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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  Unhappy follow up to "Bye Bye Benz" - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By tsloan - February 1 - 11:03 pm

  Ive had the 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover for less than a month now. It is scheduled to go into the shop early next week because the airbag light has come on and will not go off. Browsing the internet blogs I have discovered that this is quite problematic for Suzuki and the SX4. Other owners have complained that Suzuki is not honoring its warranty and are not being cooperative. A courtesy car will most likely not be offered since the car is technically operable (just not sure how safe it is to drive? will the airbags deploy when I driving down the street? do the airbags work?) The fuel economy continues to be very poor. The drivers seat is causing back pain, and Im a healthy 38yo man.

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  Went down hill quick... - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By raninator84 - January 23 - 12:14 am

  I bought this car new in 2008 for $17,800, looking for a reliable vehicle with AWD. The car was great to me for the first 60k miles. At around 70k I had a rod knock, it turned out that my motor had slipped two bearings, I took it to the dealer(under warranty) and the job required an entirely new short block! I have owned 5 vehicles and have never thrown a bearing! The car hit 100k I had a broken slave cylinder so out of warranty this was a $1300 job (over 2000 at the dealer!), and at 106k my engine has a rod knock again! I will be trading it in tomorrow for a camry to avoid the $3,000 it would take to fix again. I will never buy a Suzuki again, and if you do, listen for the rod knock!

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  Love my SX4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By MySX4 - January 21 - 11:13 pm

  Owned my SX4 2 months now and absolutely love it! Came loaded w/all options: heated side mirrors, cruise, 6 CD changer, etc. Its the little "big" car thats a blast to drive. Its small on the outside, but very roomy inside. Love all the headroom! It sits up a bit higher making you feel like youre driving a bigger car. Taken it skiing and with AWD it had no problem in the snow. Gets great gas mileage. Bought it mainly for commuting, but love driving it so much I take it everywhere. Small-looking storage space in the back fools you; Ive loaded it down with tons of groceries w/room to spare (w/o folding seats forward). Our skis and gear fit with the seats folded down.

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  A great decision to buy this car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Cheyenne Driver - January 6 - 9:16 pm

  We bought this car for safety, air bag protection, and traction in snow and ice in Wyoming. Also zero percent financing. It is the best decision we have ever made. My wife loves this car and we have driven to Denver, Estes Park, Yoder Wyoming with no problems.

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  Nice small car but with issue - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Wythe - December 4 - 6:40 pm

  Looking a new car for me to commute to work. Test drove Saturn Astra, Toyota Matrix and Suzuki SX4 (Sport with convenience pkg). After compare with the price and warranty, the SX4 is the final winner. This car is easy to handle and with about 30 MPG (city and highway combine) but shakes between 65-80 miles/hr. Took it back and Suzuki dealer spend two day to work on it. I picked up the car and they told me it was the balance problem of the tires which is not true. The car still shakes and who knows how many time I need to take this car back to Suzuki to get it fixed.

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  Fun and Functional! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Skwerl - October 20 - 3:03 pm

  I had a 2000 RAV4 which was totaled in an accident. I loved that truck and went to look at the new RAV4. I was very disappointed by the new design. It is way too big for my needs. So, I looked at all the usual suspects and was about to buy a Hyundai Tucson when I stumbled upon the SX4. I liked it immediately and have no regrets about purchasing one. Some of the reviews, Edmunds included, are critical of the SX4s performance. Theyre off base. Its quick enough for the average driver. The only real issue with the SX4 is the gas mileage. If that concerns you, look elsewhere, but if you want a fun and functional AWD crossover, this is it.

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  Love it! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By CHIP - September 16 - 4:53 pm

  10 months of driving and still loving this little car. Fuel tank could be bigger but makes me feel better with the cheap fill ups. Traded in a PT Cruiser Limited which was very unreliable and havent regretted it yet. Great car for the money!

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  Watch out for Trans Problems - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By biklover52 - September 13 - 4:59 pm

  My wife bought this car in 09. At first she liked it very much. Mileage is not great around 25 on the highway. We took a couple longs trips and thats when you notice how small it is inside. Through town or back and forthe to work is ok. Around the 70k mark the trans mission went out and we had it replaced under warranty. We at about 85k the trans went out again. So we dicided to get ride of it before anything else went wrong. Suzuki told us this was very unusual and worked with us through all of it. We might purchase another one but not sure.

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  A Cute Little Bug - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By steeler fan - September 12 - 11:40 am

  This is my first new car (& Im pushing 50) so I have driven many cars over the years!! I have to tell you, I just love this little "bug" (what my family calls her). Ive already taken it on a 350+ trip and had to keep watching my speed - after finding myself going over 75 a few times!! Yes, merging back onto the interstate wasnt the fastest, but lets remember what we were driving folks - a great little 4 cyl. that is fun to drive and got great mileage right out of the gate! The stereo sounded good, and I do like the auto climate controls. I cant wait to see how "she" does in our western PA winters! Definitely a keeper I think!

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  Intresting Design, gutless motor - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By art howell - August 24 - 1:20 am

  Owned the car for just a hair over 2 years, put 33,000 miles on it. Overall it handles and drives better than any other car I have driven in the snow. I was able to drive in ~ 3 feet of unplowed city snow with out a problem. Downside, after 2 years I have valves tapping in the motor.. traded this in on a Subaru WRX instead. Overall the engine is my biggest complaint.. it has no power and I only got about 21.6 MPG out of it... honestly pick one or the other stink at MPG or stink at power not at both! Handles better than my Jeep in snow and ice, good reliable boring family car. For a 10-20k car it does its job but if you drive > 40MPH ever... find something better.