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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  Good AWD Vehicle for the Price - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Andy - January 13 - 5:43 pm

  I bought this vehicle two months ago. The main selling points were the AWD and lots of standard features for under $15,000. It is fun to drive, very maneuverable, and one of the easiest vehicles to park. I loaded it with five passengers and it did just fine.

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  Love My SX4 Sport! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By MySX4 - November 18 - 6:10 pm

  I drive my SX4 about 30 miles to and from work. I havent had any problems.

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  BAD FUEL ECONOMY - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Kelly - November 18 - 12:13 pm

  I just brought a 2009 SX4 Crossover Tech Package in Nov. 16, 2009. The tag says 21/28 on the feul economy. But I have been using it for the pass week and the mile marker goes down to 16 mpg local and only 20 mpg on the highway. I expected to be at lease 21/28. Other then that the car is great. If anyone is looking for a fuel efficient car I would not recommend this. Also the cloth seat cover seems too thin.

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  Lovin my Suzuki - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Renee - October 19 - 2:23 am

  I commute to work everyday and this car makes for a great ride. The trip is not at all highway and the gas mileage is not horrible, but not what I expected. The features that came with the sport model were one of the selling points. You usually pay a lot more for these options. The looks are deceiving from the outside. Plenty of room, even for larger people. This car is very sporty looking also. The price is great for an AWD.

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  Brilliant Car! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By gardengroveguy - October 8 - 12:36 am

  I bought a Suzuki Grand Vitara, but bought my wife the SX4. We loved with the unique and well designed body, the fully equipped interior, and the 4 wheel drive. All the safety equipment, all the amenities, and quality that you can see and feel. Fiat helped to design the body, so it has a true Euro look, sets it apart from the ugly "econo-boxes" out there. It has spirited handling and an engine that sings to you! Its gas mileage is so-so, but we knew that before we bought. We got it in the copper color, it really stands out and gets stares! The sound system is great, the seats and comfort are great, and everything is as tight as a drum. It is built in Japan, so the assembly is laser accurate. And check the long, no deducible warranty!

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  A happymobile! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By e. wood - October 3 - 4:40 am

  The fit, finish, controls and sound system are excellent. I was initially disappointed with town mileage (17- 19 mpg), but it was winter and the car was new. The occasional use of AWD was handy. At 2500 miles I took a trip to Florida, got 26.1 mpg. The transmission would downshift twice climbing some of the overpasses on I- 75, to maintain the 75 mph speed limit. At 7500 miles, a trip to south dakota and colorado, got 28.2 mpg (I hung a sign, "60 mph" in the back window. Worked okay on the interstate). The wagon held all my gear (camping), and the (2-wheel) bike module is quite stable, although I took a folding stepstool to ease its use. After 14,000 miles it gets 20-21 around town.

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  Like it way more than I thought I would. - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Richard55 - September 17 - 8:03 pm

  I was looking for a long warranty AND the most affordable new 4WD I could find. I got lucky that the SX4 was also a solid and enjoyable ride. Some reviewers criticize the heavier weight than the Fit or Versa. The up side on this is that we dont get blown around in wind or around large trucks at speed. Solid footprint, which for safetys sake, Ill take anytime. The car seems tight (Ive been a BMW/Audi/VW addict for 20 years), the seating position is top shelf, and the minimalist styling is esthetically on mark. I do have some gripes, but Ill nail those down later. I went for the Sport, which options it up, then added XM, iPod, armrest and the factory winter mats, ending up at almost $18k.

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  Excellent Do-All Car - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Ferris - September 13 - 9:03 pm

  This is an excellent, do-everything car. Its roomy, quiet, fun to drive (manual transmission), gets decent gas mileage (27 overall, up to 32 on the highway), has 4 wheel drive, has comfortable seats, and is just a pleasure to own. The fit and finish are very good. The dash top is a textured hard plastic, but it works perfectly and will never peel or crack due to sun damage over the years. And yes, this quite possibly is a car that you will own for a long, long time. The handling is sure footed, the suspension soaks up the bumps for the most part. The seating position is comfortable and the dash layout is intuitive. There are no silly gimmicks, it just works!

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  Blends Sportiness, Utility, Economy, and Safety - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Wayne S - August 27 - 6:20 am

  I have 1,300 miles on my SX4 Sport, manual. It has been getting 23 to 25 mpg in town, no stop n go for my town. I have not taken any long trips in it, but get ~26 mpg at 75 mph. Its ride, handling, noise levels are all very good for its class. Its snow performance over the past two days was very good. The stereo system for 50 year-old ears is more than adequate. the ease of getting in and out is wonderful for this class. Its visibility is generally very good. Its storage / hauling capability should cover 95% of my needs. I traded in a 2001 Honda Prelude for it. I gave up the sweet Honda engine performance. I gained all weather capability, easier exit, better visibility (seeing / being seen), quieter, conveniences, safety, and passenger / cargo space. Its gas mileage and handling in normal city / highway conditions seem essentially equal.

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  Great Little Car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Carmelo - August 21 - 6:40 pm

  I normally drive a Dodge RAM 1500 with a Hemi. I was very skeptical about going to a small car. This car was the funnest to drive in the class and also the most competitively priced compared to Honda and Toyota. I got the bluetooth, Ipod, and XM adapter as well. That was what sold me on this car. It had all the electronic gadgets that i need for the car. Overall it is the best in class for sure.