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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  great buy - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By sandy - February 10 - 8:36 am

  I bought my car in July because of the awd. I love driving it. great gas mileage. The GPS box got broken? and they will be replacing it for free. also love the fact that i got a free gas card for purchasing it. I got a great price, traded in 2 cars for it.

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  From Forenza to SX4 - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Mark - January 12 - 8:16 pm

  I just traded in an 06 Forenza for the SX4. All I can say is wow what a diffrence. I love this vehicle. the way it handles and drives is no comparison to the Forenza. I have the top of the line Touring Edition its well worth the extra money for the options you get. The keyless entry and start are really good. I would reccomend this car to anyone looking for a great car for good value.

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  Great Looking / Driving AWD Vehicle - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By somebody - January 2 - 10:56 pm

  This vehicle has the power, looks, and performance under one roof for less then $18,000 (fully loaded). it feels great to drive it. It has a very good design. It is the least expensive AWD vehicle on the market. This car will be extremely popular in 2007.

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  First 20,000 miles - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By OnTheRoad - December 31 - 8:00 am

  Runs ok in slow driving areas. Not good in California, 4 speed transmission needs all it has for Highway Driving. Windshield broke by itself at 13,000 miles, nothing hit it, The Dealer said it is not covered by the Warranty. It fishtails if you need to swerve because runs in front of car, at 40 mph. Gas for me is 29 MPG. The GPS stopped working and needed to be replaced at 10,000 miles. The fender needed to be fixed because it was coming apart at 2000 miles. This car is problematic. Next time Im going to a Honda or older Oldsmobile or Buick or VW.

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  SX4 Sport / auto - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By belowme - November 28 - 5:53 am

  Great little car. Fun to drive, handles great just missing a turbo version. Comfortable and roomy. Gas mileage isnt bad for an AWD car but gas tank could be a bit bigger. With the amount of standard fatures of the Sport version with auto you cant beat it. Nicley designed cabin, not flimsy and cheap looking.

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  Awesome little AWD car! Love it - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Busy Mom - November 21 - 8:23 pm

  I bought this car right before winter started (I had a Toyota Matrix before) and boy was I glad! This car is great in the snow. It gets me where I need to be, from snowy roads in New Hampshire through crowded streets and in tight parking spots in downtown Boston. This car is powerful, small, easy to parallel park, and fun to drive. Although it is small, it is well designed. My son sits in the back in his toddler seat no problem. I have also sat in the backseat, and while it isnt as spacious as a SUV of course, your feet arent squished. The seats and spacing is well designed.

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  Suzuki does not stand behind their warranty - 2011 Suzuki SX4
  By serine459 - November 7 - 2:53 pm

  I bought a 2011 Suzuki Sx4 new in 2012 I kept noticing a sweet chemical smell whenever the air conditioner or defrost was being used. I contacted my Suzuki dealer and they said they had dealt with this problem with other Suzukis and thought it was related to the vapor coming back into the vent so they ran the hose to a different area and said it should be fixed. The next time I drove the car and used the air conditioner the antifreeze smell was there again. I contacted Suzuki and they said that they had done all they could and sent me to Arbitration. Suzuki told Arbitration that the car was working as designed and they said there was nothing more that they would do for me .

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  Great Value, Features, Fun and Comfort - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Tom - October 21 - 8:46 am

  This fun to drive vehicle has a solid, sturdy feel that is equally good to drive in the city or at high speeds on the open road. It has great forward vision, seat comfort, trustworthy brakes, quick handling, little body lean, a good ride, its versatile, has a neat AWD set up, and we feel safe in it with all of the air bags.

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  Very good car for the money - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Ross - September 29 - 8:06 am

  I really love my car. I think it looks sporty for an economy car. I just wish it had more horsepower and torque. My sport edition did not come with the driving lights or cruise control, which is about the only thing I can complain about. Other than the 2009 model has an integrated GPS. But in the total package I would say the car is well worth it.

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  Bye-bye Benz - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By tsloan - September 13 - 3:43 pm

  I traded my 2005 C-class 4matic mercedes for touring model of the sx4 crossover. I was wanting a smaller car with awd for the colorado winters. Ive only had the car a few days. So far so good. It is sporty getting around town, but it really has to work hard to get up the foothills of the Rocky Mts. SX$ has the same fuel economy as the benz. I seriously considered the Honda Fit, but the Fit had a rough ride on even smooth roads and had horrible road noise even at low speeds. The SX4 has a surprisingly smooth ride and minimal road noise. It is a little more exotic than the hondas and toyotas- --at least around Denver. The view from inside the car gives impression of a bigger car