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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  I love my new car - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By chasinky - October 7 - 8:16 pm

  My new car! How great is it to get a great, new car under 20k. For a young woman of 23 years, awesome! I love my car and think I will continue to be a Suzuki owner for a long, long time.

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  GREAT LITTLE CAR - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Happy in NJ - September 26 - 1:30 am

  I have the 2008 Suzuki SX4 4-door sedan 5-speed manual with Touring package. I researched a lot of cars and read tons of reviews before I settled on the SX4. The value of the car brand new in Feb 2009 was $18k. I paid about $16k after all taxes and all fees. I have never regretted it for a second. It drives great, it has never had any problems and Im still happy with it after 11 months. It has traction control which comes in very handy in NJ in snow, icy roads and rain. I get about 30 mpg combined city and highway driving consistently. The trunk has a lot of space and the inside is roomy. Overall this is a great car with loads of features for a good price.

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  SX4 is a winner - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Bungalow Bill - September 5 - 11:36 pm

  Ive only had my basic SX4 manual 5 speed for two weeks but my initial evaluation is in - this vehicle is a winner. True it could get a few extra miles per gallon and a little extra highway power would be welcome but overall this AWD is a real find. Great looks, a well thought out interior and lots of space for a subcompact make the selection easy. The price is a real bonus. This vehicle needs to be compared to other lower priced 4WD and AWD vehicles not just the two wheel drive subcompacts. The key here is AWD. I do wish the standard model came with cruise control. Im looking forward to winter and its snow!

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  Charming but........... - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Edward - August 26 - 6:30 pm

  I bought this car for my wife who had just learned to drive (foreigner) and she absolutely loves it. It is spacious for a small car with plenty of room in the trunk for a full size suit case laid down flat. The car lacks power which they advertise as more than a MINI, but you really have to put your foot into it or use gear 1 to launch it and to merge onto Interstate traffic. Radio is sufficient (4 speaker single Cd player) Head room is great for tall people we are not AWD is not perm. but can be locked in as long as driving below 30mph. I had a 350z before this so this car can not be compared to but is still funish to drive.

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  Rides Like the Wind - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Marie - August 13 - 12:30 am

  This car is super. Its fun and practical. It goes from point A to B without using much gas. The best part is, its 4 wheel drive, which is great for snow, etc. It looks good, drives great and I have absolutely no regrets in purchasing this car. Who would think such a small vehicle would drive so smoothly? I love it! It has a small gas tank, so you have to gas up a little more often but its worth it since it uses less than $15.00 per week for me. My son wants me to give him the car when he turns 16 next week. Not a chance, Im keeping it.

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  Not Enough - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Volki - August 5 - 4:23 am

  Nice AWD car that is a joy to to drive. I just wish it had more hp. Its suppose to be a rally car. Make one with a super charger.

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  Nice price for AWD - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Bob - July 23 - 1:36 pm

  Wanted AWD for winter driving. Handles well for small vehicle. Good features included in base model w/con. group. Have 7 yr. all inclusive warranty and received a good price for trade in. No problems so far.

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  Very happy - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Mark J. - June 27 - 11:43 pm

  Bought an AWD/AT version and love it so far. Very fun to drive despite the relatively sluggish performance. The outward visibility takes some getting used to but in general it is as good as it gets in a car of this configuration. Ive discovered one odd thing about this car that prospective buyers should know: the owners manual says that the AWD/AT version cannot be towed with either the front or rear wheels on the pavement due to potential damage of the drivetrain. I havent asked my dealer about this yet but I cant believe that any car maker would design a car that requires a flatbed tow truck. The standard transmission and FWD versions do not carry this warning.

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  SX4 Upshift Nightmare - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Dodger - June 7 - 2:36 pm

  Do not buy an SX4 Crossover with manual shift!! When I test drove this car I noticed an odd tendency to over- rev when shifting up through the gears but put it down to my unfamiliarity with the car or to the engine being cold. I have driven stick shift cars for the last 35 years and was confident that a slight adjustment in driving style would avoid any issues. How wrong I was! The SX4 has a bizarre electronic throttle linkage that unpredictably decides to rev the engine in between gears when upshifting and no amount of adjustment in style can reliably avoid over-re

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  I LOVE my little black rocket! - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By Rob Merz - June 1 - 9:46 pm

  I was quite torn as to what to buy. I looked at the KIA Soul, the MItsubishi Eclipse, the Subaru legacy, and the Suzuki sx4. First, lets prface this with, I know the eclipse is a whole different type of car. The Soul was very nice, drove nice, and had lots of options, but was just a bit too funky for my taste. the Subarus are nice too, but for far less money i was able to get the AWD suzuki. I fell in love with it at first sight! Mine has custom leather interior, carbon graphite accents, body moldings and custom wheels, so it looks different from the run of the mill Suzuki, but even the plain version is a kick to drive! Ive had it for over a week, and still look forward to driving it!