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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Tough, economical car back roads and city traffic - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By mistyridgeman - December 17 - 4:30 pmThe 2.0 liter engine with manual 5-speed is snappy and responsive. Drop it into 4th on the highway and you have plenty of passing power. On back roads, it clings to gravel and dirt, and it handles great in snow (assuming you actually know how to drive in snow). This car has walked through mud, snow, tall weeds, and easily navigates city streets (drove it through downtown Chicago with ease). The newer six-speeds lack the snap and downshifting is finicky, so Ill be keeping my 5-speed rather than trading up. Best car in its class, especially for the money.
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Great Crossover - 2009 Suzuki SX4
By jwjones - December 15 - 2:56 amI could not be any more please with the quality and attention to detail, very fun to drive.
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What a Hoot! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
By The Pegster - December 13 - 2:46 amI was not looking for this car when I found it. This little car just had everything! The AWD is what sold it for me. We have a very steep driveway in New England, so either a 4WD or AWD is a must. It worked great this winter. I do a lot of city driving, and its great fun zipping around town. I cant wait until they come out with a convertible!
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A well rounded car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By DRSPINE - November 8 - 6:00 pmI have had the car for six weeks and have put 3000 miles on it so far. The handling is better than my Volvo C30. The gas mileage is between 26.5 and 27.5 mpg in suburban driving. For a small car at a reasonable price you cannot beat the ride quality and the handling. I cant wait to see the improvements on this touring II in future years.
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Bargain, bargain, bargain - 2007 Suzuki SX4
By jbrew - October 28 - 3:23 pmThis car is an absolute bargain. There isnt a car out there that comes to the SX4 package, including AWD. I bought this car because I live in the mountains and wanted an economical vehicle that could handle the snow. Drove through the snow the other night with no problems. Not only do you have the AWD, but also the Electronic Stability control which is included in the sport model.
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Fun all-weather crossover commuter - 2011 Suzuki SX4
By morin2 - October 15 - 2:09 amMy sx-4 crossover has the 6-speed MT, the first 6 speed I have had - and I really enjoy having that extra gearing for high speed interstates. My normal commute is 55 miles each way and its mostly in 5th gear. The fuel economy is much better than claimed. I usually get 31-32 mpg commuting using E10 fuel but a little better now with the AC off. I got a high of 35.7 on an interstate trip with ethanol-free fuel. I have the base model with nothing that I dont want. The base model lacks cruise control and I am fine with that. I prefer to have features that Ill actually use. I didnt realize until I drove it home just how great the visibility is on this car - great for merging to the right!
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SX4 Suzuki - the Peoples Car! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
By Graham - October 13 - 9:06 pmRecently, I purchased a SuzukiSX4, for my girlfriend. Her trip to work consists of driving on a highway on the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, notorious for hazardous weather conditions. Both she and I are avid car buffs, when we went looking for a vehicle that has four doors and AWD capabilities we were looking at ridiculously over priced cars in this group. The Suzuki SX4s performance, looks, and overall features are possibly the best deal out there, Im well versed on the performance and handling of vehicles, I drive a Subaru STi, and 4x4 1-Ton Dodge cummins. Currently, my thoughts are leaning towards having two SX4s in the family, they are so much fun.
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Maintenance costs - 2007 Suzuki SX4
By fap - October 13 - 7:50 pmMy wife and I were looking for a small car with reasonable mileage and comfortable seats. Mileage is constant 27mpg with commuter driving 110 milies per day. Ride great for small car and the seats are better than some larger cars. My wife at 55" has hard time with view at front left due to bad blind spot. Heres the rub, needed first break job with rotors(no warning) at 42k (not bad). Could not get dealer appt. and had metal on metal so we had our local garage do the job. None of the parts are available after market and the front pads alone cost $200. With rotors the front brakes were more than $400.00. AWD maintenance is also greatly out of line with other makes.
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Best car I have ever owned - 2010 Suzuki SX4
By teds1782 - October 8 - 9:03 pmThis is by far the best car I have ever owned (and I have owned a lot). It drives great, good power for a small good, very comfortable, the all wheel drive is AWSOME this car does great in the snow. Only comlaint cargo area is a little small other than that very excellent car!!!!!!
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My Little Buggy - 2007 Suzuki SX4
By Cindie - September 9 - 3:03 amSo far, so good. The gas tank could be larger. I feel really safe in this car, and it is well built and has many amenities for the price. I wont fear snow this winter, and the car is so easy to park. I like sitting up high, and the visibility is so much better. I have a hip problem, and the seats are very comfortable, so Im not in pain. Ive never owned anything other than GM cars, so this is a totally new experience for me. A great car for a 50-something single woman.
