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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Suzuki Kizashi

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Overview

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2013 Suzuki Kizashi Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.3

*Important Note: Please be aware that Suzuki has filed for bankruptcy protection and is shutting down its car business in the U.S.

The 2013 Kizashi is modern and distinctive, and it is the top offering in a model lineup that is otherwise rather lean and aging. Introduced as a 2010 model, the Kizashi was meant to rejuvenate Suzuki's U.S. auto division. With Suzuki's recent bankruptcy filing and its decision to stop sell cars in America, that rejuvenation turned out to be a dream. Nevertheless, the Kizashi represents a genuine bright spot for the automaker. Available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), the 5-passenger Kizashi has a budget-friendly price and offers solid handling, power and fuel economy in a package that looks good on the inside and great on the outside.

You'll Like This Car If...

Between its expressive styling and relative scarcity, the 2013 Suzuki Kizashi stands out from the mid-size economy-sedan crowd. Available all-wheel drive is a smart option for those who live or travel in the snow states.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Suzuki is pulling out of the U.S. Regardless of how good a car or its warranty may be, without a dealership network behind it, the customer can end up losing out when it comes to service and repairs.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.3
Driving Dynamics

6.1
Comfort & Convenience

6.3
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.9
Value

6.3
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#15

out of 17

MPG

#1

out of 17

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.6 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2013 Suzuki Kizashi Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

The 2013 Suzuki Kizashi gets a new optional navigation and infotainment system, and the included equipment and driveline choices on the four trim levels are shuffled to rationalize the number of combinations on offer.

Driving the Kizashi

2013 Suzuki Kizashi Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions On the road, the 2013 Suzuki Kizashi feels solid, comfortable and relatively refined for a car of this price. Despite what those big tailpipes might promise, the Kizashi is not...

especially quick, posting 0-60-mph times of around eight or nine seconds depending on the transmission – about average among 4-cylinder mid-size sedans. Though very slightly slower, the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) actually works quite well in the Kizashi, which is a good thing since it's now the only transmission available in all trim levels above the base model. Suzuki's available "intelligent all-wheel-drive" lets a driver easily switch between front-drive and an AWD mode that can split the driving torque 50/50 between the front and rear wheels for superior traction. The Kizashi provides commendable driving dynamics while also offering pleasant around-town comfort and decent operating efficiency.

Favorite Features

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.

2013 Suzuki Kizashi Details

2013 Suzuki Kizashi Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

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.

Exterior

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.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Even the base 2013 Suzuki Kizashi comes comfortably equipped now (it didn't even have a radio last year) with dual-zone automatic climate control, rear-seat vents, keyless entry with pushbutton start, power windows and locks, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels, and eight air bags, all for right around $20,000.

Optional Equipment

All-wheel drive can be added to the SE and Sport GTS (it's standard on the Sport SLS and no longer offered on the base model). Other ways to spruce up the Kizashi include a 10-speaker, 425-watt Rockford Fosgate AM/FM/CD audio system with subwoofer, navigation system, Bluetooth streaming audio, leather seating, redwood dash trim, rear sonar-based parking assist, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Skiers will appreciate not only the rear-seat pass-through, but the optional ski bag to keep the interior clean and dry.

Under the Hood

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)

Pricing Notes

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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2013 Suzuki Kizashi Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.6

Out of 10

Based on 46 Ratings for the 2010 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.5/10

Quality

9.6/10
Reliability

9.7/10

Performance

9.6/10
Comfort

9.6/10

Styling

9.7/10

excellent car!

By Jim (AR) on Saturday, June 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun to drive"

Cons: "the beige interior too light!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I was very surprised when I drove this car. It has the European feell with the Japanese mechanics! It is a head turner. The options are much more than the price suggested!"

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Pleasantly surprised. Better than you'd think.

By Dave (IL) on Thursday, May 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Value AWD luxury for cheap!"

Cons: "more ponies would be nice..."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owned many high end cars... This feels and drives like an entry AUDI, SAAB or BMW! For the price of this thing nothing even comes close. For the price I actually paid (way below sticker) it's a G-D steal! I have a fully loaded 13 SLS. It fully rivals the last SAAB I had, only the AWD makes this one better. If this holds up and isn't problematic this will be the best purchase I have ever made. What a fantastic underrated car. Get one, you won't be disappointed. Oh, right... you can't get one anymore. I'm glad I got one of the last ones. Couldn't care less about the implied poor resale since Suzuki pulled out of the US... I'm not selling it :) Drive it... I don't know what it really is, but I can't believe it is really a Suzuki! A friend from Europe says this is a direct competitor to the entry luxury brands and costs way more there..."

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Best Vehicle I have ever owned!

By Susie2012 (OK) on Saturday, April 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great, easy to drive, and stylish."

Cons: "Dealerships hard to find, and back leg room"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have had my car for a year now, and I love it. It is easy to drive, comfortable for long drives, and I have not seen one person in town with a car like mine. The only thing that I would recommend is more leg room in the back and closer to a dealership for the Key Fob to be replaced. Another great feature is the sound that comes from the speakers, hands free blue tooth, and a memory setting for the driver's seat."

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Best Vehicle I have ever owned!

By Susie2012 (OK) on Saturday, April 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great, easy to drive, and stylish."

Cons: "Dealerships hard to find, and back leg room"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

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Best Vehicle I have ever owned!

By Susie2012 (OK) on Saturday, April 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great, easy to drive, and stylish."

Cons: "Dealerships hard to find, and back leg room"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Outstanding Value For the Money

By Semper Fi (SC) on Monday, April 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 16,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Value for the money and a mean looking stance"

Cons: "Minor glitches regarding placement of controls"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"The Kisashi Sport GTS handles like a German engineered car. The details mirror that of pricier cars, and the handling is quick and nimble. Fuel consumption is respectable within the neighborhood of 29 mpg's H/W, and 25 city. Output horsepower is rated at 185; not quite that most powerful of engines albeit, but you'd never know it, by the way it pulls away when you put the pedal to the metal. It comfortably seats five, and allows plenty of leg room provided you're not 6 foot or taller. Fully equipped it will run you approx. $25K. The NAV system leaves a lot to be desired, so I don't recommend it. Better off with your own suction style windshield mounted GPS. Yes, there are a few minor quirks, but nothing worth a wasteful complaint on. Overall the car aims to please, and will not disappoint."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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See all 46 reviews