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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  Engine performance - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By lorenzo menendez - March 16 - 5:40 am

  This vehicle will generate more power & acceleration if you move the stick from the regular D to its left, this will double the power, you will feel it, after you get up to the speed you want to move it back to the regular drive mode.

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  SX4 - Fun to Drive - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Connie - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is my 5th Suzuki and the best one so far! Its easy to park, drive with great visibility with all the windows. The color (copper) is what attracted my attention, but I love the keyless entry and ignition too! Mostly town driving and am getting 23 to 24 mpg.

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  9th Suzuki product and going strong! - 2011 Suzuki SX4
  By timber20 - March 7 - 7:49 pm

  I have owned other vehicles and dollar for dollar Suzuki rocks the things that are important to me, reliability, safety and great gas mileage. We have a SX4 Crossover and an Xl7 currently and total cost of ownership per year, including insurance and maintenence is less than 1200.00 for both of them. They have the highest safety ratings in their class and I never have to do anything but wiper blades, tires and brake pads, ever. I recommend Suzuki for Colorado drivers who investigate and find the best car for their money

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  GREAT Little Car! - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By peackno - March 3 - 10:56 am

  This is my first Suzuki and I couldnt be more pleased. For all of the standard equipment included, the value of this car cant be beat. I looked at and drove a lot of other small cars, but the SX4 came out on top. The 5 speed and good pickup makes it a very fun car to drive. Shifting is smooth as I buzz around town and parallel parking is a snap. I also do highway driving and it has sufficient power to hold its own. I was especially glad to have the on-demand 4WD during a VERY SNOWY winter. On several occasions, I zipped up snow-covered hills past other vehicles. NICE! Slip control is great! Im getting 27-28 MPG on combined driving. I have gotten 30 MPG on highway.

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  2008 SX4 Southeast regional version FWD - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By dcnpcfl - February 21 - 4:30 pm

  So far it has been a lot of fun to drive and is getting good mileage which is what I was looking for. I have owned Suzukis in the past with great reliability and value. For the price it is a hard to beat vehicle.

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  Alternator trouble - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Pascal - January 21 - 8:10 pm

  My wife and i bought two SX-4 in december 2006. At first we did like the car but after a couple of month we thought that it was consuming more gas than the seller told us, but we dealt with it by slowing down our speed in order to stay beneath 9 liters/100km. We now have them for a little more than two and a half year and last week at 72K km, my wifes car alternator jammed and it wasnt covered by warranty anymore so we paid to changed the alternator. 10 days later, at 78K km my cars alternator jammed as well! We tought thas was abnormal so we called the dealership and he told us he couldnt do a thing. We then contacted suzuki canada and they told us the same thing. Dont buy that car!

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  Little Work Horse - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By presently - January 20 - 1:25 pm

  This has been a remarkably reliable car. Ive got 142k miles on it now. After 130k I had to have the catalytic converter changed ($1500 at Suzuki, but I got it done for $600 at Meineke), but thats the only part failure other than standard maint. items like brakes, tires and batteries. Great cargo capacity and hard to match without going to a mid-size SUV. Comfortable and quiet to drive. Currently running Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus tires on it and theyre awesome and quiet. I also put a hitch on it and use it to pull a 4 x 8 utility trailer, so thats like having a pickup on hand when I need it.

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  I love Mine - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By grassg23 - January 16 - 3:36 am

  Had this car for three months and I cant wait for the winter months to see how it handles in the snow!..A great, fun to drive little vehicle. It is very sturdy and you sit up high in it...lots of space and plenty of room for passengers. VERY handsome vehicle

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  Best of the small breed!!! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Ronzo - December 31 - 2:13 pm

  I did a ton of research waiting for the right vehicle to be produced...for quite a few years might I ad....a small SUV, with ample interior space, comfort, small engine with adequate power, nice ride, looks, 2WD, AWD, and 4WD(mine has all three which I dont see anyone really talking much about - I have one of the first built-do they all still have this feature..?)...have never been stuck, no mechanical problems, etc.....mileage is decent for a vehicle that does so much. It was a well thought out, well engineered product. Ive even heard that this can tow 2k lbs and they make body hitches for it.....actually listed as 2400 lbs in some sites. Has anyone tried it yet...? Maybe for short trips.

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  No Complaints So Far... - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By spudcav - December 17 - 5:35 pm

  Purchased the car used in November 2011 with 21,400 miles. Six thousand miles later I have had zero problems. I have only changed fluids and rotated tires. Traded a 4-cyl Ford Ranger for the SX4. Gas mileage for both vehicles is the same: 27 city/30 highway. However the SX4 has AWD, a primary reason for the purchase. It supposedly carries the lowest MSRP of any AWD vehicle sold in the U.S. Although after owning the SX4 six months, nothing on it appears cheap. The glowing consumer reviews on Edmunds sealed the deal (thanks EdmundsÂ’ readers). It is a tall vehicle which probably explains the high wind noise which becomes annoying at speeds greater than 80mph. Also the engine needs a