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Subcompact car; Built in Japan
  • 4-door hatchback
  • 4-door sedan
  • transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $3,100 – $12,800*


2010 Suzuki SX4


2008 Suzuki SX4 sedan


2008 Suzuki SX4 sedan


2008 Suzuki SX4


2008 Suzuki SX4 hatchback


2008 Suzuki SX4 hatchback

Pros:
  • Cargo room (hatchback)
  • Control layout
  • Fuel economy (manual)
  • Ride
Cons:
  • Acceleration
  • Engine noise
  • Rear-seat comfort
  • Road noise (hatchback)

Declared the lowest-priced AWD car in the U.S. market, in hatchback form, Suzuki’s SX4 does not impress for acceleration or fuel economy. Instead, count among this subcompact’s virtues a solid feel, standard all-wheel-drive traction (on hatchbacks), laudable standard safety features, and impressive passenger and cargo room. An available antiskid system is another bonus. Remember though that Suzuki’s exit from the American new-car market could make getting parts and service more of a challenge.

Overview

Suzuki’s new subcompact all-wheel drive wagon replaced the Aerio SX hatchback for 2007. The SX4 was offered in base and Sport trim levels. Both used a 143-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission, or optional four-speed automatic. Suzuki’s “intelligent” AWD system lacked low-range gearing, but could be set for front-wheel drive only, for AWD, or for a locked-in front/rear power split that provided 30-50 percent of engine output to the rear wheels. Styling was partially developed by Italdesign in Italy.

Antilock all-disc braking was standard. Sport models added traction/antiskid control. Every SX4 came with front side airbags, curtain side airbags, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Gauges and controls were backlit in red. Sports had automatic climate control, keyless entry/starting, cruise control, and heated door mirrors. Cargo space totaled 16 cubic feet with the rear seat up, growing to 54 cubic feet with the seat folded. Rivals included the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, and Kia Rio5.

Yearly Updates

2008 SX4
A four-door sedan joined the original SX4 hatchback crossover wagon for 2008, using the same powertrain. Called the SX4 Sport, it replaced the departed Aerio sedan and came only with front-wheel drive. AWD remained standard on hatchbacks. SX4 Sports had an aero body kit, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a sport-tuned suspension with lower ride height. Touring hatchbacks included antiskid/traction control, keyless entry/starting, and a six-CD changer in a 380-watt audio system.
2009 SX4
The SX4 hatchback added front-wheel-drive versions for 2009, and a newly available navigation system was standard on several SX4 models.
2010 SX4
The 2010 Suzuki SX4 received freshened styling, slightly more power, and new transmissions. A 6-speed manual and CVT were new this year.
2011 SX4
The 2011 Suzuki SX4 saw only minor trim changes.
2012 SX4
There were no changes of note to the 2012 Suzuki SX4.
2013 SX4
SX4’s lineup was simpler for its final model year. Suzuki ceased selling cars in the U.S., following its distributor’s November 2012 bankruptcy. The company produced and imported a limited number of 2013 SX4s. Once supplies were exhausted, a select number of facilities were scheduled to remain open for parts and maintenance. Suzuki promised to honor all warranties.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

In the SX4, Suzuki’s 143-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mates with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Hatchback SX4s have all-wheel drive, but sedans are front-wheel drive. For 2010, the previous transmission options were replaced by a 6-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission.

dohc I41
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.0/120
Engine HP 143
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 136
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		22/30
23/31 		25.2
20.7
dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.0/120
Engine HP 148-150
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 140
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual
CVT automatic 		22/30
23/30

1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years. EPA estimate for AWD SX4 hatchback is 21/28 mpg.

Road Test

Acceleration is acceptable with a manual transmission, as long as you shift frequently. An SX4 is pokey with automatic, though it kicks down promptly for more available power. Either way, plan ahead for freeway merging and passing on busy two-lane roads.

Fuel economy excels with manual shift, but disappoints with automatic. An extended-use base hatchback with manual transmission averaged 25.2 mpg. That’s hardly stunning for a subcompact, but good for any AWD model. In contrast, a test automatic-transmission SX4 averaged an underachieving 20.7 mpg. SX4s use regular-grade gasoline.

Ride quality is fairly comfortable for a small, relatively light car. The combination of limber but nicely-damped suspension and relatively sizable tires iron out most rough pavement. Sedans have a stiffer body, so they feel even more solid than hatchbacks.

Handling is satisfying for a subcompact. The hatchback SX4’s AWD front/rear power lock deactivates above 36 mph, so that model mostly behaves like a front-wheel-drive car. Hatchbacks corner with a stable feel, accompanied by moderate grip and body roll. Steering is quick and nicely weighted. Availability of an antiskid system is uncommon in this price class. Brake-pedal action is firm and progressive.

Noise ranks as class-average, at best. Suzuki’s engine is fairly loud at high rpm, and hums audibly even in gentle cruising. Wind noise is modest. Sedans are slightly quieter than hatchbacks, which let in more coarse-surface tire thrum and road noise. Little thumping over bumps is noticeable.

SX4’s conventional but attractive dashboard design provides large, legible gauges and simple, handy minor controls. Automatic-transmission models have a gear-position indicator in the gauge cluster–a nice touch for this class. Cabins use good-quality materials for this price level, with exemplary detail finish.

Front riders can expect generous headroom, but despite a high seating position for this class, leg space is just adequate for lanky drivers. Seats are ordinary for shape and padding, and lack height adjustment. The angle and thickness of front roof pillars partially obstructs views to the corners.

Rear-seat comfort is better than expected for this class. Though the seat is relatively high–a comfort plus–it’s too narrow for three adults. Good foot space is accompanied by adequate kneeroom and legroom, even with the front seats moved far back. Head clearance is acceptable for six-footers, but squeezes taller folk.

Cargo space behind the hatchback’s split rear seat holds a half-dozen grocery bags or a few medium-sized duffels. Rear-seat headrests need not be removed, but seat sections won’t tumble fully forward without a front seat well forward, too. With the split rear seat folded, hatchback cargo volume totals 38.1 cubic feet–quite good given SX4’s modest overall length. Cabin storage is useful but not abundant. Sedans have a comparatively roomy trunk, but lack folding rear seatbacks.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 SX4 hatchback w/auto.

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 3
30%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 5
50%
Quietness - 4
40%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Rear - 4
40%
Cargo Room - 6
60%

Other

Value - 7
70%

Total: 52

Specifications

4-door hatchback
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
98.4 162.8 69.1 63.2
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
54.3 11.0 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.6 37.5 41.4 35.9
4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
98.4 162.8 68.1 60.8
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
14.3 13.2 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.6 37.5 41.4 35.9
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 SX4 4-door hatchback

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 4
80%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Airbags
Description: The airbag warning light illuminates when the weight changes on a seat due to shifting, placing objects, bouncing, etc. requiring software update to the supplemental restraint system. (2009)
Air conditioner
Description: The air conditioning may stop working because the electromagnet for the compressor clutch fails. (2007)
Engine stalling
Description: The engine may stall immediately after a cold start and if the key is turned off then back to start the check engine light may illuminate requiring software update. (2007)
None
Description: There may be click when starting from a stop due to lack of grease at the CV joint flange. (2007)
Transmission problems
Description: The transmission pops out of gear while driving due to worn 5th. gear synchronizers and the gear. (2007-09)

Recall History

2007 SX4 hatchback
Description: The three screws that secure each of the outside rear view mirrors to the mirror base can come loose due to vibration. If a rear view mirror falls off the vehicle the driver will have reduced visibility increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the base screws on both outer rear view mirrors free of charge.
2008-10 SX4 vehicles equipped with Garmin Navi model 750, 760 and 765 navigation system
Description: The batteries contained in the affected GPS units can overheat. Overheated batteries could result in a fire. Suzuki will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by Garmin technicians by replacing the battery and inserting a spacer on top of the battery free of charge.
2008-10 SX4 hatchback and sedan passenger vehicles
Description: The three screws that secure each of the outside rear view mirrors to the mirror base can come loose due to vibration. If a rear view mirror falls off the vehicle the driver will have reduced visibility increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the base screws on both outer rear view mirrors free of charge.
2010 SX4 passenger vehicles
Description: The tension adjuster pulley for the drive belt that operates the alternator, water pump, air conditioner compressor and power steering pump, has an improperly manufactured internal spring that can break due to repeated stress. This can also cause the coolant temperature indication to rise, which can lead to the engine overheating, or can cause the charging light to come on, which can lead to battery discharge and engine stall. If the drive belt comes off, requiring the driver to use increased steering effort, or the engine stalls, a vehicle crash could occur dealers will replace the tension adjuster pulley with an improved part.
2010-13 SX4
Description: Certain 2010 through 2013 model SX4 vehicles built between July 16, 2009 and November 1, 2012 may have a gear lever that can be shifted out of the Park position without the brake pedal being depressed.
2011 SX4 passenger vehicles produced prior to October 14, 2010
Description: The tension adjuster pulley for the drive belt that operates the alternator, water pump, air conditioner compressor and power steering pump, has an improperly manufactured internal spring that can break due to repeated stress. This can also cause the coolant temperature indication to rise, which can lead to the engine overheating, or can cause the charging light to come on, which can lead to battery discharge and engine stall. If the drive belt comes off, requiring the driver to use increased steering effort, or the engine stalls, a vehicle crash could occur dealers will replace the tension adjuster pulley with an improved part.
2012-13 SX4
Description: Certain 2012 and 2013 model SX4 vehicles made between September 3, 2011 and April 5, 2013 may have insufficient clearance between the power steering pump body and power steering fluid control valve that may cause the pump to seize.
2013 SX4
Description: Certain 2013 model SX4 vehicles made between December 26, 2012 and February 4, 2013 and equipped with Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) may bolts that were installed with insufficient torque to fasten the drive plate to the torque convertor. The bolts may come loose, fall out, and get caught between the drive plate and cylinder block. It is possible that this can cause the engine to stall.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
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