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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Recent buy....Loving it so far - 2009 Suzuki SX4
By KR - April 5 - 8:43 pmLoving the Suzuki Crossover so far. Got the loaded Touring trim. Lots and lots of extras for the money. CAN NOT beat the features for the money. Nav, heated seats and mirrors, keyless entry and start. Great safety features...insureance only went up $12/yr. Drives and handles great. Biggest for us, was the AWD. Cant wait to drive it around during a Maine winter. Weve owned Toyota, Mitsu, VW, Dodge, Pontiac. We believe we got the best value for the money, by far, this time around. We also love that everyone else isnt driving one. Well see how it holds up. If it does well for a while, we plan to return for a Suzuki purchase for our other vehicle...the Equator truck to replace a Durango.
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Will spend alot of time at the shop! - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By tbarlow2 - April 5 - 8:20 amMy girlfriend purchased a 2008 SX4 new. She drives to and from work. She had it a little over 3 years and only 20,000 miles. Since its over 3 years, now out of warranty. The a/c just went out and now going to cost over $1000 to fix it. Asked service advisor at dealership if this means we will have to pay over $1000 every 20k miles and said he did not know! Im trying to talk my girlfriend into trading it in for another brand that will hold up.
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Happy with my SX4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
By dianitalu - March 18 - 12:23 pmI just purchased my new Suzuki SX4 two days ago and I am loving it.
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Suzuki SX4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
By thrylos - February 13 - 10:06 pmThe Suzuki SX4 is a great 4WD vehicle. I traded in a Focus ZX3 for it. It feels much tighter than the Focus did. It has nice construction and ergonomics, and a nice airy cabin. It has responsive steering and good handling. It also has amazing options for the price. The seats are comfotable and the styling is great. It looks like a stretched Mini Cooper. Suzuki hit a home run with this car. There is no competition in this segment and at this price point, especially after taking the 7/100 warranty, the standard features, and the four wheel drive into account. Ths SX4 is a really nice tight daily commuter car that can manage tough weather easily.
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08 SX4 Crossover... Lemons, cheap but expensive to fix - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By kestral - January 12 - 3:30 amGreat until about 35k. Both rear wheel bearings replaced. Both front struts broke in half. Right front stabilizer bar broke. Car still makes a weird clunk when turning and rattles when it goes over bumps. Dealership is horrible for warranty. The passenger air bag light says off when passenger is in seat with seat belt on. Dealership unpluged battery and said all is well, I get 20 miles down the road and it does the same thing. Very unsafe vehicles. Road bumps will throw car around. Good luck going thru snow. Doesnt even handle 4". All around poor vehicle. No more Suzuki for me.
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Overall good - 2009 Suzuki SX4
By Jon - January 8 - 6:10 pmI have a 2.5 mile commute and get 21 mpg overall. Handled great in the snow this winter. 3600 miles on it so far and working good. I had to replace one tire for a nail in the side wall and that cost $138 with taxes and fees.
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Great Car, SUV, Station Wagon, Race Car - 2007 Suzuki SX4
By lorenzo menendez - January 4 - 1:36 amThe Suzuki SX4 is a real attention getter. It is made to handle different on road and off road conditions. The steering is great. If you get one with the racing SX4 logo on the side doors it looks even better. The price is also great, along with a smooth and fast engine. This vehivcle meets the specs to race on the motor cross races, where the cones are used and the race is for the best time.
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A great little CUV - 2008 Suzuki SX4
By Gregg - December 25 - 12:43 amThe SX4 crossover has mostly met my expectations or in some cases exceeded them. I have read lots of complaints about road noise, for example, but I find it to be a quiet and smooth cruiser for its size. Careful driving has given me an overall mpg of 30. (Quick starts and remaining in a lower gear will drop the mileage quickly.) The instant mpg readout helps you re- adjust driving habits. Staying under 70 on the highway also yields very good numbers. It handles great and is "toss- able," adding to the fun factor. Plus, parking is a breeze.
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The fun 4 wheel drive - 2009 Suzuki SX4
By Bernard - December 20 - 3:40 pmI was looking to replace my Geo Tracker and wanted to have a 4 wheel on command with manual and excellent fuel economy. The SX4 stuck out as the smallest most fuel efficient in this class. The purchase price was another major component. I have the car now driven through one of toughest winters the Midwest had in a long time. The car performed without a glitch and I am very happy with y choice.
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2009 Suzuki SX4 crossover vs. 2008 Sedan - 2009 Suzuki SX4
By Jaysx409 - November 27 - 7:00 pmI bought a 2008 SX4 Sedan last June that got totaled when someone rear- ended me on April fools day. So I get a 2009 SX4 Crossover with navigation, and would like to point out the differences I noticed from the 2008 Sedan, which I put over 13,000 miles on. 5-Speed: Smoother clutch action, easier to make smoother shifts. Shifter works smoother too. Ride: Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is also standard. I noticed less body roll in sharp curves and a more stable ride quality. More fun to drive! Interior: Controls a little smoother, interior panels seem to be of better quality. And I cant help but love the hatch with the fold-and-tumble seats, along with a rear window wiper.
