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Suzuki SX4 Wagon - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Suzuki SX4 Wagon ranks 2 out of 5 Affordable Compact Wagons. This ranking is based on our analysis of 29 published reviews and test drives of the Suzuki SX4 Wagon, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The SX4 Wagon's all-wheel-drive capability, abundant cargo space, well-equipped interior and budget price make it an appealing car.  However, its heavy curb weight detracts from performance and fuel economy.

If you want all-wheel drive at a bargain-basement price, the Suzuki SX4 crossover is your only option. Reviewers say the Suzuki SX4 is an affordable, roomy and enjoyable performer, especially in snowy and slippery conditions.  While other small wagons and compacts slip and slide, the SX4 is surefooted.  However, the same all-wheel drive system that makes the SX4 so stead adds to its curb weight.  That extra weight makes it sluggish on the highway and worse on fuel economy than many of its competitors. Poor reliability scores may also give some buyers pause.

But the SX4 Wagon is one of the least expensive all-wheel-drive rides on the market. Road and Track says, "This 5-seat, 5-door hatch comes in at a base price of about $15,000. Not bad for something that has the interior volume of a station Crossover and all-wheel drive." Also available as a four-door sedan, the SX4 has a 2.4-liter engine that can be paired with a manual or optional automatic transmission.

• "While the 2009 Suzuki SX4 might not be your top pick if gas mileage is your chief concern, it's worth a look -- particularly in hatchback form -- if you're very tall or in need of an affordable all-weather vehicle." -- Edmunds
• "SX4 is roomy and solid, has a laudable list of available safety equipment, and offers uncommon class features such as AWD and a navigation system. All models lag most rivals for fuel economy, but pricing is reasonable, which makes this Suzuki a Best Buy." -- Consumer Guide
• "A genuinely competent recreational vehicle, one that offers gobs of storage, good fuel mileage, a solid chassis and an adequate engine." -- Road and Track
• "Probably the best-designed, best-built, best-looking automobile Suzuki has brought to America since it set up shop in this country in 1963." -- Washington Post
• "Straddling a razor-thin line between the baby sport utility and the all-wheel-drive economy car." -- New York Times
• "Except for its standard all-wheel drive, nothing about the SX4 will surprise, delight or thrill, and the SX4 probably won't satisfy the interior cubic footage requirements of most American families as the household's principal car. But its prices and generally pleasant personality make it worth considering as a second car/commuter." -- Newsday

 

SX4-Wagon Performance - 7.5 (Good)

The 2009 Suzuki SX4 would be a better performer if it weren't so heavy. Still Road and Track calls the SX4 a "genuinely competent recreational vehicle, one that offers...a solid chassis and an adequate engine."   Read More

SX4-Wagon Exterior - 7.9 (Good)

The 2009 Suzuki SX4 sticks out in a class of retro-styled wagons. But still, the New York Times says the SX4's "squat dimensions, tall windows and large side mirrors, which bear some resemblance to Mickey Mouse's ears, deliver a welcome dose of cuteness."  Read More

SX4-Wagon Interior - 7.8 (Good)

The SX4 provides a surprisingly upscale cabin for its affordable price point. The Washington Post calls the interior "simple, yet elegant," and big enough "to comfortably seat five people."  Read More

SX4-Wagon Safety - 8.3 (Very Good)

The 2009 Suzuki SX4 does well in government crash tests, and offers a generous helping of standard safety features to reassure buyers.  Read More

SX4-Wagon Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Suzuki SX4 Wagon reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Suzukis come with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty.  Read More