sonata, Camry, Accord or Altima I am not looking like a follower, I feel distinct. This car is Americas best kept automotive secret (no thanks to Suzukis week marketing department!)
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SLS AWD 2010 KIZASKI - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
By babygirl - November 22 - 12:43 pmGREAT CAR... has everything that is needed and more. push button start, rockford stereo system,leather, a lot of space for comfortable seating, great braking system, sunroof, bluetooth, quiet engine, super power for a 4cyl. large truck.. spacious. VERY SPORTY, perfect car, no regrets.
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Great vehicle - 2012 Suzuki Kizashi
By holleyhill - November 18 - 9:54 amcomfort, style
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Great car for the money - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
By kccarco - May 6 - 8:50 amJust took delivery of a GTS FWD 6- speed. Cant believe its a Suzuki. What amazes me is the fit and finish of this car as well as the quiet and smooth ride. This thing has so many standard features for what you have to pay. Plenty of power, Great gas mileage, Rockford Fosgate Sound. Push button start, power memory seat, and the list goes on. Do yourself a favor and drive one of these things before you decide on anything else.
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My New CVT/SLS Kizashi !! - 2010 Suzuki Kizashi
By Pete - April 21 - 5:10 amSo Far So VERY Good...Performance & Speed sneeks up on you. 80MPH arrives with out you realizing its there. My only Con about the car so far is the CVT while in "Drive" mode tends to upshift you into 6th gear WAY too soon, and if youre not heavy with your right foot, it tends to Bog down. However, in Manual mode, where "YOU" make the shifts, the accelaration for this 2.4 Engine is Amazing 3rd & 4th gears..even 5th are Great for on ramps & passing..6th is a Take it easy overdrive. The interior is that of a 40k car of quality..overall Suzuki has a Winner...Tome will tell..I cant wait for the Aftermarket on this Car !!
