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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  The Unknown Car? - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Keefe - August 11 - 1:30 pm

  This purchase was forced on me by my dying truck. I was trying to wait until the summer but had to go car shopping a little early. I test drove the automatic which was what I wanted. This thing moves pretty well. The steering is tight and very responsive. The interior has plenty of head room and the dash is very well lit. AWD is available, but I havent used it yet. Snow has been lite. Strange thing is people question me on why I brought this car instead of a Honda, Subaru, Ford,etc. For me, I like to think outside of the box and not be the follower. This car is more than what some would think. Give it a shot before you shoot it down. Youll enjoy the Crossover and its features.

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  SX4 is a safe vehicle - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By talismanphl - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I have written before about my SX4 Sport sedan. It was totaled over a month ago when a brand new Chevy Impala rental car sideswiped it after the Chevy ran a red light, collided with cross traffic, and crashed into my car as I was crossing the intersection at about 40 mph. The Impala hit my SX4 in the rear drivers side door and ripped the left rear wheel off the Suzuki. The side impact airbags saved me from serious injury according to the police and the EMTs.

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  The best in the market! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By james wellington - July 10 - 12:26 am

  This vehicle has all-wheel drive and is cheap in price but not quality. With all the standard features you can not beat this vehicle!

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  Fun to drive - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Willie51 - June 30 - 8:43 pm

  This big guy loves his car. Its flaming red and fun to drive, has great looks inside and out and plenty of get up and go. Its not a go-fast car but it is fun to drive and has a lot of safety features which your insurance company loves to hear about.

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  Awesome - 2010 Suzuki SX4
  By cnej - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Its reliable, comfortable, a blast to drive with the CVT with manual mode. Style wise, very European in flair which I like and gets tons of compliments, my neighbor who drives a 09 VW Jetta, is in love with my SX4, and is trading her 09 Jetta on an 2010 sx4 on Tuesday.The gas mileage is actually better than its rated, I average 33 mpg. Steven Suzuki is amazing, the best customer service Ive ever had, even better than the Mercedes dealership where I bought my MBZ at. I dont even miss my C220!

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  Love My "Super Suzuki" - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By llravon4383 - June 17 - 5:40 am

  We bought the AWD version of this car in April 2008. Love it! Fun to drive. Fits our growing family of 5 (4 adult size and one child)comfortably enough for short trips. Good on gas (getting 21.5 city driving). Lots of trunk space. Cant wait to see how it handles in the snow. For a 4 cylinder vehicle, it does great on hills.

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  European look/Japanese quality - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Ned - May 30 - 4:40 am

  Good looking, fun to drive, good fuel economy and problem free car.

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  a real winner - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By john starkey - May 15 - 12:03 pm

  Great little car agile and tough lots of fun to drive. Great in the snow. A real winner.

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  Shes a looker - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By DEALERS DAUGHTER - April 29 - 12:33 pm

  As a auto dealers daughter, I found my Suzuki SX4 crossover on Edmunds.com-- what attracted my curiosity was the AWD option in a smaller size car. Very happy with my vehicle. Its built solidly and gives a safe handling ride--really look forward to another winter when my little baby purrs and passes all those big, expensive cars. I added a narrow side accent moulding to the car and I must say it is definitelly a show stopper. Gas mileage could be a bit better but its decent for an AWD and I would really like to chop off the top and have a sunroof. You wont be dissapointed in this car and will love to drive it and strut your stuff!

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  2007 sx4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By bill varnell - April 21 - 4:56 am

  We have owned this car since 2/2007. It is our 1st Japanese vehicle and we like it very much. It is great in the snow and quite comfortable on long trips. We even tow our two jetskis several hundred miles on vacation without a problem. The cons are the fuel mileage and poor quality interior. I would buy this model again but would like to see several improvements.