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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Suzuki SX4

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Overview

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2013 Suzuki SX4 Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 5.5

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

The versatile 2013 Suzuki SX4 comes in three distinct flavors. The SX4 Crossover is a 5-door hatchback equipped with Suzuki's 3-Mode Intelligent All-Wheel-drive (i-AWD). The Sportback shares the Crossover's same body and interior, but is fitted with front-wheel drive, a sport suspension and a lower profile. Finally, there is the Sedan, available in LE and Sport trim, with the security of a trunk but the same sporty setup as the Sportback. Powered by a 2.0-liter engine, the SX4 isn't terribly fast, nor does it offer best-in-class fuel economy. What the SX4 does offer is a lot of content for a very low price. In particular, the SX4 Crossover represents a tremendous bargain, costing thousands less than a comparably-equipped AWD Subaru Impreza.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a small car with a sophisticated AWD system that includes a locking mode, and you want it fully-loaded with navigation, Bluetooth and heated seats for less than $22,000, the SX4 is about the only game in town.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're all about resale and easy access to a large dealer network, the 2013 Suzuki SX4 isn't going to win you over. If you're willing to give up a few options, you can get into a larger and more fuel-efficient Subaru Impreza for about the same price as a loaded SX4 Crossover.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

5.5
Driving Dynamics

5.9
Comfort & Convenience

5.7
Design: Interior & Exterior

5.4
Value

5.7
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#14

out of 14

MPG

#5

out of 14

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.4 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

The 2013 Suzuki SX4 Crossover gets a new front fascia, new wheels and new colors. A new voice-activated navigation system is offered on the Crossover and is standard on the Sport Sedan. The system includes Bluetooth phone connectivity, a USB port and streaming audio capability.

Driving the SX4

Driving Impressions Because of their small sizes, all 2013 Suzuki SX4s are easy to maneuver and park. The Sport 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 3-Mode Intelligent All-Wheel-Drive (i-AWD) system has three settings: One sends all the power to the front wheels and is said to improve fuel economy, another automatically delivers 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

3-MODE INTELLIGENT ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE
The SX4 Crossover's 3-Mode i-AWD gives the best of all worlds, allowing the vehicle to operate in FWD, in on-demand AWD or in permanently-engaged AWD.

NAVIGATION
Suzuki's new navigation radio is relatively inexpensive, and features Bluetooth for audio and phone as well as voice control, SIRIUS/XM NavTraffic and iPod control via its USB port.

2013 Suzuki SX4 Details

2013 Suzuki SX4 Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The SX4 in Crossover and SportBack 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 steering wheel is standard across the lineup. 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.

Exterior

Though aging, 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 less 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, air conditioning with pollen filter, halogen headlights, tilt steering wheel, 8 airbags, 12-volt power outlet, dual front vanity mirrors, AM/FM/CD stereo with USB port, rear defroster and power windows, locks and mirrors.

Optional Equipment

A navigation unit, carbon-fiber door-sill trim and SIRIUS/XM satellite radio are among the relatively short list of interior upgrades available on the 2013 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 2013 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 (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

The 2013 Suzuki SX4 LE Sedan has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price starting a little over $16,500 with the manual transmission. The SportBack lists for around $19,000, and the all-wheel-drive Crossover starts just under $18,000, including destination. A fully-loaded SX4 Crossover tops out at a very reasonable $22,000. 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 2013 Suzuki SX4. The SX4 residual values are near the bottom for this segment.

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2013 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."

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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See all 230 reviews