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:

• 

  Suzuki Sx4 Review - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By bblessing - August 16 - 7:43 pm

  I have always been an owner of a Nissan vehicle and I thought it was time for a change; thats where the Suzuki SX4 comes in! I saw a picture of it on a local website and it had me intrigued from the start. Its a very small vehicle compared to what I normally buy, but dont let the small size fool you. I am six foot and I have plenty of room and do not feel cramped at all. I live in a small populated area where the nearest city is thirty minutes away and I enjoy the ride every time, especially with how good the car is on gas and how smooth it rides. The smooth driving of the vehicle definitely makes the long rides more enjoyable. I can make sharp turns wit

• 

  85,000+ miles and counting - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By rforrister - August 14 - 1:33 pm

  I drive this car 108 miles a day. Avg 32 mpg. This is the best car I have ever purchased. I took it to Colorado and it had no problem pulling the mountains. For those who say the engine is not strong enough. Purchase a K&N Air filter made a world of difference in the cars performance.

• 

  Sporty SX4 JLX - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By trixiechartwel - August 4 - 8:03 am

  I bought an SX4 JLX 5-speed at the beginning of April. I just love it! It performs well, it is comfy, the 6 CD stereo with the audio controls in the steering wheel is awesome. The price was right for front wheel drive, all wheel drive and 4x4. Would recommend this little vehicle to anyone who wants a fun, safe drive!

• 

  Amazing Value - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Jay - July 11 - 11:26 pm

  This is my first Suzuki vehicle. I owned a 02 Passat before, and wanted a more reliable & newer vehicle. However I didnt want to give up too many features. After test driving the SX4, I instantly became a fan. I love the small size of the car. Very easy to park and fun to drive. The AWD is outstanding in the snow. Love that it can be turned off to save fuel. Exterior design is unique & looks very European. The cloth seats are much more comfortable than the leather in my Passat. Road & engine noise are somewhat intrusive. Interior is comprised of hard plastics, however they have a high quality texture. The SX4s engine is sufficient for a 4-cyl. Im obtaining around 25 mpg overall

• 

  So far, so good - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Dave Nicandri - June 29 - 5:40 am

  Ive had my "Sedici" for one week and so far, so good. I got 30.3 mpg on the first tank of gas, which included mostly freeway but a substantial amount of around town driving. I love the outward visibility and the leg and head room in the front seats. Rear leg room is adequate. This car is a lot of fun to drive and I think Im going to like it a lot, over time. The first big test will be after my first road trip with all the tailgate gear. I have the while colored model, which looks very crisp, to my eye. Ive gotten used to the keyless entry with ease and I like being able to paddle shift between 3rd and 4th gears. As a long-term FIAT owner, having this car is like a reunion.

• 

  Im Gonna Be (5000 Miles) a Proclaimer - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Mark - June 22 - 6:50 am

  After 5000 miles of service, I am ready to extol the virtues of the SX4 and thereby boast of my own savvy for selecting remarkable automotive value. The SX4 is decently bigger than it photographs; though 4in narrower and 3ft shorter, it comes surprisingly close to having the same passenger and cargo volume of the Mercury Sable that it displaced for this family of five! The 11 gal gas tank reads "empty" after using just nine, accelerating up a hill from a dead stop takes patience, and iAWD with ESP is the new black.

• 

  Mini-Cooper on Steroids! - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Gene W. - May 11 - 3:06 pm

  The SX4 Crossover should be advertised as a "Mini-Cooper on Steroids!" This little beauty is fun-omenal to drive! These cars are so agile and responsive, youd think you were on a Go-Cart Track! The handling is absolutely marvelous! Trading my 07 Hyundai Accent Hatchback for the SX4 Crossover, was a smart thing to do! The SX4 has superb power and a comfortable ride. I preferred the convenience package for my needs, while my wife took the touring package. We are both extremely happy with our choices, and still cant get over how Suzuki was able to cram so much value in such a small package! Thanks Suzuki! After owning 5 Hyundais, Im sold on Suzuki!

• 

  Own New Suzuki SX4 Sedan - 2012 Suzuki SX4
  By ron_suzukisx4 - May 11 - 11:51 am

  I never write reviews but this time i am trying to apprise others about this good car. I have been driving cars from around 14 yrs, driven cars of varied types in multiple cities and multuple countries. I wanted to buy a new car and took test drive of multiple vehicles including Hyundai, Hondas, Nissans and finally ended up buying Suzuki Sx4 Sedan. I have this car only for 4 days and i really liked it, its manual drive, It has all the features you need ina car, including 8 airbags. Most importantly, car runs very fast and smooth. Zip and energy in car this car is impressive, sound system is good. I like the car in and all. currently mileage 30 should certainly improve aftr Iservice

• 

  Unhappy customer - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By cj fish - May 9 - 7:06 am

  Hub caps are plastic, alarm doesnt include trunk. Not happy with the car. I would dump in a heartbeat if I could get someone to buy it from me. Rear seats do not fold down.

• 

  Wow! - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By SAL - May 6 - 11:20 am

  As a realtor I drive a lot of miles, so I decided to buy this nice SX4 sedan sport with navigation as a second car. Believe it or not I purchased this car because it had a gps navi, but fell in love with it. You get a lot of car for much less money than other brands. 17" wheels, fog lamps, smart pass entry & keyless start, rear spoiler, ground effect spoilers all around. I feel like in the purchase of a navi you get a free car. This car is worth much more than what is priced for.