Suzuki Vitara Review

Please note that the review was not filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was shot in late 2019.
Welcome to my review of the Suzuki Vitara. This 2019 version has had a mid-life facelift with tweaked front and rear ends and soft touch plastics on the interior.
I have the 1.4 Boosterjet engine with 138 bhp and the Allgrip system.

[@miguelflores4682]

We just bought one, last December. We're absolutely sold on Suzuki. Proud owner of a 2011 Swift too. Greetings from Mexico!

[@trevordavies7760]

I thought I’d seen all of the Suzuki Vitara reviews, but yours just came up today, and it’s probably the best. As others say, no-nonsense, real world, practical and pragmatic. If I see another review that seems to write off such a feature-filled car just because of a bit of hard plastic and non-UHD infotainment screen, I’ll go ballistic! Your review would definitely have influenced my buying decision, if I hadn’t already ordered a new SZ5 ALLGRIP Mild Hybrid YESTERDAY! For me it was the ALLGRIP AWD that made it the only real choice. Setting aside the Dacia, and other Suzuki models, there are NO sub-£30k 4WD/AWD cars on the market; most of the SUV-styled cars that we see are just that - styled. Many of them don’t offer a 4WD option in the whole range; but if they do, you may be looking at the mid-£30ks! Of course, most folk don’t really need 4WD anyway; but my work involves some visits to remote sites, with a range of rough roads, dirt tracks and fields. Some sites are also in high country, so snow is a factor to consider also. I did also consider the Ignis ALLGRIP, and the S-Cross ALLGRIP, but the former wasn’t big enough for all my kit, and wasn’t quite a motorway cruiser, and the latter was more ‘family car’ than rugged all-rounder. I like that the Vitara looks like a 4WD. In short, the ALLGRIP Vitara is in a cost vs capability class of ONE.

[@nathanwolf5547]

The Vitara has always been an important car for UK drivers. With massive farming counties they become a necessity. Lincolnshire roads run from the wide open flats of the fens to high, folding and treacherous roads up in the Wolds. In farming counties even normal families need safe 4x4s they can rely on. There aren’t many cars on the road who live up to their “softroader” image , let alone ones that can offer decent mud-plugging chops without costing a fortune. Subaru or Suzuki are the only real options, if you want reliability too. The Jimny is great fun but too limited on-road. Other brands either don’t offer 4x4 or the systems they use wouldn’t deal with treacherous, muddy and snowy winter roads. Point a Honda CRV or a BMW X series at most of the Yorkshire, Lincolnshire roads mid winter and you’ll wish you hadn’t been a badge snob.

[@CastleKnight7]

I live in a rural part of Scotland and I echo your thoughts. 👍

[@pauld1966]

I first met the Suzuki Vitara around 1997, when I moved from Wales, back to England and got rid of the Discovery. My first Vitara was a 2.5 V6 and was a hoot! I've owned Landrovers, Mercedes, Audi's and MINI's for years, but keep coming back to the Vitara. I had a Grand Vitara and more recently (about 4 years ago) bought a 1.4 S All-Drive. What a car! Not bothered about 'image' but reliability and to be sure I could get to my daughter, on the farm in any conditions. The only change made was to fit Michelin Cross Climate tyres, which proved really good in the snow and in normal driving. I bought an SZ5 1.4 All-Drive auto about 10 months ago, changed the tyres to Michelin's. I put the original tyres on my daughters Vitara and am absolutely chuffed with the car!

[@eldarpanther1513]

This is such an excellent straight to the point no nonsense review, thank you. I bought the Suzuki Vitara All Grip (Gl+ 2019) and all I can say is that this is a beast of a car. It is one of the best choices I have made for an SUV. Although I live in the city I also have a house in a mountainous village (1300m altitude) which has alot and I do mean alot of snow and cold temperatures which I visit almost every month. This SUV went on icy uphill roads where many others got stuck, now I know why it sells so much in pretty much all of Europe. Cheers, you definitely earned a subscriber!

[@AutoBears]

Thank you for the comment Eldar. The Vitara is such a workhorse and goes anywhere with its all grip system. It has a huge fan base. I’m really happy to hear you’re loving yours.

[@srdjanmitrovic7324]

@@AutoBears Please do you have info whether the 1.4 booster is any good with an auto box. Is it more thirstier in that case and does it spoils the fun? Thanks

[@pauld1966]

@@srdjanmitrovic7324 I have just changed my Vitara 1.4 all-drive sport for an SZ-5 auto 1.4 all-drive. It is brilliant! Fuel consumption isn't that different, but the ease of driving is a whole new ballgame. This is my 5th Vitara and I have also owned an Audi, various Mercedes and lots of MINI's and I can honestly say that this new Vitara is the best. I swapped the tyres on my current car and the 1.4 sport to Michelan Cross Climate tyres and found it to be great in the snow, bad weather and getting out of muddy fields. The auto box in sport mode, goes extremely well.

[@srdjanmitrovic7324]

@@pauld1966 Dear Paul, apologise for not seing your reply earlier. Thanks very much for your reply though. It does help of course. But unfortunately I opted recently for Octavia Combi 1.5 TSI DSG 150 HP. I think I have asked you earlier on whether you have tried it or not. Its nice, nothing spectacular but at least it has huge amount of space for kids' stuff etc...DSG is a little hesitant but all in all it pulls well and overtakes when in S mode. Always wondered whether suzuki 1.4 150 HP is any faster. Probably is since it is lighter. COmbination of having a sort of SUV + autogearbox for 16,000 EUR has always been attractive given the bad roads in Europe and Western Balkans. God bless! Thanks for help

[@pauld1966]

@@srdjanmitrovic7324 Hi Srdjan, the Skoda is a great car! My friend has a skoda DSG but has said that he cannot really feel the gears changing on the Vitara. I must admit that occasionally, in some odd situations there is a hesitancy when we are going down a hill which is not very steep and meet with a sharp rise. It is beginning to go up a gear and then realises that it needs to go down again. I guess that is the same for all DSG boxes. Drive safe!

[@CastleKnight7]

As you said in your review, it’s the simplicity and no-nonsense approach to design which appeals to me. And you can’t fault Suzuki’s reliability. Having owned two Suzuki cars, I can attest to them being stalwarts on the road and worry free.

[@heikohehn7619]

Perfectly done, mate! A no nonsense review of a no nonsense allrounder given by a no nonsense test driver. Many thanks. :) I strongly recommend this compact and primarily city SUV in AllGrip version to all those who wish extra safety on snowy or in any way slippery ground.

[@ronaldcaringal6496]

You deserve more subscribers! Informative and relatable presentation. More power to you!

[@AutoBears]

Thank you for the comment Ronald. Every new subscriber is a step in the right direction. Glad you like the content. Always more to come.

[@iaincarmichael4057]

Exactly what I was going to say.

[@beckerqueiroz]

Really comprehensive review. Thank you for the great work, it was a joy to watch!

[@AutoBears]

Thank you so much for your comment. I am glad you enjoyed the review. Hope you enjoy the rest of the channel

[@mattywilliams7932]

Swapping my Yeti for one of these on Saturday. I've gone for The Auto 1.4 Booster Jet. Really impressed on test Drive.

[@volt8684]

First on ur channel. Very good thankyou no nonsense. No ranting on about plastics

[@vukseferovic5710]

Thanks for a great car review!! I test drove the Vitara and I liked it very much and agree 100% with your comments about the car... take care.. and yes...i subscribed to your channel..

[@MartinJG100]

Good down to earth reviews.

[@AbandonEarth911]

Thank you, a very interesting review.

[@corinnejansingh9426]

Lovely car, thanks for the review

[@Theintruder100]

I've had my one for about a month now it really has a nice punchy engine 1.4l model I like the cabin just feels spacious compared to the others I looked at. The cabin does feel a bit basic, i love the panoramic roof the rear isn't as big as I thought it would be, I think my note was the same size or slightly bigger but you could move the back seats in or out which you can't with the vitara which is something it could do with. It drives great on the motorway or down a windy country road.

[@kangchenjunga591]

Suzuki out rivals them all. Just got my vitara 2019 model and i am thrilled!

[@AutoBears]

It truly is the perfect all-rounder.

[@Topsyrm]

I did enjoy your review having just bought one myself (2016 variant) and you just saved yourself by remembering the Dacia Duster which is a much more agricultural vehicle, far more capable off road but by no means as good all round as the Suzi.

[@hyena-chase2176]

Duster has ground clearance but the allgrip system is a better,go watch roller test videos

[@rodsail380]

spot on review. will be watching more in future

[@AutoBears]

Thank you Rod for your comment. I am glad you enjoyed the review.

[@petermann2288]

Excellent vehicle good value especially the front wheel drive 1litre Szt model. Well done Suzuki.

[@AutoBears]

Thank you for the comment. Yes the Vitara is a great SUV. Cannot wait to watch it evolve.

[@MisterChrisInTheUK]

Very helpful and clear review, thanks!

[@ianfaulds8799]

Great review, picking ours up on sat, looking forward to it

[@AutoBears]

I hope you enjoy your new car Ian. Will be perfect for the weather we’ve been having.

[@johnmartin7158]

My wife’s daughter picked hers up in 2 weeks. How are you finding the vehicle Ian ? NZ

[@grahamtownsend7846]

A very comprehensive review - in what ways would the describe the ride and handling abilities of this Vitara compared to the Land Rover Evoque?

[@titouchose6534]

Check the ADAC german association actual boot size measurements. And you'll realise that the Vitara is amongst the very best in its category regarding boot volume. Especially when considering its relatively small 4.175 meter lenght.

[@kasyapps]

just brought vitara Indian version 1.5l petrol 2020 face lift model.. love the car it was more than expected thumps up suzuki👍🏻👍🏻 most value for money

[@AutoBears]

They are great cars Has and I'm happy to hear you're enjoying yours!

[@susansullivan9255]

Ive owned 4 grand vitaras . But bought a Mitsubishi asx 18 months ago and prefer the asx compared to the vitara. Suzuki should never have stopped making the grand vitara SZ4 2.4 litre. Cracking motor .bering in mind my grand vitara was the 2008 model as well

[@johnmartin7158]

Hi Mr Auto Bear ! A very underrated SUV. My wife’s daughter picked hers up in 2 weeks time. Sooner have that a millions times over than the MG. Hs PHEV. Very comfortable driving seat. Auckland. NZ

[@townmann5563]

Just bought one after your video , just needs lumber support in the seats

[@ianboothman2498]

Great review, thinking about getting one of these later this year, However, when the tail gate was lifted, i didn't see a spare wheel, surely there must be one? if not, what happens if you get a puncture . . !!

[@AutoBears]

Thank you for your comment Ian. Cars come with a tyre puncture repair kits as standard where spare wheels tend to be optional extras.

[@wayneheyes4934]

Love your videos I do think Suzuki need to up there designs and quality

[@AutoBears]

Thank you for your comment Wayne. I understand what you mean especially with the latest generation of smallish SUV’s and crossovers. Personally I think the exterior is spot on. Yes the interior is very simple/plain in its design. But I think it suits the Vitara no nonsense ways.

[@johnmartin7158]

@@AutoBears Totally agree ! Vitara is known for its simplicity and that’s what I like. However I believe late this year 2021 there will be changes.

[@mjfjkf]

Very good car I own one .i would like to see some in the test drive use the sport mode it make a lot of Difference to the handling witch is very good anyway

[@AutoBears]

Thank you for the comment. They are great all-round cars with strong off-road capabilities. I always find sport mode in these types of vehicles don’t hugely improve the dynamics of the car and as a result are rarely used.

[@ajaysingla6711]

A very comprehensive review, thanks. One thing that was missing and was keen to know, is this car suitable for regular long distance driving on motorways? i.e. the 1.4 Boosterjet SZ5 or S version? Does the car sit happily on motorways or uncomfortable on regular long distance journeys?

[@AutoBears]

Thanks for your comment. The Vitara is a nice car on the motorway. However it’s not as settled as other rivals. Like the Skoda Karoq. But the seats are comfortable. Hope that helps.

[@gillianhazell659]

I have a 2019 Vitara but I used to have a ssanyong Tivoli also very good looking 👍

[@AutoBears]

Thank you for your comment Gillian. I am glad to hear you have had a great experience with your Suzuki and Ssangyong.

[@titouchose6534]

The Dacia Duster though for the offroad part :) edit: oh you mentionned it at the end indeed. I watched some comparative videos between Duster and Vitara on the OffRoad abilities. Duster is clearly better even if the Vitara perform well.

[@ChasingMidnight001]

Great review, subbed! What is with the rear windows not going all the way down these days? I can't be the only buyer who is feeling claustrophobic just thinking about it....

[@AutoBears]

Thank you so much for the comment. I have no idea regarding the rear windows. It’s something I would’ve thought all manufacturers had gotten all sorted by now. But alas, we will have to wait.

[@pierocampi2350]

A note on the handling of the Vitara: you complain for the understeering attitude of it. If you change to the sport mode, where the torque is split 70/30%, the attitude changes completely. It becomes very neutral and the price you pay is only a very modest milage reduction.

[@johnnykempo]

Great review. 2 questions how does the boot space compare to a Duster? And what's the exact specification of this model review?

[@AutoBears]

Thank you for the comment John. The Dusters boot is larger by around 36 litres (375 - 411). I had the SZ5, 1.5 L Boosterjet manual AllGrip.

[@babiraj6155]

@@AutoBears 1.4 boosterjet!

[@RubberduckyO07]

Thankyou , I bought one 🎉

[@netrasystem]

A beautiful car

[@tasosavg4480]

Really very good review. How much is the fuel consumption?

[@Raven-136]

I have the sz5 manual and get 41mpg combined

[@WatchALife]

Thanks David, for such a well presented review. Totally agree, had Suzuki added the back pocket, Air con outlets, usb ports for the rear passengers, it would have been much ahead of the game. Also the quality and styling of the interior could have been better. I have owned Suzuki car's in the past and can say they are very economical, highly reliable, low maintenance and fun to drive vehicles. Could you also, please review the hybrid model, if possible. But overall such a fantastic rewiew. Thanks 👍

[@AutoBears]

Thank you for the comment. Yes those little features just keep the Vitara away from some of the class best. I will look to see if the hybrid version is available to review and see what I can do.

[@AlexandruVladutu]

Hmm not sure about the version you tested in late 2019, but the current Vitara does have heated front seats. It has 2 buttons, one for the driver and 1 for the passenger.

[@andrewholland1390]

Yes some markets do have it, but not in the UK.

[@heikohehn7619]

@@andrewholland1390 That's kind of sad... my girlfriend loves the seat heating.

[@srdjanmitrovic7324]

Can 1.4 be paired to an auto box? And does it make sense in that case? In other words does the auto spoils the fun?

[@eriklindqvist3232]

Mine is an automatic one and it's probably more fun driving off road in manual. But since I also do a lot of city driving automatic is best for me. I'm happy with the automatic gear box, although I haven't tried real off roading yet.

[@srdjanmitrovic7324]

@@eriklindqvist3232 that approx works with me too, i do a lot of city driving. My only concern is whether the auto box is as reliable and smooth as the dsg one in wolks group. Thanks appreciate

[@mhilal3592]

I like it, Suzuki Vitara allgrip the my favourite car

[@AutoBears]

It’s a great combination and car.

[@charlotteraynerthorner9312]

I totally agree....what a vehicle

[@eriklindqvist3232]

I bought a 1.4 AWD Vitara last Friday. Extremely happy with it, spend the weekend looking for new fishing spots driving on small roads in the Swedish forest. Switched from a Fiat Panda (not the AWD one) so the driving experience is not comparible. The Panda is also a great practical car though.

[@srdjanmitrovic7324]

Please do you have info whether the 1.4 booster is any good with an auto box. Is it more thirstier in that case and does it spoils the fun? Thanks

[@ChooseU4ever]

Congratulations

[@leonidleonid7522]

How about 1.6 ? Or 1.4 will be still better ?

[@ericdenau2223]

We have this Vitara equipped with an automatic. We have been at countryside on gravel roads that can not be described as roads, locals keeps them in a utterly bad state, flooded, and one can find obstacels placed on the "road", stones in the size of an skull, in purpose to keep lurking strangers off their land so to say.. There are hidden gems, nice beaches and so on and I know for sure that there are only one car in the budget SUV segment the Dacia/Reanult Duster 4x4 that will stand up for it but with some less road comfort. Then there are offcource a lot of more expensive cars more than enough able to it but will one bee grinding a expensive SUV on shitty roads? No I will not!

[@AutoBears]

These are great cars which are hugely capable and do not cost the earth.

[@bugathanagaraju1651]

Next My Car Vitara Brezza 👍👍👍

[@ronnybrown2012]

Think the design at the back needs some work. The front looks great. Interior could look a bit more polished.

[@octap79]

Totally agree. I wish they had done a better job on the back. Tomorrow I am picking up my brand new 1.4 hybrid AWD

[@AmurTiger-vm5dy]

Great car, I have just now the vitara cool mild hybrid, white , wonderful car ! 14 adas sistems and much much other ...?

[@jintarokensei3308]

This or a Korando?

[@alanhowemusic2457]

Car depreciation is so high. Doesn’t matter if your on contract or finance or purchased the car outright. The government should open up a review into car depreciation and see exactly why depreciation is so very high. I can’t understand that when buying a brand new car just driving it off the dealers for court the car already starts depreciation, crazy why should the general pubic put up with this high depreciation?

[@heikohehn7619]

Read what Karl Marx says about overproduction. ;)

[@Silversurfur01]

Has it got a spare wheel??????????. Is it a keyless start?????????

[@heikohehn7619]

Only tyre repair kit but keyless entry & go in higher trim levels.

[@eagleethics6530]

well done auto bears

[@AutoBears]

Thank you for the comment.

[@no6bus]

Was enjoying the review until you started using the “grim up North rubbish” in the North we adapt to the weather rather than have a melt down with 1cm of snow. But I must agree about the capability of the VITARA , had my 1.4 boost jet mild hybrid a couple of weeks and loving it.

[@nigelmcclure6440]

I have always thought the Grand Vitara a very nice vehicle and I am actually very sad that they don't sell cars here in Canada

[@AutoBears]

It is a very capable car and I too am gutted it doesn't get the worldwide exposure it deserves.

[@caviar_lounge]

Price as tested 25,699 GBP? That's 2,5K too much

[@miriamcaro7003]

I have one..😍😘👍

[@AutoBears]

They are great cars Miriam!!

[@cheungman83]

i prefer the new Mitsubshi ASX

[@AutoBears]

Thank you for the comment. Is that visually or dynamically. The ASX is still on its original platform so can feel dated compared to rivals.

[@cheungman83]

Both

[@yannikoloff7659]

My home town, before brexit.

[@AutoBears]

Hopefully you'll be back in the UK soon Yan!

[@SignAndCodec]

Unlike Jimmy, Vitara has lost its original DNA. It now looks like a cross over rather than a real SUV.

[@heikohehn7619]

True! But that's okay if you're living in a big city looking for a multipurpose vehicle.

[@bellomario84]

I Love suzuki but I prefer Mitsubishi ASX

[@andrewsalloum9110]

But is there any nonsense?

[@gw493]

Can it go off road 😂😂