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 criticised for the low quality of its interior fittings compared to rivals.
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 test 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.”
Read review
“The BoosterJet engine adds welcome performance to the Suzuki Vitara, but without sacrificing its impressive efficiency.”
Read review
Auto Express
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Suzuki Vitara has transformed from a chunky off-roader into a softer crossover.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Carbuyer
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Suzuki Vitara is a class stalwart and the latest version is affordable to buy and run, as well as being fun to drive.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“The Suzuki Vitara softens up as a mid-size crossover.”
Read review
Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“All rounder and family favourite”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Parkers
Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Cheap crossover is good to drive and great value”
Read review
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.”
Read review
The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Vitara S 1.4-litre petrol manual
Score: 6 / 10
“Flimsy but likeable.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
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.”
Read review
Which?
Model reviewed: Range overview
“The Suzuki Vitara is a handsome and practical competitor in the compact SUV class. Safety is a strong suit, and there’s plenty of technology on board, as well as the option to have all-wheel drive. However, the Vitara lacks the interior quality and polished driving experience of its closest rivals.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: April 2015
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Suzuki Vitara has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.
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
Buy or lease a Suzuki Vitara
Regardless of whether you’re looking for a new or used Vitara, The Car Expert’s partners have thousands of cars to choose from
Buy a car online from your sofa.
We’ll deliver it. Find out more
We only have the best used cars for sale from selected dealers. Find out more
Search less, live more. We make finding the right car simple. Find out more
The UK’s automotive search engine. All the cars in one place. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Carparison Leasing. Find out more
Personal contract hire deals from Moneyshake. Find out more
We Finance Any Car provides an alternative to dealer finance. Find out more
Motorly provides an alternative to dealer finance. Find out more