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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  A Great Performer - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By napagreg - July 15 - 7:00 am

  I test-drove the Chevrolet Cobalt, Mazda 3, and Nissan Sentra. For the money, the Suzuki SX4 Sport is the best. The Cobalt would have cost $20 less a month (purchase), but was the no- options, manual-windows-and-all version in white (no other colors available at that dealer). The Mazda 3 was fun, and well optioned. But it was $20 more a month. The Nissan was funny. Neat interrior, but weird seats and looks. And it was about $30 more a month. Now, the Suzuki SX4 Sport had all the options of the Mazda 3, the cool interior similar to the Sentra, and only a little more expensive than the base-model Cobalt. The paint is fantastic, I got the dark grey. And it drives like a sport sedan.

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  2008 Suzuki SX4 sedan - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By newcar1 - June 24 - 2:13 pm

  I absolutely love the way this car drives. Acceleration is well balanced. When you are driving this car you will feel like you are floating. Very smooth.

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  Refinements Abound - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By andy - June 18 - 1:13 pm

  My third Suzuki (Esteem, Aerio, now SX4) sedan. This is essentially an Aerio with all the needed refinements: shorter stick throw, stronger brakes (ABS), variable intermittent wipers, improved cornering stability, quieter all around, smoother engine, improved front bumper clearance, improved gas mileage (running 31.5 mpg all around with gentle driving), stronger AC, paint seems to hold the turtle wax better. Gearing is shorter so expect frequent up shifting BUT much stronger at lower RPMs so less frequent down shifting on inclines . Excellent road manners as high as 75 mph. No problems after 6 months and 3800 miles.

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  My First Brand New Vehicle - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Nathan Schrock - June 7 - 6:20 pm

  I have owned the car for about a month now. Ive got almost 2,000 miles on it. My first complaint is that the acceleration really is poor, but the vehicle handles corners very well which helps equal out the poor acceleration. The vehicles IAWD and 4X4 lock works well and the vehicle is virtually impossible to get stuck in snow or mud.

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  Completely surprised - 2010 Suzuki SX4
  By rothparker80 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  It was a fluke that we happened upon this car. In the market for a new VW Golf originally. On the way to pick up the Golf, we passed by Suzuki, the SX4 caught our eye,we stopped in for a last minute look. The styling, wheels and features had us nearly sold on it before driving it. Once we drove it, that sealed the deal. It was way more sophisticated than a Honda, Toyota etc. and was much funner to drive than the Golf, not to mention $6K cheaper, better warranty and more features. I do agree with the other reviews in that it could use leather, sunroof and heated seats, like you can get on Corollas,but Suzuki had to leave some room for improvement I suppose.

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  First Review of SX4 - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By mike - May 25 - 8:00 pm

  Ive owned this car for a little over a week. It drives very well. The gas mileage is not as good as, say, the Toyota Yaris, but its still better than a minivan. It doesnt accelerate as well as I would hope, for having one of the biggest engines of the cars I looked at, but that could improve as the engine breaks in. I feel a lot better knowing that I am driving a safer car, and the SX4 is completely Japanese-made. Overall, Im happy with the 2007 Suzuki SX4, and if I find any big problems Ill tell you.

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  A Lackluster Car - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By ravfjr - April 8 - 6:29 pm

  I used to own a 1998 Suzuki Swift, and this car was bullet-proof. It gave me 300K miles of pure reliability. Not so with my SX4... This car is sub-standard in quality and in performance. And to top it off, Suzuki has vacated the U.S., so good luck getting service. My closest service provider is over 2 hours away...

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  SX4 Sport - Long Term - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By talisman - April 1 - 7:20 am

  My Ocean Blue SX4 Sport now has 16000 miles. Its been very comfortable, fairly reliable, and still gets looks and compliments on its styling. Rear seat needs to fold down. At first, I thought that the trunk was huge, but the lack of a fold-down rear seat is a huge pain. Rear seat legroom is tight, and you will need BOTH hands on the wheel on windy days. The car is very sensitive to crosswinds, especially at high speeds. Fuel mileage has averaged 26.7 mpg in mostly interstate driving, which is good, not great.

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  Best Bang for Buck - 2009 Suzuki SX4
  By happycamper - March 20 - 11:26 am

  Do your research and drive a bunch of cars. I drove the Honda Element, Kia Soul, Subaru Impreza Outback Sport. Hands down this car was the best of all these cars combined. Features wise you cannot get a car with all that Suzuki offers for the price from any other car company. Find an 09 and Suzuki is giving 3k off. Find a dealer with inventory and they are willing to move the price even more. I am 63" and 220lbs and I fit no problem. Easy in and out and seats are comfortable. Main reason I bought the car, traded in 2008 Dodge Avenger R/T was the lack of comfort in the Dodge(many other reason, car was a lemon). No other car in the class of small economy will give you the features SX4 does.

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  Great crossover for what you pay for - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By jayman2176 - February 14 - 9:40 pm

  This is kind of tricky since I owned a 28,000 dollar jetta before this car. It gets pretty good gas millage for have allwheel drive I get 28.1 though 29.0 mpg most of the time but not in winter winter I see about 20-24 mpg I live in Indiana so I see alot of snow. I love the room in this car with a wheel base of 98 I can sure fit alot of cargo with the seats down. I love the sound system I got the 9 speaker premium sound and it pretty good. Note though my jetta had a eight speaker sound system that sound just as good with better bass and had no subwoofer in it. Love the no key start now I hate using other peoples cars. Basically a good car for the 18 thousand.