Summary
The Suzuki Vitara is a small SUV/crossover model and the best-selling car in the Suzuki range. The current model is the fourth generation Vitara, which went on sale in 2015 and was given a substantial facelift in late 2018.
The Vitara has received average to good reviews from the UK motoring media, with our overall Expert Rating currently placing it in middle of the small SUV/crossover field. It has received particular praise for its practicality, versatility and value for money, but has been criticized for the low quality of its interior fittings compared to rivals.
As of April 2024, the Suzuki Vitara holds a New Car Expert Rating of C with a score of 61%. This score places the car firmly in the lower end of the small SUV category in our Expert Rating Index.
Key specifications
Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, petrol/electric hybrid
Price: From £23,749 on-road
Launched: Spring 2015
Last updated: Spring 2022
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid SZ5
Score: 7 / 10
“The first hybrid drivetrain in the Suzuki Vitara is not a massive step forward, but it is a useful one on an SUV that is good value for money.”
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“The BoosterJet engine adds welcome performance to the Suzuki Vitara, but without sacrificing its impressive efficiency.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Suzuki Vitara has transformed from a chunky off-roader into a softer crossover.” (Ben Custard)
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Autocar
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7 / 10
“For a robust crossover, the Suzuki Vitara drives well. With that safely in the bank, we’re inclined to look on its shortcomings kindly.”
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Car
Model reviewed: Vitara S
Score: 8 / 10
“What a fine car. When you look at the prices being asked for supposedly more premium products that are actually no roomier or quicker, nor better built, you can feel pretty smug that you’re in a Suzuki Vitara S. Not just because it’s practical and versatile, but because it’s a satisfying, if low key, car to drive.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Suzuki Vitara is an affordable, practical and reliable small SUV that’s good to drive.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Suzuki Vitara is a no-fuss crossover that’s perfect for a growing family, but alternatives look more luxurious inside.”
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Company Car Today
Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual SZ5 Allgrip
“It’s a specific place the market, but if you need a small, low-cost SUV with good four-wheel drive, a decent boot and competitive emissions the Suzuki Vitara is excellent value for money.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: Vitara S
Score: 6 / 10
“The Suzuki Vitara S is one of the more entertaining options for family types forced to put a small crossover on the driveway.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“The Suzuki Vitara softens up as a mid-size crossover.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“All rounder and family favourite”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“We think the Suzuki Vitara offers a lot of space and equipment for the money. It may not be as stylish as other small SUVs nor as desirable, but we think the smart money would go on the Vitara every time.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual AllGrip SZ5
“The Suzuki Vitara remains one of the best value SUVs with genuine four-wheel drive capability.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre BoosterJet petrol manual S
“The BoosterJet is certainly the engine to choose. It’s the perfect choice for the Suzuki Vitara, combining impressive on-road flexibility and performance with affordable running costs. Factor in the added peace of mind afforded by the all-wheel-drive system and it’s a great family car.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Cheap crossover is good to drive and great value”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: SZ5
“The Suzuki Vitara might not be the most seductive small SUV, but with AllGrip technology it’s one of the most capable — and affordable.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Vitara S 1.4-litre petrol manual
Score: 6 / 10
“Flimsy but likeable.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SZ-T
Score: 6 / 10
“Suzuki’s sensible SUV is as likeable as ever, but it isn’t quite as good as it needs to be to truly justify its increased price. And while the new 1.0-litre engine is fun if you wind it up, it can be frustrating to use around town – which is where most Vitaras will find themselves.”
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Top Gear
Score: 6 / 10
“The Suzuki Vitara isn’t the coolest crossover on sale, but it might be the best value. More to like here than you might expect.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“There are more upmarket small SUVs, but the Suzuki Vitara is one of the most spacious and is great value for money. Even the entry-level model gets plenty of kit, and its mild-hybrid technology helps to keep running costs down. However, similarly priced rivals are better to drive and feel more upmarket inside.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: April 2015
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 89%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 75%
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of April 2024, the Suzuki Vitara has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 18
Average repair cost: £471.11
Last updated: January 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Suzuki Vitara has a reliability score that’s better than average, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation Vitara and the earlier (pre-2015) versions which were called ‘Grand Vitara’.
Faults are reportedly cheap to fix across the board for Vitara owners, but watch out for gearbox issues which, although more rare, can cost around £800.
If you’re looking at a used Suzuki Vitara, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.
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 | 52 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 | 123 g/km | A | 120 – 142 g/km | A – B |
Hybrid models | 123 g/km | A | 119 – 130 g/km | A – A |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 18 | A | 16 – 50 | A – F |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £200 | B |
Year 2 | £537 | B |
Year 3 | £903 | B |
Year 4 | £114 | A |
Year 5 | £1,523 | B |
Overall | £3,277 | A |
The Suzuki Vitara 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.
The fuel economy of both petrol and diesel models is very good when compared to other compact crossovers, and the Vitara’s insurance and maintenance costs are predicted to remain manageable over the course of five years of ownership.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Suzuki Vitara has received
2019
- Honest John Awards – Best Small Crossover
- Cargurus Used Car Awards – Best Small Crossover
2018
- What Car? Awards – Best Buy Small SUV under £16,000
2017
- What Car? Awards – Best Buy Small SUV under £15,000
2016
- Honest John Awards – Car of the Year
- Tow Car Awards – Ultralight Tow Car of the Year
- What Car? Awards – Best Buy Small SUV under £15,000
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Suzuki Vitara, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Citroën C3 Aircross | Dacia Duster | Fiat 500X | Ford EcoSport | Honda HR-V | Hyundai Bayon | Hyundai Kona | Jeep Renegade | Kia Stonic | Mazda CX-3 | MG ZS | Mitsubishi ASX | Nissan Juke | Peugeot 2008 | Renault Captur | SEAT Arona | Skoda Kamiq | SsangYong Tivoli | Toyota Yaris Cross | Vauxhall Crossland | Vauxhall Mokka | Volkswagen T-Cross | Volkswagen T-Cross | Volkswagen T-Roc
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Suzuki Vitara at The Car Expert
Buy a Suzuki Vitara
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Lease a Suzuki Vitara
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