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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 Editorial Staff

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

#10

out of 10

MPG

#4

out of 10

Horsepower

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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 220 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

I love my SX4!

By Mason (PA) on Friday, February 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: Not Rated
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: Not Rated
Performance: Not Rated
Styling: Not Rated
Comfort: Not Rated

Pros: "Fun to drive, great AWD, reliable"

Cons: "Suzuki leaving the US, small gas tank"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Ive had my SX4 for a year and a half now and have had no issues. It runs like the day I drove it off the lot. Very smooth and solid on the highway. The AWD is great. I had to use it a few times this winter and it drove as if there was no snow on the ground. The AC works great in the summer. I also like the plastic trim around the car because in the winter they salt and cinder the roads like crazy and it really protects the paint and it also looks good too. I bought the crossbars and bike rack for the roof. Its easy to put the bike on there and its very stable. I just wanna get in my car and drive and drive. I plan on keeping it for years as long as I can get parts for it. I get about 25 mpg total hwy/city driving which isnt too bad for an AWD. The only real down side is that Suzuki pulled out of the US. I worry about getting parts for it down the road and they will probably be expensive. Suzuki is still going to honor our warranties which is good because they have a great warranty."

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had an antifreeze smell whenever I ran the air

By Serine459 (MN) on Wednesday, February 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 24,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 1/10
Styling: 2/10
Comfort: 2/10

Cons: "Company does not stand behind its warranty."

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

"Problem with antifreeze smell whenever I ran the air conditioner or defrost, Suzuki said it was a vapor problem and moved a hose. I told them I was still having the same problem ,they said it was working as designed and they were not going to do anything to repair it. I am very dissapointed as I am still supposed to be under full warranty. The smell is very annoying not to mention I do not think that it is healthy to be breathing in antifreeze fumes."

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