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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  Joe Js Review Ft Lauderdale - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Joe Johnson - November 15 - 6:16 am

  I bought the middle, tech package with 2WD and 5-speed. The car is great fun to drive and a rare small crossover model that is actually comfortable with great seats and dash layout. I test drove the automatic, but it was boring. The 5 speed is more like a beamer in that it drives very tight, corners and hugs the road nicely and is fun. The layout of the folding seats is well designed and theres plenty of room in the back for stowing items. With auto show coupon and rebate, car is available way below dealer cost. best value in mini crossovers, under 16K for the tech package. Car even comes with loaner privileges and 3 year roadside assistance. Wish I had gotten AWD but dont need it in FL.

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  My Suzuki SX4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By SS from CT - November 12 - 1:20 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for two months and have driven in all kinds of traffic conditions. This vehicle comes well equipped for a base model. It has good looks, ample power, and performance, all at a great price. The 5-speed manual transmission has much better acceleration than the automatic and this vehicle has little trouble merging into highway traffic. It has great handling on country roads. For a small car it has decent room and a very nice quiet ride. This is a well built solid car.

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  2007 SX-4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By kBurke - October 1 - 11:53 am

  Great car, great buy. Ive averaged right at 30 mpg on almost every tank. Mind you, I drive conservatively and kick it out of gear and coast whenever possible (manual transmission) but this is still way over the EPA estimates of 23/27. Lots of room, good ride and performance and the all wheel drive is handy in bad weather.

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  Happy Suzuki Owner - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By crewchimp - September 20 - 9:46 am

  I recently had to trade-out of my 2008 Wrangler Unlimited. My goals were to get a car which is capable of getting good gas mileage, hauling dogs, mountain-bikes, and whatever else I needed. Payments had to be moderately low, and the car needed to be reliable, comfortable and perform well. All of these are easily satisfied with the SX4. I have been averaging about 29 mpg with mixed city/highway driving. It has been very comfortable to sit in and drive. It has ample room inside for 4 and cargo room is adequate with the rear seats folded. The manual transmission is above average for a compact car, and the ergonomics are above par too. It handles well and grips the road even with stock tires.

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  Great car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Rich - September 17 - 7:13 am

  Had a Chrysler 300 and sold it when gas went over $4.00/gal. Great car for the money and increased the mpg by putting in. a K and N air filter. Now get 36 mpg highway. Fun ride and comftorable and still get looks from others. Suzuki should do more to promote their car line. Give it a look. Great car.

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  Suzuki SX4 ZXi - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By G V Chanukya - August 10 - 11:46 pm

  Suzuki SX4 ZXi car though boasts of high end features its crap when it comes to quality. I have brought new SX4 on 4-4-2008. The reverse shifting gear was hard to function from outset. When I asked about it, Suzuki people told its designed like that only. When it ran 4900 km,just before second free service, the shifting gear (reverse) got jammed. To add further woes, water started pouring into front cabin from the bottom..

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  Makes Sense - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Jim - July 13 - 3:53 pm

  There are better choices out there, unless you want AWD with traction and stability control and great gas mileage. What other AWD vehicle gets better than 24/30 mpg? 145 hp does not make this a sports car, but you can safely merge into traffic and keep up. In bad weather, you can pass almost everyone on the road. The list of features on the Sport model is impressive. At less than $17,000, I will not nitpick. I also own a 2006 Aerio SX Premium.

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  This is a great little car. - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By sr500mark - July 5 - 9:04 am

  I bought this for its mileage and 4 wheel drive ability. Fell in love with all of it. After 2 years of ownership I gave it to my son. He puts a lot of miles on it and has to deal with heavy snow. He loves it. Get one before they are all gone. Id get the manual tranny.

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  Packs a Punch - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Packs a punch - July 4 - 10:40 am

  We recently traded our larger SUV for the new SX4, I was a little hesitant at first because of the smaller size but the car has turned out to be an excellent buy. I love the fact that this car has AWD and is so well priced. It is not too small compared to other cars in its class and drives very smoothly. The seats are quite comfortable and rear is not as tight as I thought it would be. I really love the added features such as the good estimated gas mileage and the outside temp gauges the car has. The pickup was also a pleasant surprise. This car is definitely a much better buy than others in its class, the Yaris is cute but way small. Also, I love the European look it has. I am very pleased with this purchase.

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  The little car that could. - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By SX4 Soprt - June 28 - 8:50 pm

  I purchased the SX4 in December of 07. Being my first new car it has been the best compared to my 91 Lincoln Mark 7 and my 95 Mazda 626. It feels like youre doing laps around a go-cart track. Its always eager to downshift wich makes it hit that right note at all times. My mom even wanted to borrow it and she has a 07 BMW 3 series. She loved it until she crashed it. Wasnt anything major but the front bumper, radiator, grill and headlight needed replcing and she still rides the same if not better then the day I got her. Its funny how the first accident my moms ever gotten in. It had to be my brand new SX4 but you wouldnt even notice the dealership did an excelent job, another great thing about SX4