Summary
The Suzuki S-Cross is a mid-size five-door SUV/crossover that sits between the smaller Vitara and larger Across in the Suzuki SUV family. This generation is an all-new model that arrived in the UK in January 2022, replacing the previous model which had been on sale in various forms since 2013.
The new S-Cross features more modern styling styling and more on-board technology than its predecessor. Only one powertrain option is currently offered, which is a 140hp 1.4-litre petrol engine with mild hybrid assistance. A plug-in hybrid variant is planned to arrive in the UK later in 2022.
While UK reviewers almost conclusively agree that the second-generation Suzuki S-Cross is an affordable package that features plenty of on-board tech as standard, many of those same journalists take issue with the SUV’s rather cheap interior design, which Parkers labels “dull”.
Many reviews also note that the S-Cross has less rear headroom and boot space than key rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Peugeot 3008, while Carbuyer points out that an entry-level S-Cross model is not much of a step up from the cheaper Suzuki Vitara.
Regardless, Heycar concludes that the S-Cross is a perfect example of what Suzuki models do best – remain dependable for decades, potentially “outlasting some of its buyers” Car predicts. Suzuki’s mild hybrid technology means that the S-Cross is cheap to run.
Compared to mainstream rivals, the S-Cross is rather basic, but it does cover the basics well. As of January 2025, the Suzuki S-Cross holds a New Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 56%.
S-Cross highlights
- Good value-for-money
- Low running costs
- Very reliable
- Quality engine
- Comfortable driving experience
S-Cross lowlights
- Dull interior trim
- Rivals have more space in the boot
- Laggy infotainment
- Limited rear headroom
- Only one engine currently in the line-up
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol (mild hybrid)
Price: From £24,999 on-road
Launched: Spring 2022
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol Ultra
Score: 6.8 / 10
“There’s a lot to like about the new Suzuki S-Cross. Certainly, the price you pay will make it very tempting for many buyers. You will then have to ask yourself if you are happy with it doing the other stuff only adequately, such as its amount of space and its performance on the road. It’s competent and excellent value but by no means a stand-out contender.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Suzuki S-Cross offers a lot for the money, but its utilitarian interior and unrefined hybrid system let it down.”
Author: Max Adams, Dean Gibson
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Model reviewed: S-Cross Hybrid
Score: 6 / 10
“The Suzuki S-Cross Hybrid is a neat compact SUV that’s packed with plenty of kit at a competitive price, while its option of four-wheel drive is relatively unique in the sector. However, rivals offer more space, while the Hybrid model’s ponderous automated manual gearbox means it’s not very smooth to drive.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“No-nonsense and great value for money, the Suzuki S-Cross may not be the snazziest crossover around but appeals for other reasons.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Suzuki S-Cross is a simple and honest family SUV. It’s economical, good value for money, spacious and surprisingly good fun to drive. However, that’s only true if you stick with the 1.4-litre four-cylinder mild hybrid petrol engine. Suzuki’s new full hybrid system doesn’t make a very good case for itself. It’s a bit underpowered, the gearbox isn’t particularly refined and its fuel economy figures aren’t significantly better.” (Luke Wilkinson)
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.2 / 10
“The new Suzuki S-Cross looks good value in entry-level spec but it’s not the most practical car in its class and the brand’s less expensive Vitara is very similar.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: S-Cross 1.4 Mild Hybrid Ultra
Score: 6 / 10
“Suzuki doing what Suzuki does best – a dependable, left-field alternative to mainstream family SUVs like the Vauxhall Mokka, Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
“New Suzuki S-Cross gets generous kit levels and mild-hybrid power.”
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Motoring Research
Model reviewed: S-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet Allgrip Ultra
Score: 7 / 10
“The revised Suzuki S-Cross has finally become a car worthy of real-world consideration. It’s not one that knocks rivals such as the Qashqai or 3008 for six, but it’s nevertheless a more competitive proposition alongside them. Particularly with added value on its side.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6.4 / 10
“A sensible but not scintillating family SUV.”
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Regit
Score: 6 / 10
“All things considered, the Suzuki S Cross is not bad. But the lack of drivability from the hybrid powertrain and the reduced practicality is a letdown. The Suzuki is not ugly but its exterior design has a whiff of yesteryear about it, as does the interior. And, alas, the infotainment system is low down the rankings. Nevertheless, the S Cross is generously equipped and excellent value for money when you consider the cost of most hybrid 4x4s.”
Author: Tim Barnes-Clay
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The Sun
Model reviewed: S-Cross 1.4 Mild Hybrid Ultra
“Another brilliantly executed Suzuki that offers a lot of comfort and convenience, for not a lot of money.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol manual Boosterjet Ultra
Score: 6 / 10
“The Suzuki S-Cross isn’t going to bother the big sellers in this class such as the Ford Kuga or Nissan Qashqai, but there are those who might be tempted by the simple 4×4 system, the dependability of the brand and by the company’s dealers who tend to regard their customers as people and not a job card.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“A car that used to be purely sensible now lets some style into the mix. Not perfect, but wholeheartedly good value for money.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of January 2025, the Suzuki S-Cross has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP. If and when it is put through its paces by Euro NCAP, we will publish the results here.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2025, the Suzuki S-Cross has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of January 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Suzuki S-Cross to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the S-Cross, we’ll publish the score here.
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 50 mpg | B | 45 – 53 mpg | B – C |
Hybrid models | 52 mpg | B | 49 – 54 mpg | B – C |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 128 g/km | A | 120 – 169 g/km | A – C |
Hybrid models | 125 g/km | A | 118 – 132 g/km | A – A |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 29 | C | 22 – 50 | A – F |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £173 | A |
Year 2 | £485 | A |
Year 3 | £846 | B |
Year 4 | £1,046 | B |
Year 5 | £1,463 | B |
Overall | £4,013 | B |
The Suzuki S-Cross is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
Fuel economy for both petrol and diesel models is good, and maintenance costs are predicted to remain on the affordable side during the first five years of ownership. On the insurance front, costs are expected to be fairly average.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Suzuki S-Cross, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C5 Aircross | Ford Kuga | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Tucson | Kia Sportage | Mazda CX-30 | MG HS | Nissan Qashqai | Peugeot 3008 | Renault Kadjar | SEAT Ateca | Skoda Karoq | Subaru XV | Suzuki Vitara | Toyota RAV4 | Vauxhall Mokka
Buy a Suzuki S-Cross
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Lease a Suzuki S-Cross
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