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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  SX4 Crossover Touring2 - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Sid - April 22 - 3:50 pm

  Bought the new 2008 Xover in Touring-2 trim and 5-speed, in copper metallic. Great car, solid feel on road, avg mpg so far is 29.2. Good on gas if you drive like you want it to be. I find the seats very comfortable, better than the Prius I was going to buy at twice the price. Cabin noise is quite low for this class, engine is smooth, doors shut with solid thump. 9- speaker stereo is excellent. Front end styling is great, back end could use a little more edginess to it. Very intriguing little vehicle. Suzuki, I wish you would replace rear differential with brushless DC motor along with smaller engine and make it a mild hybrid. I just might do it for you Suzuki!

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  Great Little Car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Lakebear - April 20 - 1:50 am

  I have had the car for 10 months now and I still love it. It has been great in the ice and snow. I have gotten up hills that other cars were slipping and sliding on. The traction control and anti-lock breaks have kept me going in a straight line when other cars in front and behind me have been fishtailing. In addition to being very reliable and safe, it is a blast to drive. It is so comfortable that my husband always wants me to drive even though his Saturn gets better gas mileage. Im averaging 27 MPG and I drive 100 miles a day back and forth to work. I test drove a Honda Fit and Civic because they got better gas mileage but they just didnt feel as substantial as the SX4.

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  The Best Kept Secret Small Car - 2012 Suzuki SX4
  By wlight777 - April 11 - 1:46 am

  The SX4 is a great all around general purpose vehicle, especially the Crossover. This car is heavy, solid, and handles great when driving around twisty back roads. Suzuki is biased towards building great handling cars rather then simply ones that accelerate fast. The SX4 Crossover is NOT an economy car. It easily weighs over 3000 with a driver and full tank of fuel. This is a vehicle that tries to do everything well and succeeds. Some cars just do one thing well, like a Prius getting great mileage or a Wrangler being good in the middle of the woods. You will get fed up with that when you need a car that does something else. The SX4 is that very car, and a reliable one.

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  Suzuki Warranty Issues - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Cindy - March 26 - 7:13 am

  My SX4 has an AC problem and I have standing water in the passenger side of the car. This isnt enough to affect my opinion of the SX4. In general I have been very happy and enjoy driving the car. I am however very disappointed in Suzuki. Since purchasing my vehicle the dealership in my area has closed. My only option is to drive 60 miles for service. This in itself would be acceptable BUT Suzuki will not assist in assuring I have a vehicle to drive while my car is being serviced and the dealership isnt going to use the courtisy shuttle to drive me 60 miles to my home so I am basically left stranded and praying the vehicle issue can be resolved in one day.

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  a great car! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By happy with it - March 4 - 11:03 am

  I bought my SX4 new almost 2 years ago. I love this car! Compared to other vehicles I have owned, the gas mileage is good. I like the AWD. It comes in handy. Knock on wood, I have not had any problems with it. It now has over 25,000 miles and it is still running great! You really feel like you are driving an SUV. There is alot of head room. I would recommend this car to anyone! Its a great buy!

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  SX4 Sport Sedan w/Auto - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By TalismanPHL - February 12 - 8:33 pm

  Had the car about a week and am very pleased with it so far. Smallish backseat area though; needs another couple inches of legroom. Outstanding highway power and ride, about 26 mpg on the last tank of gas, but the car only has 1100 miles on it, so that should improve. I got compliments from everyone at work on the styling of the car - one guy told me it looks like a European rally race car!

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  Super car - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Suzuki SX4 - February 5 - 11:06 am

  Owned and drove 2000 Suzuki Baleno 4X4 Wagon in Russia for 7 years w/o one problem so I wanted to try Suzuki again in States. Purchased our 2007 Suzuki SX4 immediately after arriving in States. Best gas mileage is 38 and averages town & country 28.9. Comfortable on long trips and we know long trips. Have had two years and have 52,000 miles. Would buy another Suzuki and do recommend to anyone wanting a four wheel drive car with performance, good gas mileage, and dependability then go Suzuki SX4. We constantly have folks coming over to talk to us about our SX4 wondering what it is and how do we like it. Always give a good report.

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  A good choice! - 2010 Suzuki SX4
  By mbroster74101 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  After test driving cars for nearly a year, I decided on and SX4 sedan, sport SE. Compared it to other compact cars, from cheap up to almost $30K this car impressed me most with performance & options, the low price was just an added bonus. I found it funner, more solid feeling than a Golf that cost $8K more,more features than mazda3, better looking than a civic!

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  Nice little car - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By eddiethefish - January 23 - 1:26 am

  Getting 26 mpg in town, 32 mpg on freeway. Has plenty of power once you get momentum up, but is kind of gutless starting from stoplight up a hill. Nice tight feel to steering wheel. Has short turning radius. Plenty of room for a large size driver. Fun to drive in town. Nice commuter car, but would not like to drive it cross country.

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  Good Quality for the money - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By allyoop1982 - December 16 - 12:43 am

  I love this car. It drives great especially in the snow. Mileage is pretty accurate to the sticker. Very comfortable for a small car.