Cost-cutting gone too far? Suzuki Vitara review

The Suzuki Vitara arguably kick-started the 'soft-roader' genre way back in 1988, but now it's a small family SUV that prioritises value for money and ruggedness above all else. Join Rebecca Jackson for an in-depth review of the Vitara, including a look at its practicality, driving comfort, technology and more. Does it live up to the Vitara name?
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[@mwp5536]

I have a 2016 1.6 6AT, and it's been flawless all the way. Affordable to maintain, frugal on fuel, comfortable, spacious and practical in the real world. Drives surprisingly sporty too. The hard plastic inside doesn't bother me at all, and is proving very durable too.

[@mariojager43]

I had the 1.4S turbo. It was brilliant and rapid. Hard plastics, yes, but durable and easy to clean. Quite economical if driven sensibly.

[@IGMHNSK]

We don't want to see this in india

[@neil1997]

Bought one new in 2017... Can't find anything to replace it!

[@nealthomas5346]

No mention of reliability. Such a reliable car. Loved mine and it didn’t put a foot wrong.

[@neil1997]

Seconded, and not dear on maintenance

[@hamdasaed]

❤😂😢😅😊​@@neil1997

[@jameshunter7181]

Yes, I see in the auto express survey it has the lowest % of problems.

[@joebloggs3629]

Nothing wrong with the Suzuki's the only problem is people's mind sets and badge snobbery (it's not German and image conscious). Suzuki gives you just what you need and plenty of reliability rather than what you don't.

[@CLYONS12345]

My wife has a 2015 with the old 1.6l engine. She bought it in 2018 and has been very happy. It’s been a great car. Very reliable and all that cheap, light plastic has been extremely durable. Nothing in the interior has broken.

[@peaceinath]

Something most of these reviews seem to ignore is the fact that the allgrip awd system beats out ALL of the other SUVs in the same class (apart from subaru) in both real world and roller tests. The transfer case when used in lock mode has the ability to effectively transfer 50% of the power to the back wheels. Something that cannot be said about the rivals, such as Toyota or Honda.

[@jametalboy]

The car every one forgot about but I like this suv the most... Simple, stylish & good looking...

[@paulsabucchi]

Owning a 1.0 all track four years now, 130k km and never a glitch. With winter tires no issues on 20cm deep icy snow going up or down hill. Cruise control and driver assists work well. Substance over appearances, would buy again

[@SeamusFoley-d4r]

The best cars on the market by a mile .Suzuki make every other car look shit . Never give any trouble what do ever .great great car.

[@peterpiper831]

My base manual Vitara has been so reliable, easy to drive, economical with enough room for me. BTW, that photo of the RAV4 shows the second model.

[@AmurTiger-vm5dy]

The best b-suv of the world 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆 🏆

[@eliotdeag8040]

Hi, we had a base spec 1.6 (120bhp) SZ4 in 2WD spec for over 7 years. Honestly it was good, and with Michelin Cross climate tyres was good off road and in the winter. Replaced with a more fuel efficient Toyota Yaris Cross but the Suzuki is still in the family and doing great work. Very reliable 1.6 with 45-50 mpg over the 7 years. Roomy inside. Not plush but tough! Cheers

[@Andek74]

Vitara is still a very good car, but to me it only makes sense with the all grip option, otherwise it is just a slightly lifted hatchback

[@S_Paoli]

wow... can't believe it's still so cold in the UK right now.... meanwhile, I'm baking in 92-degree weather here in the US. 😍

[@motorpoint]

This may have been filmed 3 months ago… -Tim

[@S_Paoli]

@@motorpoint I see... so the UK is now much warmer... say 90 degrees like here in the US? 😹 I love your channel so much... but sadly, most of the cool cars are NEVER sold here in the US. 😢

[@MrWilliam.Stewart]

Class leading in reliability and long term ownership costs I'd suggest.

[@neil1997]

Had our 1.4s 7 years now (from new). Only issues been 2x punctures... servicing really reasonable

[@tmjaspers]

the biggest plus, besides its price, is its reliability.

[@volt8684]

Won most reliable car last few years. Very tough cars. Oh o the hard plastics will kill a car. Do these presenters read off a script. Miles ahead off qasguai etc. sz5 loaded. Even better sx4 cross sz5.

[@jameshunter7181]

Agree, I see many reviews criticising hard plastics inside, personally I like them as it is much easier and quicker to clean and polish. Many manufacturers are installing fabrics on the dash boards now, no thanks, a collecting place for dirt and bacteria and difficult to clean.

[@xmaniac99]

ffs it is not a premium car it is utilitarian brand offering value for money. What kind of review is this?

[@harry-james-books]

Well, she's saucy to look at 🤡 More of a ladies take on them? those of us with balls who have them look at them as rugged and no nonsense. Which they are.

[@jameshunter7181]

It has been rated the most reliable in an auto express review this week, that is my first priority.

[@Coordinator61]

Not fun to drive? Come on. I have a 1400 allgrip automatic and in sportsmode it goes like stink.

[@beautyofnature4890]

New subscriber here..great video thank you..could you please make video on compare small suv hybrid like nissan juke hyundai kona toyota yaris cross honda hrv .

[@jrs9264]

They made the mistake of partnering with Garbage Motors across the pond. Ultimately, they were run out of the states due to QC issues and poor dealer network. 💯🤔

[@starpoint78]

Owning a 1.4 boosterjet mild hybrid 2020 version full led and the combination of power and souplesse is just perfect..far way better then the 1.5 version full hybrid

[@jameshunter7181]

Glad to hear that, I don't know why, but Suzuki have made the new hybrid version way too slow for my liking due to a shortage of horsepower. I notice it is also a Toyota engine.

[@trevordavies7760]

If I hear about those hard plastics again, I’ll scream! Do these reviewers just watch the other reviews and repeat, or do they ever try original thought? They never mention Suzuki’s and Vitara’s reliability - regularly coming second only to Toyota/Lexus in the annual Which? Car Report over 10-15 years. Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur - No thanks, I’ll never buy a French car again! It’s been mentioned before, but most of its ‘rivals’ (eg Ford Puma) don’t even offer a 4WD/AWD version, and if they do you have to pay about £35k. My new full-spec Suzuki Vitara 1.4 Turbo Mild Hybrid AllGrip cost me about £10k less than that. Do you need AWD? Well, I wanted it because my work takes me to some remote locations, in winter, but it manages UK’s potholed roads quite well too. Yes, the interior lacks the squidgy leatherette surfaces of other small SUVs, but it looks just fine and is robust and hard wearing; instead Suzuki spends its money (and therefore mine) on the bits that count - the highest spec in its class, by a country (off road) mile.

[@lesklower7281]

If l was in the market for a small SUV it would be a Suzuki Vitara of all its rivals it is the most reliable because they are built so well most now come on comparing it to a Nissan Juke the ugliest car ever made and not noted for its reliability also European cars aren't the most reliable vehicles except for the VW Taro look it up potable the best VW ever made the most reliable as for the Ford Puma thet are a rare sight in Australia many more Suzuki Vitaras on the road that the Puma and also look up the new Toyota Starlet a rebabged Suzuki Baleno which we own

[@Lufe6301]

Had a Grand Vitara for ten years then the Vitara for another eight (still got it), and not a single problem with either. Can get over 50mpg on a trip. Nothing fancy about them but a great car non the less

[@Aristos-u4l]

The best

[@pigeonpoo1823]

Well it's summer, sorta, so please review something suitably appropriate like a......... MX-5!!!!!!!! Or, at a real push, a Fiat 500 convertible.

[@ronflynn5043]

cant imagine you getting a job as car salesperson.

[@mariolosberg4257]

I like more Suzuki s-cross, looks better to me...

[@dianalee7925]

Wow..discontinued in the US long ago!

[@davidhayes4814]

Good review but damning the Suzuki with faint praise, I guess….

[@hectorheath9742]

Am looking at this because I'm trying to avoid cursed CVT's. If this has a conventional gearbox and a sensible price, that could become their trump card.🤔

[@4ebees]

I've got one while my car is in for repairs. 2024. Base model. Leans out of corners, asthmatic acceleration, excessively large steering wheel, high uncomfortable seating (seat is too deep and pushes into the back of my legs). The dash is cluttered and messy and the touchscreen is not much bigger than a mobile phone screen (okay, it is bigger but still bloody small). Cruise control but NOT adaptive cruise control. Good all-round visibility and mirrors but no, you can't see past the other SUV slugs on the road. Not only that but you need to be careful about overtaking...it's a slug with sod all torque. Touchy brakes as well. This is a brand new car I've got on loan. Couldn't recommend it to anyone.

[@shivalayguru9358]

You are so beautiful ❤️

[@bmwjonathan]

In my eyes is this a nice SUV!

[@donallen1384]

I’m seriously considering the Vitara as my next Motability car.

[@pauljames970]

The two litre petrol was the best model it had switchable two wheel drive four wheel drive and a low gear box as well. The car would go anywhere my pal still has one it's nearly 20 years old and it's brilliant !!!!

[@afriquelesud]

Anywhere you can go with a 2WD, isn't "off-road." Most of such places are just dirt roads or twin-track regular farm roads. Even the Kgalagadi desert (called "Kalahari" by the woefully inept) was tamed with Chev and Ford straight-six 2wd trucks. Africa is perhaps just tougher than most are used to, and so are its people.

[@Mist3man4423]

Will this vehicle exist along side the new Grand Vitara or will it be replaced by it?

[@shivathealmighty]

I have been always a Suzuki fan and will remain through out my life..

[@davidllewellyn5168]

Great presentation without the noise.

[@blackvulcan100]

Bought a Vitara back in 1989 whow what a vehicle, sold it and bought a Land Rover discovery yes ok I know ..

[@MARTINA-gc3tq]

The 1.6 auto as a used car buy is outstanding. Great reliability and reasonable servicing costs. No turbo to worry about and a torque converter auto. Keep it to yourself though.

[@corinful]

The 1.4 turbo is way better I've had both .

[@MARTINA-gc3tq]

@@corinful “better” at what…..certainly not longevity.

[@slamet.hidayat]

Is there any trim available with Electric Parking Brake and Auto Hold option?

[@tmjaspers]

Auto hold is standard!

[@DavidHolder-o3m]

I was going to buy one but I was put off because parts are very expensive to replace so not for me

[@Lufe6301]

in eighteen years never needed any.

[@pbdivyesh]

Why don't they bring this in India?

[@antonnikolov2849]

Just go for Duster

[@toyradish1]

Randomly found Rebecca Jackson again. Happy sigh......😇

[@neil1997]

And no wedding ring!

[@harry-james-books]

@@neil1997 She's teasing you

[@aayanverma1539]

“¡

[@mitchreeves1]

I looked at a new Suzuki Vitara 1.4T mild hybrid SZ5 with Allgrip and it was near £29k, but depreciation is really bad in its first year. I got a 18month old one with 12k miles in the exact same spec for £18800. Its condition is awesome, just one small mark on the dash and thats it. For this price it is amazing. I have 5 and a half years warranty left and loads and loads of kit on board. My 2 young boys love it! (Mainly because its the colour yellow). It drives superbly. It's incredibly smooth and i average 42mpg on a run and 55mpg on a big run with lots of A roads. About 50mpg on the motorway. It's the only small SUV on the market thats designed to be a small SUV. All other brands small SUV's are based on supermini engine's and chassis, so they feel like a car to drive. I chose the Suzuki because it feels like a SUV and not a Fiesta or Clio on steroids.

[@corinful]

Suzuki don't do a yellow Vitara

[@mitchreeves1]

@@corinful then I have a one of a kind on my driveway! It'd called Solar Yellow

[@petegreenfield8366]

They’re great, aren’t they? Just got one myself. Two years old. Fantastic value.

[@mitchreeves1]

@petegreenfield8366 well done mate, you'll have many happy miles with that one 😉 my uncle recently bought a similar aged S-Cross also with the 1.4 mild hybrid and he loves that too. It is very similar to the Vitara. I strongly believe that around the 18-24 month period they are an absolute bargain and are highly underrated.

[@petegreenfield8366]

@@mitchreeves1Cheers, Mitch! Mine is a black SZT 2WD with the 1.4. It flies along. Two years old and 15k! Covid model so they substituted the usual touch screen for a rather nice Pioneer head unit. I think that’s the only variation on mine though. Only thing that worries me is I find out Suzuki don’t make black Vitaras 😂😂😂 I like the yellow ones BTW.

[@Differentbias]

All suzuki cars feel like they will disintegrate on small collision. Everything is tin(ny). They ask for premium price for their weak built products.

[@AmurTiger-vm5dy]

FAKES

[@ManikandanSurendranath]

Resembles XUV300

[@harshvardhan5717]

My like not for Vitara