• 2013

• 2012 Suzuki Kizashi

• Used Suzuki Kizashi
• Repairs Suzuki Kizashi

Scorecard

Overall:	2012 Suzuki Kizashi U.S. News Best Cars 8.5
Critics' Rating:	9.1
Performance:	8.6
Interior:	8.3
Safety:	9.6
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Optional all-wheel drive
• Nimble handling
• Upscale interior
• Long powertrain warranty 

• Slightly underpowered engine
• Back seat lacks legroom
• No turbo-four or V6 engine options

Research Other Years

• 2013 Suzuki Kizashi
• 2011 Suzuki Kizashi
• 2010 Suzuki Kizashi

Lively handling and available all-wheel drive make the 2012 Suzuki Kizashi one of the most fun-to-drive affordable midsize cars, but auto critics say that it falls short in a few other areas.

If you prioritize good handling, test drivers believe that the Kizashi is a car that you should test drive. They say it’s especially enjoyable on winding roads and its optional all-wheel drive helps it feel planted to the pavement. The Kizashi gets low marks from test drivers for its slightly underpowered four-cylinder engine, and also its lack of a more powerful six-cylinder engine option.

Reviewers like the interior of the 2012 Suzuki Kizashi because it is filled with high-end materials and has a good build quality. On the other hand, some say that the back seat legroom is cramped and the trunk is small for the class. Also, shoppers have to upgrade to higher trim levels to get standard Bluetooth and a USB audio input, which are standard on rivals like the Kia Optima.

Overall, auto critics think the 2012 Suzuki Kizashi is a good value among midsize cars. Its low base price, long warranty and above-average safety features help it stand out, and many reviewers say this often-forgotten midsize car should be on most buyers’ lists.

Other Cars to Consider

If all-wheel drive is on your must-have list, check out the Subaru Legacy. It comes standard with all-wheel drive. And while the Legacy has a base four-cylinder engine that reviewers consider underpowered, a six-cylinder and turbocharged four-cylinder engine are optional.

Some test drivers think the back seat in the Kizashi is cramped. If you frequently have passengers in the back, test drive the Mazda6, which has a very spacious back seat. Reviewers also like the Mazda6 for its dynamic handling, calling it one of the most fun-to-drive cars in the class. Like the Legacy, the Mazda6 has an optional V6 for shoppers who prioritize a more powerful engine.

Suzuki Kizashi: The Details

The 2012 Suzuki Kizashi is available in four trim levels: S, SE, Sport GTS and Sport SLS. For 2012, Suzuki added a few seat material upgrades, but the Kizashi remains largely unchanged. See the full list of 2012 Suzuki Kizashi specs.

• "Among midsize sedans, it's one of the best you can buy today. But … sales haven't exactly achieved blockbuster status. And chances are, none of your friends have heard of the thing. And that's really too bad, since few will have the chance to see for themselves how well the Kizashi stacks up against the competition." -- Edmunds
• "It … offers surprising cabin accommodations given its tidy dimensions, impressive-for-the-price interior appointments, and a long list of standard safety and convenience features. These virtues, combined with aggressive pricing, make Kizashi a Recommended choice." -- Consumer Guide
• "The Kizashi is the best car yet to come to the United States wearing a Suzuki badge." -- The Washington Post
• “Few midsize sedans appeal to driving enthusiasts, as the market is dominated by the Toyota Camry, setting the pace for the segment with comfortable, economical cars built as everyday commuters. But the Kizashi asserts a more rambunctious character.” -- CNET
• “This car is solid, unpretentious, and plenty of fun to drive. The name might be more memorable than the car itself, but we can't help being charmed by the Kizashi.” -- Car and Driver