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:

• 

  Adding power, better gas mil., c-control - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Lorenzo Menendez - November 28 - 2:10 pm

  Wrotte a review on 11-13-2006, since then I improved the little monster, added a TURBONATOR (cheap in cost) and H&K air filter, they increased the horsepower and the little monster flies the speedometer needle moves like the ones in the race car. The mpg changed from 30 to 37 mpg on a flat hwy, using cruise control that I had put in after writing my review in 2006. One thing to remember, keep the tires properly inflated. Had the SX4 since 2006 without any mechanical problems, runs like a true champ. Have gone thru some major storms and floods in AWD without any problems.

• 

  Very Happy - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By docellis - November 19 - 7:03 pm

  After driving a 2000 Suzuki, Baleno, 4x4 Wagon in Russia for 7 years without any problems, we decided to give Suzuki our business again when we moved to the USA. The one which caught our eye was the SX4. We purchased the last 2007 on the lot. Immediately we were getting very good gas mileage with highs as much as 38 mpg. Around town usually we get 29.7 on the average. We take very long trips with our work and always end up rested and with gas money still in our pockets. In snow we have not lost traction even one time. The 2WD, AWD and Four Wheel Drive options are great. We have 56,000 already without a hitch. I would buy again and recommend this car to any one.

• 

  Little big stuff - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By nicejohn - October 28 - 5:20 pm

  Quick road hugging and fun to drive. I have had several small cars such as Toyota Matrix 04, Honda Accord 92 and Chevy Aveo 06. The SX4 beats them all in overall performance. The trunk room is great and the interior room head room cannot be beaten for a car of its class.My daughter is a tall 5ft10ins and she loves sitting in the rear. The car is perfect for commuting and long travel. So before you buy your gas saver test drive the SX4 you will not be disappointed.

• 

  Under the radar value - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By DavidW - October 27 - 12:36 am

  This car is an amazing deal and has been terrific so far! It flies under the radar screen because Suzuki doesnt seem to promote their cars too well. Im glad I did the research and found it. After 7,000 miles, no problems at all and I love driving it!

• 

  Solid Designed Suzuki SX4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Nikki - October 12 - 2:20 pm

  I just took delivery of my new SX4 yesterday. I could not believe a vehicle with this level of design, features, and build quality could be had for $15,999. The test drive sealed the deal, as it accelerated nicely to highway speeds, while loaded with four (full-grown) adults riding along in surprizing comfort. This vehicle has plenty of leg-room and head-room to easily accommodate passengers six feet tall in both the front and back seats. The rear set of doors allow the back seat to be readily accessible for use with childrens car seats. Not having to change the timing belt alone will save some serious maintenance costs and remove the ticking time-bomb scenario that occurs with interference engines using timing belts.

• 

  better than expected - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Randar - October 9 - 9:23 am

  I bought this car used with 9200 miles on it and have been suprised with how nice a car this really is. The in town gas milage is really poor but I mostly drive on rual highways and have been getting 32 to 33.4 miles per gallon. The car has great acelleration when needed and has nice headroom. The down side is the seats are poorly designed and hurt your back when driving long distances and the oversized A pillars create a blind spot that takes some getting used to. Overall this is a nice little car thats a lot of fun to drive and I would recommend it to anyone.

• 

  Better than Honda, Toyota, Nissan or any - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By importuner - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Everything from the fantastic customer service to the ease of ownership of this car have been awesome. The car rides, drives, feels and performs better and more comfortably than the other compacts I test drove. Over the course of 6 mos, I drove a Civic twice, Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra and Kia, still the clear choice was the sx4, it feels so much safer, solid and substantial.

• 

  One Week Old - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By rick (pgh pa) - September 18 - 11:43 am

  Only one week old with 350 miles. First tank of gas 23.89 vs my old envoy of 15. Love how it handles and great visablility. Front seats very comfortable. I drive 50-75 miles a day in mixed. It looks like the 2nd tank is around 28 mpg. I love it. Wife has ford escape 2003. Might buy another one.

• 

  Mid-Life crisis car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Rusty Franklin - September 13 - 8:23 pm

  I just sold my 19 year old Civic with 165k miles on it. This is a nice step up. Sharp looking car. Gotten comments on its looks. Comfortable ride for a small car. 17" tires help the ride and looks. The steering wheel controls are great. Climate controls are positioned nicely. Trunk is large. Motor has plenty of power for me. Ive put 1750 miles on it in 1 1/2 weeks and it is getting 32 mpg on the highway. Good head room in the front. Would recommend this car to anyone. I feel I got a good value for my money. I hope to have for well over 100k miles.

• 

  2008 Suzuki SX4 - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By BrendanB - September 11 - 2:26 pm

  I purchased this car for my first car, and it is pretty impressive considering the price. At first, it felt very slightly underpowered, considering that I was used to driving a car with 260 horsepower, but in reality, it isnt bad. The handling on it is amazing. It takes turns quickly and the tires stick to the road well. I live in Pennsylvania, and the traction control and AWD make it a very good car for snow. Also, the touring package comes with a 9-speaker 6-CD changer, which sounds amazing. It is probably one of the best car stereos Ive heard. The only small downside is I have only been getting 20 mpg, but thats using full throttle a lot. Overall I am very satisfied with this purchase.