why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2012 Suzuki SX4

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 44 photos

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Suzuki SX4

Overview

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more. See what you should pay

Buy used | Trade-in/Sell

2012 Suzuki SX4 Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 5.6

Suzuki's compact SX4 comes in three versions: An all-wheel-drive hatchback called the Crossover; a slightly shorter, front-drive hatch called the SportBack; and a sedan that was introduced in 2008. When the Suzuki SX4 was launched in 2006, it was a breath of fresh air in the compact hatch segment, featuring all-wheel-drive and commendable cargo space for a price well under $20,000. But six years later the car has changed little and lots of highly appealing competition has arrived, including the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Mazda2 and the Kia Soul and Rio5. If there is one thing the aging SX4 has going for it, it's that the Crossover version can claim the title of lowest-priced all-wheel-drive car in America.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you want to pay the lowest price for a new car with all-wheel-drive, the SX4 Crossover might appeal to you. All SX4 models offer good cargo-carrying capacity for their size and stand out from competitors not only by their looks but from the sheer fact that not as many people buy them.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Purchasing a Suzuki means buying a lesser-known vehicle with a smaller dealer network, and that means fewer dedicated service centers in comparison to other brands. While the SX4 Crossover is the lowest-priced all-wheel-drive vehicle in the U.S., the Subaru Impreza 5-door can be had for less than $1,000 more and offers more size and better fuel economy. Meanwhile, less-powerful but still fun-to-drive competitors such as the Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris and Mazda2 offer better fuel economy, as much or better cargo capacity and lower starting prices.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

5.6
Driving Dynamics

6.0
Comfort & Convenience

5.8
Design: Interior & Exterior

5.5
Value

5.8
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#8

out of 8

MPG

#1

out of 8

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.4 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

2012 SX4 models carry over with minor changes from 2011, when they were mostly unchanged from the 2010 model year that saw a slight power increase and interior modifications. Updates for 2012 include an upgraded Garmin navigation system and standard electronic stability control on SX4 sedans. Base sedan models now get rear disc brakes like other SX4 models, and the LE automatic version has a slight improvement in fuel economy. Two new color choices are available for 2012 SX4 models: Brilliant Blue Metallic and Crimson Red Metallic.

Driving the SX4

Driving Impressions Because of their small size, all Suzuki SX4s are easy to maneuver and park. The Sport version of the Sedan and the SportBack offer relatively sporty handling, but these are...

not tarmac burners. With its standard all-wheel-drive, the Crossover feels capable in wet and snowy conditions. Its intelligent All-Wheel-Drive (i-AWD) system has three settings: One puts total power to the front wheels and is said to improve fuel economy, another automatically puts power to the rear wheels when traction is lost, and the third is a lock mode that sends consistent power to the front and rear wheels for use in especially slippery conditions.

Favorite Features

Interior Flexibility
SX4 Crossover and SportBack models feature rear seats that not only fold, but also tumble forward. The tumble feature opens up interior space and allows this little vehicle to swallow quite a bit of cargo.

Armrests
We appreciate the little things in vehicles that make driving more comfortable, and when traveling long distances, armrests help reduce driver fatigue.

2012 Suzuki SX4 Details

2012 Suzuki SX4 Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The SX4 in Crossover and SportBack forms offers a flexible interior with 60/40 split-folding rear seats that also tumble forward. With the rear seats folded, there is a bigger-than-expected 43 cubic feet of cargo space. Up front, a tilt (but not telescoping) steering wheel is standard across the lineup and is available with leather wrapping. All SX4 models can seat up to five passengers, but keep in mind these are small cars, so the rear seats are not exactly spacious for adults. Steering wheel-mounted controls for audio and cruise control are available on higher trims of the sedan and Crossover, and standard on the SportBack. The simple gauges and instrumentation are well lit, easy to read and still fairly fresh looking. Bluetooth hands-free technology is optional. Driver and front-seat passenger comfort is improved with the built-in armrests.

Exterior

Though six years old, the SX4 Crossover still looks relatively modern, boasting a short, wedge-like profile with plenty of windows. The front-drive-only SX4 SportBack is about an inch shorter than the Crossover and has slightly lower ground clearance. You might know it as the economy car tapped by the U.S. version of "Top Gear" for its Star in a Reasonably Priced Car segment. The SX4 Sedan remains quite bland with little to distinguish itself, but the Sport version has a, well, sportier appearance.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Standard equipment on all SX4 models includes a rear heater duct, pollen filter, halogen headlights, ABS, 12-volt power outlet, dual front vanity mirrors and power windows, locks and mirrors.

Optional Equipment

A navigation unit, carbon-fiber door-sill trim and XM satellite radio are among the relatively short list of interior upgrades available on the 2012 Suzuki SX4. An auto-dimming rearview mirror is optional on the Crossover and SportBack versions. A roof rack is available across the board, and Crossover versions can be fitted with a ski/snowboard holder or cargo box. The Sport version of the sedan has a sport-tuned suspension, spoilers and larger wheels and tires.

Under the Hood

All 2012 Suzuki SX4 models are powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that puts out 150 horsepower when connected to a 6-speed manual transmission or 148 for vehicles with the continuously-variable automatic transmission.

2.0-liter inline-4
150 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
148 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm (CVT automatic)
140 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy:
Crossover: 22 /30 mpg (manual transmission), 23/29 mpg (automatic)
SportBack: 22/30 mpg (manual), 23/30 mpg (automatic)
Sedan: 23/33 mpg (manual), 25/32 mpg (automatic)
Sport: 23/32 mpg (manual), 23/30 mpg (automatic)

Pricing Notes

An SX4 Sedan can, in theory, be had for around $14,000, but that model must be specially ordered and lacks air conditioning and even a radio. A better-equipped but still basic LE version of the sedan is a little over $16,000. A base SportBack is around $17,500, and the all-wheel-drive Crossover is just under $18,000, including destination. A fully-loaded SX4 Crossover can surpass $24,000. These prices are competitive, but not the lowest in the compact and subcompact car segments. Before making your purchase, be sure and check the kbb.com Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for a 2012 Suzuki SX4. The SX4 residual values are near the bottom for this segment.

To find out what consumers are really paying for this vehicle, first select a style to see the Fair Purchase Price| Calculate payments for this vehicle

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Suzuki SX4 vehicles for sale near you.

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more.

See what you should pay

Buy used | Trade-in/Sell

2012 Suzuki SX4 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.4

Out of 10

Based on 230 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.5/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

8.4/10
Comfort

8.3/10

Styling

8.6/10

Easy Driving, Love my Suzuki!

By Arpeija (LA) on Friday, July 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 64,500

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: 9/10

Pros: "Great price, great sound system, fun to drive!"

Cons: "Wish mine had cruise control"

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

"This is my first new car, bought straight off the lot when it was just a baby with 1140 miles. Has given me no trouble, love being able to zip in and out of traffic and easily get into any open parking spot. See your available miles, instant mpg, and average mpg (mine is at 27.0 mpg). Holding its value well! Great sound system too! XM ready, MP3 capability."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Rugged little car!!

By Cliffy (ME) on Wednesday, July 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,000

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: 8/10

Pros: "Seperate2 wheel and 4 wheel abilities,26 mpg city,"

Cons: "alittle small for full figured people"

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

"I have owened the SX4 since new , This well built little car WILL GO ANYWHERE (Even 4x4 trails ) Just throw a set of jeep rims with some decent tires on it and go muddin ,I regularly follow my friends when they go 4 wheelin(i did install frnt$rear skid plates and a 2 inch lift )Put some 215 75 grabbers and WOW this in 4x4 lock is unstopable LOVE the car!! great for maine winters and mud season 26 an 32 mpg handles solid on the road, good rigid suspension , BUT do not try to fit 5 people in 4's good"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Rugged little car!!

By Cliffy (ME) on Wednesday, July 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,000

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: 8/10

Pros: "Seperate2 wheel and 4 wheel abilities,26 mpg city,"

Cons: "alittle small for full figured people"

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

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Rugged little car!!

By Cliffy (ME) on Wednesday, July 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,000

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: 8/10

Pros: "Seperate2 wheel and 4 wheel abilities,26 mpg city,"

Cons: "alittle small for full figured people"

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

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

I like IT much

By Krist_eros (NY) on Sunday, June 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 115,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "good value, fun to drive"

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

"this SX4 4x4 hatchback is my wife's car. I, change the oil, that is all I do. I like the ingress egress for a heavy fellow. Every time I have the opportunity, I drive it...it is delightful driving it-stable maneuverable. My wife says it holds the snow good. Too bad Suzuki cars do not sell here any more."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Funky cool 4x4 hatch!

By tishpit (FL) on Monday, June 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Fun drive, great 4x4 system, unique looks!"

Cons: "A-pillar blind spot, small cargo room"

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

"It is a rarity to find a car like the SX4 anymore. I have had quite a few Suzuki cars and sad to see 'Zuki auto leave the U.S. My other is a Metro and love it! Have had Tracker, Sidekick, 3 Metro's and now the SX4. This 4x4 allows you to shift in and out of 4WD... rare among these horrid AWD cars that grab control away from the driver. The SX4 handles like a sporty car (reminds me of my Mazdas!), rides firm and comfortable on long drives, noise level is typical of a small hatch, it is simple and straight forward. Nothing flashy... no computerized touchscreen Bluetooth remote starting here folks. Just a fun, reliable, mountain goat in disguise! The bad points: seats are hard, HATE the wide A-pillar that blocks some vision, small cargo room with rear seat that no longer flips forward as in previous year SX4's (w'as up wit' dat?). Mileage is a respectable 26 MPG mixed driving with a/c going on level pavement. Off-road it goes nicely and looking to put a lift kit on it with some AT tires. Then will have a mountain goat EXTRAORDINAIRE! Worried about available parts and service, but so far, very reliable and just too darn good a car to give up. NOTE: need a spare key and cannot get one for a Suzuki? Use the key for a Mazda... same ignition system!!!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 230 reviews