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 What Car? calls “uninspiring”, and 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, and Autocar, among others, was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the SUV’s “peppy” petrol engine.
Compared to mainstream rivals, the S-Cross is rather basic, but it does cover the basics well. As of January 2024, the Suzuki S-Cross holds a New Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 58%.
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
Reviews, road test and comparisons 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.”
Read review
Auto Express
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Autocar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Suzuki S-Cross is not the best family-sized crossover you can buy. The interior is conspicuously cheap and it’s not particularly engaging to drive. However, it manages to combine relatively peppy performance and good drivability with creditable economy and a low purchase price; so it covers the basics rather well.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“Suzuki certainly isn’t changing its formula here. It’s good value, has loads of kit, and might outlast some of its buyers. Dynamically it’s nothing to write home about and the interior won’t make your passengers jelly. Current Suzuki customers will love the new S-Cross. We just can’t imagine many new ones will be knocking down the doors of dealers.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Honest John
Model reviewed: Range overview
“New Suzuki S-Cross gets generous kit levels and mild-hybrid power.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6.4 / 10
“A sensible but not scintillating family SUV.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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
What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“With a gutsy and efficient engine, a generous list of standard kit and a good-sized boot, the Suzuki S-Cross certainly seems like good value for money. It’s a shame, though, that the infotainment system is so slow, and the interior quality so uninspiring. Many rivals are more spacious in the back, too.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of January 2024, 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 2024, 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 2024, 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.
Running cost rating
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
If you’re looking to buy a new or used Suzuki S-Cross, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find the right car.
Buy a car online from your sofa. We’ll deliver it. Find out more
Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple. Find out more
Discover great deals available on both new and used cars. Find out more
Search for your next new or used car with Auto Trader. Find out more
Lease a Suzuki S-Cross
If you’re looking to lease a new Suzuki S-Cross, The Car Expert’s partners can help you find a competitive deal.
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Hippo Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from LeaseLoco. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Ready2Lease. Find out more
Subscribe to a Suzuki S-Cross
If you’re interested in a car subscription, The Car Expert’s partners can help. (PS: What’s a car subscription?)