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 Value - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By stockton2007 - August 22 - 7:56 am

  Purchased new in May 08. Base sport sedan, 5spd, no options. Total discounts $1700 + free gas card and 0% for 60 mo = Fansatic Deal. The car is great for its class, huge trunk, excellent headroom, backseeat fits my sons car seat well. Interior is a clean look but lots of plastic (remember the $15k price). exterior is stylish and actually has alloy wheels! MPG is 25-27 which isnt bad but is low for this catagory of cars. It has some pep with the 5spd but is by no means "fast". Drives well and has a decent feel for the road. Has had good traction in rain and snow even with the FWD sedan.

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  First new car in a decade - 2013 Suzuki SX4
  By suzukiguy - July 30 - 3:06 pm

  I purchased this car after owning a 2002 Hyundai Elantra for ten years. I had the choice between this and a 2012 accord, and I chose this. Im super happy with my decision. This is an awd with excellent gas mileage and lots of ground clearance. I hope the sx4 turns out to be as awesome as my Elantra was.

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  Best Bang for Your Buck - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By harmonic - July 26 - 8:56 am

  This vehicle has AWD for under $17,000 plus a plethora of amenities not usually found in a package for such a reasonable price. The initial quality impression is excellent. The interior fit and finish is clean, functional, and very roomy. Sitting high gives you the impression of being in a much bigger vehicle. It comes with standard power doors and locks. It has great visibility all around. Its nimble and agile suspension makes this the perfect urban road warrior.

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  Great car - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By MD - July 24 - 10:03 am

  Bought a SX4 JX last fall. No problems at all with it. Its built like a tank, and I enjoy driving it very much. There are some small things and it could use a touch more power and better fuel economy, but no car is perfect. For the price, this has to be one of the best values out there. And its unique. Looks better than those other economy cars out there in my opinion.

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  Cool Car! - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Jerry - July 20 - 1:30 pm

  I love it, especially size of this car. It is easy to drive and excel in all season weather, rain, ice, snow. I used AWD 4 wheel drive. It amazes me.

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  2008 Suzuki SX4 4dr Wagon AWD Automatic - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Ran - July 5 - 7:03 am

  Recently purchased the car from carmax for $10k and didnt feel like I was being ripped off from a dealership and so far its been great. It gives me everything that I really need. Automatic Windows, a/c, and reliability. Ive owned many other cars but as Ive "matured" this car is perfect for me right now. Doesnt go fast therefore eliminating speeding tickets, definitely within my reduced budget from a few years ago, and it takes me from point a to point b.

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  48000 miles now - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By smithjon - June 4 - 9:55 am

  Ive only had to do regular maintenance items no unexpected surprises. The tires have been replaced and regular oil changes at 7000 miles. AT service at around 36000. 25.2 MPG over the 48000 miles.

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  Beats Out the Subaru for Us - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By bensx4 - May 25 - 8:56 pm

  We live in the mountains at Lake Tahoe and drive a lot through the snow and over the passes so we need a car with AWD, good gas mileage, and able to haul our gear around. We had all but decided to buy a Subaru - however we found out about the Suzuki SX4 and compared it very closely with the Impreza and found that the features were better in the SX4. The warranty much better (100,000 miles), the financing rate was lower, and the overall base price was about $4,000 less (plus its pretty cool looking!). So far weve put about 1,000 miles on it and have really enjoyed the car. It drives well, has enough pep to make it up the mountain passes, is very comfortable, and has lots of interior space for a smaller car.

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  Great value - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Tony - May 20 - 5:43 am

  A lot of stuff for a little money: AWD, navigation, Bluetooth, steering wheel-mounted controls. Perfect winter/second car.

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  Great car! Wish I still had it - 2011 Suzuki SX4
  By mplser - May 17 - 2:11 pm

  This is an AMAZING car! If you live somewhere with lots of snow and ice, the awd lock is your best friend! feels like there isnt even any snow under your car when driving! It looks great, and My big tall 65" self fit in it with plenty of room to spare. Has more space for the driver than my Camry, which was my previous car. I can also, unfortunately, attest to the unbelievable safety of this car. I got in a head-on crash at about 50 mph with a large Infiniti. all the doors still opened after the crash, and the only injury i sustained was a small burn on my arm from the airbag opening and rubbing against it. I already miss my little SX4 :( I might even buy another one with my insurance check