2013 Suzuki Kizashi

SIZE AND CARGO CAPACITY
At 183.1 inches in length, the 2013 Kizashi is larger than most compact sedans but smaller than those in the mid-size category. This in-between size pays off with increased rear-seat legroom and generous cargo capacity in an easy-to-park package.

ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
Rare among cars of this price and size, the AWD option adds an extra measure of driving confidence by giving additional grip on any road surface. For those living where it snows, it's another reason to put the Kizashi on your consideration list.

The Kizashi's interior is a bit conservative, but the cabin is still inviting, nicely finished and cleanly laid out. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, and rear legroom is reasonable for a car of this size. Among the highlights is the nice tactile feel of the Suzuki's controls, such as the steering-wheel-mounted audio functions. The trunk is spacious for this class, and the split rear seatback folds for added capacity and flexibility.

One of the finer aspects of the 2013 Suzuki Kizashi is its styling. An aggressive look sets it apart from the popular yet more sedate sedans it competes with. A forward-leaning stance, large honeycomb grille, short rear overhang, and a pair of large trapezoidal tailpipes give the Kizashi a sporty appearance. Sport GTS and Sport SLS versions sit slightly lower to the ground, ride on 18-inch alloy wheels (17s are standard on base and SE), and have an even sleeker profile.

All Kizashi models are powered by a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that runs on regular unleaded gasoline. Both 6-speed manual and CVT automatic transmissions are available, as well as both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, but the choices have been limited this year: Only the base Kizashi offers the manual gearbox, and only with FWD. All other Kizashi trim levels are automatic-only now, with the SE and Sport GTS offering a choice of FWD and AWD. The top-line Sport SLS is AWD only. In any of these configurations, the 2.4 provides decent thrust for getting up to speed and for passing, but it's not exactly a tarmac burner. Overall performance is about average among sedans of similar size and price.

2.4-liter inline-4
185 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm (manual transmission)
180 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (CVT automatic transmission)
170 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/29 mpg (manual, FWD), 23/30 mpg (automatic, FWD), 22/29 mpg (automatic, AWD)

The base 2013 Suzuki Kizashi's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $20,794. If features like an automatic transmission, power-adjustable seats, leather, premium audio, and sport-suspension tuning are important, you'll be moving up the Kizashi trim-level ladder, to SE, Sport GTS or Sport SLS packages. The SE and Sport GTS trims offer AWD, for about $1,500 extra. A top-of-the-line Sport SLS (AWD only) starts just under $30,000 and can be accessorized up past $33,000. At these prices, the mid-size Kizashi costs only a little more than compact sedans like the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra and Chevrolet Cruze. Be sure to check the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for the 2013 Kizashi. In terms of holding their value over time, Suzuki vehicles tend not to do especially well, and with the company pulling out of the U.S. car market, bad resale value is now just about guaranteed.

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