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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  Suzuki Newbie - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By MeinA2 - August 1 - 10:56 am

  Just picked up a 2007 SX4 Sport in May of this year. Saw it first at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, and from that moment I sat in it I knew I had to have this car. The styling is quirky without being too outlandish. The interior craftmanship and ergonomics are great for such a low priced vehicle. I live in Michigan and wont fear this years winter driving with the AWD that I now have available to me. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a stylish and well equipped alternative to the sudden deluge of subcompacts now being sold.

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  Excellent Car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By SeattleSX4 - July 12 - 8:50 pm

  Handling is excellent. Steering provides excellent feedback and control in pointing the car where I want it to go. The acceleration is fine. From a standstill, I have no problems and itÂ’s even quite peppy. The four-wheel disk brakes are excellent. Highway cruising is nice and quiet. Visibility is better than any other car IÂ’ve ever driven. Gas mileage is not great, especially when driving up a lot of hills. IÂ’ve gotten 18-27mph, with mostly 20-21mph. The front seats are very comfortable for both short and long trips. Lateral support is very good. Dash controls are large, easy to read, and easy to use with just a quick glance. Rear storage is decent and versatile.

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  Little but roomy - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Wasack - June 29 - 12:16 am

  Im a large man and getting in and out of the SX4 is a bit of a clown act but once inside its quite roomy and comfortable. Adequate leg room and I can even wear a cap if I so desire. Mileage has averaged 26/29. Slow down a bit and get 33mpg hwy. Handling is excellent even in windy conditions. Currently 24,000 on the clock and its not required any maintenance. The only thing irritating is the red panel lights. Very hard to see on sunny days. The steering wheel controls are not lit making their use difficult at night. Would I buy another one? You betcha! Great value for the dollar.

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  SX4 - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Bob Seifert - June 20 - 5:46 pm

  Bought car new, a very nice car for the price and very well equipped. I am very happy with the car so far,and would recommend it to anyone.

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  Brand New Car for my Honey - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By DKspokane - June 10 - 1:23 pm

  I could write way more than Im allowed. I have owned MANY new cars in my life (mostly for business). We have only had this a few days, but I have to admit that I think I would like it for myself rather than letting my wife keep it! This "car" is solid, the power is fine, the idle is silkly smooth, the ride is exceptional, the fuel economy is GREAT for an AWD/4X4, the safety features are awesome, and the value is better than anything I have ever seen, ever. It doesnt have the acceleration of a V6 or the fuel mileage of a hybrid, but it is F-U-N! I will try to update this more later.

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  Suzuki SX4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Jaime - June 9 - 6:33 pm

  I agree with most of the good things that have been mentioned by previous reviewers but wanted to add one negative that I just discovered - the back seat does not accommodate well a rear-facing car seat. If rear facing, it has to be in the middle and its hard to get it as stable. If you put it on the outside areas of the backseat, there is no room for the front seat driver or passenger to get adequate leg room or tilt their seats back. And were NOT tall people. Consequently, we had to move my daughter forward facing much earlier than wed planned (at 13 months).

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  Good AWD value - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By rp - May 27 - 10:33 pm

  Nice little car, particularly in snow. Lots of leg and head room for the size. 30 mpg hwy, decent for AWD. Good fit and finish - very tight for an eco car. After 8 months, water leaking from A/C on to the passenger floor/carpeting diagnosed as "cracked cowl" per the dealer; fixed in a day. Revs at nearly 4000RPM in 5th gear at hwy cruising speeds; geared way too high - needs o/d or 6th gear; would help hwy fuel econ and keep the noise down. Seats lack back support- no lumbar option even on high end model. 10 gallon tank is too small; commuting 25K/yr, feels like Im always stopping for gas. Hopefully long term reliability will be decent like earlier Suzukis.

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  Good Car/ Good Value - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By flyright - April 3 - 10:36 am

  My family has owned Suzukis in the past and have been very happy. Without hesitation I purchased the 07 SX4. The dealer advertised it as 35 mpg, but I get 28.7 mpg so that was a bit of a disappointment. I have approx 25,000 miles on it now. So far I have had to replace the oxygen sensor,the A/C was kind of blah so took it back in and now they have to replace some clutch in the A/C. Other than that, I love the car. It has more room than most compact cars. It handles sweet when you need to leave someone in the dust. The acceleration is the best. Turning is fab. Braking, stops on a dime. The interior has a sportscar look, pretty cool. Quiet enginne but strong. Has some get up and go.

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  2008 SX4 - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By fsj2 - March 30 - 1:06 am

  I have 2000 miles on my SX4 now and it just keeps getting better. I have all the bells and whistles. Like XM radio, mp3 hook up, 9 speaker sound, 6 disk CD. Also the cold-air intake, underdrive pulley and the piggyback ECU. The SX4 is very fun to drive. The switchable FWD, AWD and 4WD lock is great!

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  SX4 Sport Sedan with Automatic - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By talisman - March 16 - 11:40 am

  Car is brand new with only 1900 miles driven so far. Fuel mileage was 29 mpg in mostly highway driving (75 mph) on the last tank of gas. Just drove from Los Angeles to Phoenix and found that it has plenty of passing power and a firm but controlled ride. The deep metallic blue color looks awesome on this car - I received 2 compliments on the cars looks when I was at a rest stop.