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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  over 100,000 and not a problem! - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By diddiegirl - February 10 - 11:59 am

  I purchased this little car in June on 2008. I drive from Maine to Boston to work over 160 miles at a time. Thankfully I have never had a single problem with the car and I am on only my second set of tires with lots of tread to go. I have put on one set of brake pads and done a lot of oil changes, but that is all. Gas mileage is about 27mpg, but I must say I do not always follow the speed limits! I just read with a different air filter it may increase my mpg, so Im going to give it a try. Great in the snow and reliable, low maintainance, and room enough for most everything but a sheet of plywood!! :) No complaints here! (ok one, I wish the gas tank were bigger!)

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  SX4 Sedan - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By VirginiaBrewer - February 5 - 11:23 am

  The price is right. The warranty is right. This car handles, good power, comfort is excellent. For anyone who can drive a car the right way the fuel economy is excellent given the cars performance is really excellent. I average 31-32 at 70 to 80 mph. Wow. So for anyone complaining about mileage take that!

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  A car you dont see every day - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By gregg - January 22 - 7:00 pm

  Overall, a fine little car. Love the exterior styling, a real headturner. Interior design is very good, with high quality plastics. The car has great steering feel, and the 17 inch tires and wheels make it handle like a go-cart. The brakes will make it stop on a dime. Fuel economy is very good, could improve though. Suzuki needs a 5 speed auto in place of the 4 speed. Im surpassing the city estimates easily, but the highway number seems pretty accurate. Suzuki needs a bit stronger air-conditioner, it takes longer than I would like to cool down the inside on a hot day. Also, the stereo sounds great with CDs, but the radio needs stronger reception. Engine is almost as smooth as a honda 4.

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  GREAT LITTLE CAR - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By JLEEGOD - December 18 - 5:06 am

  I looked at the Mazda 3, the Toyota Corolla and the Nissan Sentry before I settled happily on the Suzuki SX4. This is a great car. I never understood it when people said a car can be "fun to drive" until now. The shifting is smooth and seamless, the car is very peppy and responsive and the acceleration leaves nothing to be desired. I enjoy getting in my car to go anywhere now. The quality of the car is great too. It feels solid and firm and is solid on the road. The cockpit is roomy and very comfortable. The stereo system and sound is just right. Everything just feels right with this car. The gas milage is very good. I do a lot of city driving and Im getting 28 mpg in the city.

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  Blends Sport, Utility, Economy, Safety - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By Wayne S - December 11 - 11:16 am

  Follow up to earlier review of 2/11. Now have little over 5,000 miles on SX4. Gas mileage 95% in town, no stop and go has been 25-28. 28 requires low rpm shifts and some coasting techniques. Solid build, no rattles. A/C works well for 90+ heat. No mechanical issues. Has done very well SOFT offroading up sloped grassy hillsides around baseball parking area. If teen takes off to school with this car I will very likely replace it with another SX4, but I might look at sedan to be released. I do not often require more storage than basic trunk would provide.

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  A Fun SUV alternative - 2010 Suzuki SX4
  By CWM - December 1 - 6:50 pm

  We bought a brand new SX4 Crossover AWD Technology in Copper last month after having the transmission go out on our Hyundai. After looking at a variety of different cars, my wife saw one of these in the parking lot at Walmart and instantly came home and researched it on the internet. The next day, we went and test drove one. We love the spacious interior, excellent gps, cruise control, power everything, and the beautiful copper color. Selectable All wheel drive is a bonus, as is the CVT transmission with manual shifting ability. The Crossover rides smoothly, but tends to have some body lean and sometimes spongy feel. The engine is powerful, but only above 3,000 RPM. Overall, good car

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  I Like Mine - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By 60 year old man - December 1 - 1:46 am

  I got a copper colored one. I really like mine so far. I think it looks good. The price is great for what you get. I love driving mine. I went from a full size SUV to a midsize SUV to this. I like this the best of the three. It is not a $30,000 vehicle so dont expect it to be. It handles nicely, sits comfortably, gets decent gas mileage. I like the warranty (as long as dealer stays around). I am over 6 feet tall and large framed and I feel comfortable driving it. Has plenty of headroom and legroom. View from drivers seat appears much larger than it is. Appears to be well built. My daughter had an early model Suzuki and drove it HARD. It just kept going and going.

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  Better Than ALL the rest - 2007 Suzuki SX4
  By soul_ride68 - November 24 - 6:10 pm

  My wife bought the Fit in October and my nephew bought the Versa two weeks later so I have plenty to compare with. Both of them regret not buying the Suzuki SX4. With the warranty and the standard features included with this vehicle, their vehicles dont even come close in comparison. They both agree that paying for the name (Nissan & Honda) isnt what a savvy buyer should do if there is a manufacturer building a better car out there for less money. I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  Not for the long legged - 2008 Suzuki SX4
  By Disappointed in PA - November 18 - 6:13 am

  I bought this car for $18,900 including tax, title, and license which is too much money for this car. The AWD is great. Have had it to the dealer twice to replace the display consol (clock, temp etc). Cruise control doesnt hold your speed very well. I drive 55 miles daily to work so I have to get gas every three or four days. Very disappointing gas mileage for a 4 cylinder. Its only getting maybe 22 mpg at the most and the tank only holds 10 gallons of gas. Im 6 4" and this car has great headroom but practically no leg room. Back seats dont fold real well. Overall a good car but it needs a few more years of improvements to be a great car. Dont recommend it to guys with long legs.

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  Reliable Small All around Car or Suv - 2013 Suzuki SX4
  By titinio - November 7 - 2:42 am

  A well kept secret to owners of Suzuki vehicles because of the quality, reliability, value and performance. The same story or history of the Suzuki Samurai, Sidekick and Geo Tracker. Owners of these vehicles knows these secrets. The only mistake that Suzuki did is the creation of the Grand Vitara creating a 6 cylinder. Grand Vitaras fuel consumption rating is not good. They should kept the 4 cylinder Vitara version. Numerous people are now seeking to own used Samurai, Sidekick and Tracker; its high value price hold. I had a car repair business for 9 yrs. and only one (1) Suzuki that I encountered broken is because the young teenager never had an oil change. Engine Froze.