Suzuki SX4 S-Cross (2013 – 2021) Review

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Suzuki SX4 S-Cross (2013 – 2021) Verdict

4/5

+Good value for money. Handles well. Strong and economical 120PS 1.6 petrol engine. SZ4 is very well equipped.

-Rear head room isn't great. DCT transmission from 2015 to 2016 best avoided.

Find out more about the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross (2013 – 2021)

New prices start from £13,993
Insurance Groups are between 13–24
On average it achieves 93% of the official MPG figure

Squint at the Suzuki S-Cross and you’ll see a few similarities to the Nissan Qashqai. That’s not a huge surprise – the Nissan crossover is a bestseller and it was the benchmark against which the S-Cross was measured, and the model from which Suzuki hopes to steal some of the limelight.

Indeed it delivers the same sort of package as the Qashqai but it’s more keenly priced and offers lower running costs, so it’s one to add to shopping lists if you’re in the market for a crossover.

The neat styling gives the S-Cross a silhouette that looks like a halfway house between a regular hatchback and a chunky SUV. The cabin is practical and comes with all the creature comforts you’re likely to need, but plastics are a little on the hard side.

That said, soft-touch materials make an appearance on the dash – a welcome step up for Suzuki. Unfortunately rear headroom isn’t great, but for children it should be fine. All models are well equipped – even the entry-level SZ3 gets alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring and daytime running lights.

Two engines are offered – a 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel – both of which produce 120PS. The diesel, however, produces a noticeably higher amount of torque and is more frugal, so if you’re a regular motorway driver then it’s the one to choose.

Not only that but its extra weight means steering feels more direct and the ride isn’t quite as bouncy as with the lighter petrol engine. If you want an automatic transmission then you’ll have to take the petrol, which is offered with a CVT as an option. It’s a very typical CVT that works best when driven gently and gets loud when pushed.

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross (2013 – 2021) handling and engines

Suzuki offers two engines – a 1.6-litre diesel and a 1.6-litre petrol. Both produce the same peak power figure of 120PS but the diesel has a significantly higher torque output – 320Nm as opposed to 156Nm – and it is available lower down the rev range.

That means the diesel is more tractable at low revs and, thanks to a sixth gear, it’s much quieter at motorway speed. That said, the petrol engine isn’t bad – it has a smooth gear change and it’s not a bad performer, it’s just not as good as the diesel.

Running costs should be low – the 1.6-litre diesel has official economy of 67.1mpg in two-wheel drive form and 64.2mpg with all-wheel drive. That equates to emissions of 110g/km and 114g/km respectively – plus Suzuki models tend to do well in Real MPG. The petrol manages 51.3mpg as a two-wheel drive regardless of transmission and 47.8mpg or 49.5mpg as all-wheel drive with the manual or automatic, respectively.

Thanks to a raised, upright seating position and well-placed controls the S-Cross is easy to get comfortable in and has good visibility without feeling like a full-sized SUV. Indeed it’s a very car-like vehicle to sit in, drive and manoeuvre – it’s not nearly as chunky and unwieldy as a true 4x4, which is good news for those who live in towns and struggle to find large parking spaces.

Steering isn’t heavy, but it’s well weighted if a little numb. The S-Cross rides reasonably well – the suspension does make a bit of a din when tasked with crossing potholes and lumps and it is somewhat bouncy, but at low speed the car is perfectly comfortable and corners neatly. Having said that it’s important to point out that the heavier diesel engine makes the S-Cross feel more planted – the petrol-powered car is more prone to bouncing around over rough roads.

An all-wheel drive option is offered regardless of engine choice, but it’s geared towards improving traction on slippery surfaces like icy or snowy roads rather than heavy off-roading. Gravel tracks, mud and fields should be fine but ground clearance would likely pose problems if you tried to traverse a particularly rutted or uneven track. Suzuki has a solid reputation for producing small 4x4s, so the system should prove capable and reliable.

It’s easy to use, too – there’s a dial for selecting the mode – there’s an auto mode for everyday use, a sport mode, which sharpens the throttle response and helps with spirited driving, a mud/snow mode and a lock setting for getting out of particularly slippery situations. Typically the S-Cross will act like a front-wheel drive car and will only send power to the rear wheels when slip is detected.

The automatic option is a CVT and can be bought with either all-wheel drive or two-wheel drive. It’s a typical CVT – if you drive gently it’s relaxed and offers effortless drive, but if you push it hard the engine feels disconnected – it makes a lot of noise and doesn’t do much else. If you need an automatic, though, it’s perfectly fine. 

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.0 Boosterjet 53 mpg 11.0 s 113 g/km
1.0 Boosterjet ALLGRIP 50 mpg 12.0 s 119 g/km
1.0 Boosterjet Automatic 50 mpg 12.4 s 119 g/km
1.4 BoosterJet - 9.5–10.2 s 104–110 g/km
1.4 Boosterjet ALLGRIP 46 mpg 10.2 s 127 g/km
1.4 BoosterJet ALLGRIP Automatic 46 mpg 10.2 s 128 g/km
1.4 BoosterJet Automatic - 9.5–10.2 s 129–141 g/km
1.6 51 mpg 11.0 s 127 g/km
1.6 ALLGRIP 48 mpg 12.0 s 135 g/km
1.6 ALLGRIP Automatic 50 mpg 13.5 s 130 g/km
1.6 Automatic 37–51 mpg 11.5–12.4 s 125–149 g/km
1.6 DDiS 51–69 mpg 11.0–12.0 s 106–127 g/km
1.6 DDiS ALLGRIP 64–66 mpg 13.0 s 114 g/km
1.6 DDiS ALLGRIP TCSS 63 mpg 13.0 s 118 g/km

Real MPG average for the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross (2013 – 2021)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

93%

Real MPG

32–71 mpg

MPGs submitted

219

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross (2013 – 2021) interior

Dimensions
Length 4100–4300 mm
Width 1785 mm
Height 1565–1585 mm
Wheelbase 2500–2600 mm

Full specifications

In the cabin the S-Cross is a step up from other Suzuki models thanks to a pleasing soft-touch covering on the dashboard and upmarket instrument dials, but there are still plenty of hard plastics which, while hardwearing, don’t look too plush. That said, it’s as good as the Nissan Qashqai, its bestselling rival and everything is solidly put together and hardwearing.

There’s a sizeable load area with a two-level floor, so if you’ve anything heavy to load there’s no lip to heave it over – but the boot itself is quite high up and might be awkward if you have elderly dogs or you’re not particularly strong. Another problem is the rear headroom – taller passengers simply won’t fit comfortably in models with the panoramic sunroof, but there’s a little more space if that isn’t fitted.

Equipment levels are good across the board – even entry level SZ3 models get alloy wheels, air conditioning, heated door mirrors and cruise control.

Moving up to SZ4 gets you larger alloy wheels, dual zone air conditioning, Bluetooth and some styling tweaks. SZ-T models are geared towards business buyers and get a reversing camera and parking sensors. Top of the range is the SZ5, which gains front parking sensors, a panoramic glass roof, HID headlights, LED running lights and leather upholstery.

Standard equipment:

SZ3 has 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/60R16 tyres, manual air conditioning, cruise control, CD audio with USB connector, body colour mirrors and handles, power adjustable door mirrors, heated door mirrors plus tilt and telescopic steering wheel.

SZ4 comes with 17-inch alloy wheels with 205/50R17 tyres, silver roof rails, silver front, rear and side skid plates, front foglamps, dual-auto air conditioning, rear privacy glass, Bluetooth, leather steering wheel plus keyless entry and start.

SZ-T adds DAB radio, rear parking camera, rear parking sensors and polished 17-inch alloy wheels.

SZ5 gets leather seats, auto headlights and wipers, HID headlights, LED daytime running lights, power folding door mirrors, panoramic glass roof, front parking sensors, auto dim rear view mirror and heated front seats.

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross (2013 – 2021) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4100–4300 mm
Width 1785 mm
Height 1565–1585 mm
Wheelbase 2500–2600 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1160–1400 kg
Boot Space 430–875 L
Warranty 3 years
Servicing 9000–12500 miles
Spare Wheel
Standard Space-saving spare wheel
Costs
List Price £13,993–£26,243
Insurance Groups 13–24
Road Tax Bands B–F
Official MPG 37.1–68.9 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 5

Currently on sale

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
SZ4 Boosterjet 129 MHEV Self Charging Start/Stop 5dr - - 9.5 s
SZ5 Allgrip Boosterjet 129 MHEV Self Charging Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 10.2 s
SZ5 Allgrip Boosterjet 129 MHEV Self Charging Start/Stop 5dr - - 10.2 s
SZ5 Boosterjet 129 MHEV Self Charging Start/Stop 5dr - - 9.5 s
SZ-T Boosterjet 129 MHEV Self Charging Auto Start/Stop 5dr - - 9.5 s
SZ-T Boosterjet 129 MHEV Self Charging Start/Stop 5dr - - 9.5 s

On sale until April 2021

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.0 SZ4 Boosterjet 5dr £17,493 53.2 mpg 11.0 s
1.0 Sz-T Boosterjet 5dr £20,743 53.2 mpg 11.0 s
1.0 Sz-T Boosterjet Allgrip 5dr £22,543 50.4 mpg 12.0 s
1.0 Sz-T Boosterjet Auto 5dr £22,093 49.5 mpg 12.4 s
1.4 SZ5 Boosterjet Allgrip 5dr £24,743 45.5 mpg 10.2 s
1.4 SZ5 Boosterjet Auto 5dr - - -
1.4SZ5 Boosterjet Allgrip Auto 5dr £26,093 45.5 mpg 10.2 s
1.6 DDiS SZ-5 Allgrip 5dr £26,243 64.2 mpg 13.0 s
1.6 DDiS Sz-T 5dr £22,243 68.8 mpg 12.0 s

On sale until May 2017

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.6 SZ5 CVT 5dr £21,593 37.1 mpg 11.5 s

On sale until April 2017

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.6 DDiS SZ3 5dr £15,493 51.3 mpg 12.0 s
1.6 DDiS SZ4 5dr £17,993 51.3 mpg 12.0 s
1.6 DDiS SZ5 5dr £21,993 68.9 mpg 12.0 s
1.6 DDiS SZ5 Allgrip 4WD 5dr £23,793 65.7 mpg 13.0 s
1.6 DDiS Sz-T Allgrip 4WD 5dr £21,793 65.7 mpg 13.0 s
1.6 SZ3 5dr £13,993 51.3 mpg 11.0 s
1.6 SZ5 5dr £20,493 51.3 mpg 11.0 s
1.6 SZ5 Allgrip CVT 4WD 5dr £23,193 49.5 mpg 13.5 s
1.6 SZ5 CVT 5dr £21,593 51.3 mpg 12.4 s
1.6 Sz-T 5dr £18,493 51.3 mpg 11.0 s
1.6 Sz-T Allgrip 4WD 5dr £20,293 47.8 mpg 12.0 s
1.6 Sz-T CVT 5dr £19,843 51.3 mpg 12.4 s
1.6DDiS SZ5 Allgrip Tcss 4WD 5dr £25,143 62.8 mpg 13.0 s

On sale until March 2017

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.6 DDiS Sz-T 5dr £19,993 68.9 mpg 12.0 s

On sale until October 2015

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.6 SZ3 120 5dr £13,999 51.3 mpg 11.0 s
1.6 SZ4 120 5dr £16,499 51.3 mpg 11.0 s
1.6 SZ4 DDiS 120 5dr £17,999 67.2 mpg 12.0 s
1.6 SZ5 120 5dr £20,249 51.3 mpg 11.0 s
1.6 SZ5 ALLGRIP 120 5dr £22,049 47.8 mpg 12.0 s
1.6 SZ5 CVT 120 Auto 5dr £21,599 51.3 mpg 12.4 s
1.6 SZ-T 120 5dr £17,999 51.3 mpg 11.0 s

Model History

March 2013

New Suzuki SX4 S-Cross revealed

Suzuki confirms that the SX4 S-Cross has moved into the C-sector, although really it sits between the Ecosport and Kuga in size - and probably appeals to a move off-road-oriented crowd.

Suzuki says that it created the new SX4 Crossover by uniting its small-car know how with SUV thinking, and looks like it has also delivered a larger cabin in the process. It's offered with a choice of either a 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engine, and the latter comes with a five-speed manual transmission as standard but there is the option of continuously variable transmission (CVT) transmission.

The 1.6-litre petrol version can be specified with two- or four-wheel drive, with the former delivering 125g/km of CO2 with either transmission. In 4WD, that figure rises to 136g/km. The 1.6-litre diesel has a six-speed gearbox and its CO2 figure drops to 110g/km with stop-start. Built at the same Magyar Suzuki plant in Hungary as the SX4, and on sale from autumn 2013.

1.6-litre VVT (1586cc) 4-cylinder 16 valve DOHC VVT chain cam, five-speed manual (optional CVT): 120PS at 6000rpm; 156Nm torque at 4400rpm.

1.6-litre DDiS (1598cc) 4-cylinder 16 valve common rail belt cam turbodiesel, six-speed manual: 120PS at 3750rpm; 320Nm torque at 1750rpm.

Performance

1.6-litre VVT 5-speed manual 2WD: 0-62mph 11.0 seconds; top speed 111mph. Combined consumption 51.3mpg, CO2 emissions 127g/km (VED Band D)

1.6-litre VVT 5-speed manual 4WD: 0-62mph 12.0 seconds; top speed 108mph. Combined consumption 47.8mpg, CO2 emissions 135g/km (VED Band E)

1.6-litre VVT CVT 2WD: 0-62mph 12.4 seconds; top speed 105mph. Combined consumption 51.3mpg, CO2 emissions 125g/km (VED Band D)

1.6-litre VVT CVT 4WD: 0-62mph 13.5 seconds; top speed 102mph. Combined consumption 49.5mpg, CO2 emissions 130g/km (VED Band D)

1.6-litre DDiS 6-speed manual 2WD: 0-62mph 12.0 seconds; top speed 111mph. Combined consumption 67.2mpg, CO2 emissions 110g/km (VED Band B)

1.6-litre DDiS 6-speed manual 4WD: 0-62mph 13.0 seconds; top speed 108mph. Combined consumption 64.2mpg, CO2 emissions 114g/km (VED Band C)

July 2013

Prices announced

Four equipment grades will be offered with prices starting at £14,999 for the entry level SZ3, rising to £23,549 for the top-spec 1.6 DDiS SZ5 diesel with all-wheel drive. 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engines are offered and the cleanest model achieves 110g/km emissions.

The 1.6-litre petrol engine is available in combination with a CVT automatic or five-speed manual gearbox and has emissions of 127g/km in manual form or 125g/km with the CVT. Buyers can specify all-wheel drive if they wish, which increases emissions. Fuel economy for the petrol engine ranges from 47.8mpg for the all-wheel drive manual to 51.3mpg for the front-wheel drive car.

A 1.6-litre DDiS diesel engine is offered too and has emissions of 110g/km in front-wheel drive form and 114g/km in all-wheel drive form, with economy 67.2mpg for the front-wheel drive and 64.2mpg for the all-wheel drive. The diesel engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and isn’t available with an automatic gearbox.

October 2014

SX4 S-Cross range updated

Suzuki has dropped the SZ4 model and added 1.6 SZ-T CVT and 1.6 SZ-T ALLGRIP models to the range.

SZ-T comes with navigation with DAB digital radio, polished 17-inch alloy wheels, dual zone automatic air conditioning, front fog lights, Bluetooth, rear privacy glass, silver roof rails and silver skid plates, rear parking camera and rear parking proximity sensors.

In addition to the above, some pricing changes have been made across the range. Changes include a £500 increase on petrol models (except SZ-T, which has a £250 increase). Some DDiS models also receive a reduction of £250 (SZ-T and SZ-T ALLGRIP), resulting in the customer’s cost of choosing a DDiS S-Cross over a petrol S-Cross being reduced to £1,500.

June 2015

New twin-clutch gearbox introduced

The Twin Clutch System by Suzuki (TCSS) is the first transmission of its type that Suzuki has offered. The new transmission is available from this month on the SZ5 S-Cross DDiS ALLGRIP and will cost £1,350 versus the conventional six speed manual.

September 2016

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross facelifted

Now available witb 111PS 1.0 BoosterJet and 140PS 1.4 litre BoosterJet engines. Prices from £14,999 for front drive S-Cross 1.0 BoosterJet. Front wheel drive, four wheel drive, manual or 6-speed torque converter auto. Prices top out at £24,349 for 4WD 1.6 diesel.

December 2019

Suzuki mild hybrids announced

Suzuki has revealed plans to add three 48-volt mild hybrid models to itrs range from Spring 2020.

The new mild-hybrid engine will be introduced for Swift Sport, Vitara and S-Cross models and offer up to 20 per cent lower CO2 emissions, a greater level of torque and 15 per cent overall improvement in WLTP Combined fuel consumption. These models will directly replace the current 1.4-litre Boosterjet derivatives with manual transmission.

Similar in basic principle to the 12V Hybrid SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) system that Suzuki pioneered in 2016 and fitted to all manual transmission models in the Ignis range and Swift SZ5 models, the newly developed 48V Hybrid Powertrain remains very lightweight in design and the components add less than 15kg to the overall weight of the vehicle.

The new and higher-powered Suzuki SHVS system consists of a 48V lithium-ion battery, Integrated Starter Generator (known as ISG) and 48V-12V (DC/DC) converter to power components requiring lower voltage including lights, audio and air conditioning. The ISG acts as both a generator and starter motor, is belt driven and assists the petrol engine during vehicle take off for a higher level of torque with 235Nm available from 2,000rpm.

The compact and high-performance lithium-ion battery stores electrical energy recovered from deceleration and braking and incorporates an idle stop function operated via the Integrated Starter Generator. This battery, along with the DC/DC convertor unit, are located under the front seats to assist overall weight distribution.

A further benefit of the new 48V Hybrid system is the introduction of electric motor idling when the clutch is disengaged and the engine speed is approximately 1,000rpm. This feature essentially replaces fuel injection with power from the electric motor to then control and maintain engine idling at vehicle speeds below 10mph and when stationary.

This function therefore eliminates fuel consumption under these conditions as engine momentum is electrically controlled by the ISG unit and the car is ready to re-accelerate on request with no engine restart delay.

Further detail and full specifications of the three new Hybrid models will be announced in advance of media and public launch which is planned for March 2020.

June 2020

Suzuki S-Cross mild-hybrid priced from £20,749

Orders are now being taken for the S-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid, with Suzuki offering 0% finance and a seven-day return policy.

Prices are as follows:

S-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid SZ4

£20,749

S-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid SZ-T

£23,749

S-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid SZ5

£25,749

S-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid SZ5 ALLGRIP

£27,549

What to watch out for

23-03-2014:

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross design and build quality problems emerging. Report that rainwater or condensation sits on top the door sills when the car is left standing. One was delivered with the sills crudely repainted (a lot of 'inclusion') and the edge of one of the panels apparently not painted at all.

25-07-2014:

Paint problems reported on March 2014 Suzuki SX4 S-Cross All Grip.

25-10-2014:

It turned out that the Suzuki S-Cross buyer (23-3-2014 and 25-7-2014) had insisted that all transportation (and very temporary) body protection films be left on the car on delivery. The dealer acceded to this request but, after a short period, water and dirt built up underneath these protective films that gave the impression of corrosion. The S-Cross buyer also complained of excessive water ingress onto the sill after heavy rain. The inner door plastic membrane has now been replaced which has cured this. As a goodwill gesture, Suzuki offered sill protection covers due to scuffing from the buyer's shoes.

06-11-2015:

Parking brake of Suzuki SX4 S-Cross SZ5 DDIS ALLGRIP temporarily failed on a slope. Owner had not left car in gear or with its wheels turned towards the kerb. Further complaint of satnav sometimes losing its programmed route.

26-07-2016:

Report of new battery needed for 2014 Suzui SX4 S-Cross 1.6 diesel in November 2015. This failed in May 2016, dropping acid onto the clutch slave cylinder pipe leaving the driver with no clutch control. Car repaired under warranty.

22-12-2017:

Alternator belt tensioner failed on 2016 Suzuki SX4 S-Cross 1.6 Multijet diesel. It then wrapped itself around the unprotected lower timing belt pulley and took the timing belt off. Dealer had told owner to drive the car to the dealership so is 100% liable, probably for a new engine.

25-10-2018:

Owner quoted £1,400 for 5-year 62,000 mile service on 2014 Suzuki S-Cross diesel that has done 30,000 miles.

6-11-2018: Report of problem with transmission of 2016 Suzuki S-Cross Allgrip twin clutch (TCSS) auto bought from Honda dealer un February 2018. It developed a gearbox fault shortly after and owner put it into (Cirencester) Suzuki garage for repair under manufacture warranty. They had it for 4 months, tried various things but to no avail. They've now given it to a Swindon Suzuki garage for them to take a look. Meanwhile, owner has had 6 courtesy cars. 26-1-2019: Report of rear axle of June 2018 Suzuki SX4 S Cross 1.4 Boosterjet 140 Allgrip Auto SZ5 found to be out of alignment at 9,500 mile service. Dealer immediately offered to order replacement parts and fit a new pair of rear tyres at 25% of cost. 16-6-2019: Report of judder from clutch pack of 2015 Suzuki S-Cross DDIs DCT at 32k miles. Even though car was under Suzuki used car warranty, the terms demand a £500 examination before any claims will be considered and the warranty does not cover the DCT clutch pack. 5-8-2019: Report of opening panoramic sunroof of 52k miles 2014 Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip dropping on the passenger side, allowing air noise and bits into the car. Local Suzuki dealer inspected and managed to close it properly but told owne that car needed a replacement panoramic sunroof as a part has bent at a cost of £1900.