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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Love my little roller skate! - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By linds77 - September 6 - 5:23 amComfortable and cute. Love driving this car and am looking forward to see how it handles in the snow.
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A Cute Little bug.. - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By Steelers fan - August 24 - 2:43 pmThats what it reminds me of sitting in the driveway, a cute little bug. Ive already taken it on a trip to Erie and I thought it great on the highway. A very zippy little car!I did a ton of research on the internet before purchasing what I consider to be my last new car, mainly looking for 4cyl., AWD and relatively cheap! Its a great little 4 cylinder with AWD. Itll never have the speed my 70 camaro had but at least I can actually pass by the gas station all week long! So far I have not been disappointed. I cant wait to see how it does in our PA winters!
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Good mileage, stable ride - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By Kevin - August 18 - 12:46 pmJust drove cross from the mid-west to the east coast (1,313 miles). Got between 34 MPG (when I kept more or less to the speed limits) and 32 MPG (when I ignored them - i.e., 70-80 MPH). Car was fully loaded with heavy luggage (I was surprised how much it held, it didnt look that big). Handles well in strong cross winds at highway speed despite its high profile. Very stable when passing big trucks.
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Excellent little SUV - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By SX4LVR - August 15 - 4:50 pmI am very happy with my choice of the SX4. Ive driven Land Rovers for years, so this is a big change. I am constantly amazed at how much I can carry in this little guy. I have English mastiffs and three of them fit quite comfortably in the back. Mind you, that is about 500 lbs of dog! I am also happy with the gas mileage. I was considering the Fit, but I went for the SX4 because of the 4x4. Im happy with my choice.
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Good Car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By Philip - August 9 - 1:46 pmI purchased this car for my daughter, She likes it with the exception of poor gas mileage, she gets approx 19 mpg, this is primarilly in city though.
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Suzuki SX4 2009 Review - 2009 Suzuki SX4
By tarias - August 5 - 11:06 amIm very happy with this car. I have a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids under 13 years of age). We have a SUV too but we use this vehicle for most of our daily driving,trips and errands. I especially like the amount of torque the car has when carrying 5 people. You barely notice any power loss with 5 passengers and Im not scared to get on the highway with it. We traded in a Honda CRV because of that problem. I have 45k+ miles on it and its been very reliable. Aside from routine maintenance like oil changes, wiper blades and air filter, Ive done nothing. Brakes will need to be changed at 50k miles. Tires need changing now at 45k. My view of Suzuki has positively changed with this vehicle
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Love it! - 2011 Suzuki SX4
By ncvike - July 30 - 9:10 pmOverall, the Suzuki SX4 Crossover has to be one of the most underrated cars on the market and a terrific value. This car was a few thousand dollars less than a comparably priced Subaru Impreza or Toyota Matrix. The looks inside and out wont blow you away but are more than adequate. This car handles well, is fun to drive, and has a smooth quiet ride.I am currently averaging about 26.5 MPG combined city and highway. One of the biggest complaints that I consistently read about from other owners was the quality of the radio. Initially, I agreed but later found that the radio bass and treble controls were set to zero. Once that was corrected the sound quality was much improved. I love my Suzuki!
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Great car! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
By Holly - July 13 - 7:00 pmThis is a great car. I have owned this car for 21 months and I am very happy. It is not great on the hills, but is a good car overall. Almost no mantinence(which is great). My car averages 24.4 miles per gallon. Very roomy for people of all sizes. The car is very easy to get in and out of. It is good to have the AWD when the weather is bad. I am very pleased.
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SX4 in the Denver Blizzard! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
By SK Denver - June 29 - 6:53 pmI owned a 2WD Ford Pickup for eight years in Denver. So call me crazy. The 22" snowfall in December finally got my attention. I was sick of getting stuck. I had done a little research on the SX4 and was curious about it. After I found one (most Suzuki dealers in Denver sell them as soon as they get them) I test drove and took it home. Since then we have had five snowstorms with ice and snowpack everywhere. The SX4 (Suzie is her name now) never showed any hesitation. An additional plus was with all the snow piled up everywhere, parking became an issue for everyone in the big SUVs, but not for me. What can I say? All the other reviews address comfort, ergonomics, and safety, but I am just enjoying how much fun it is
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Great features! - 2009 Suzuki SX4
By Charly - June 3 - 6:36 pmThis vehicle excels in the fun to drive department, at least with manual transmission. I like the exterior design. The fact that there are not too many sx4 in the streets, makes this car more attractive.
