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The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross lineage can be slightly confusing so we’ll break it down here. The first generation arrived in 2006 as simply the SX4, and was replaced by a second generation in 2013 called the SX4 S-Cross. That car was then heavily revised in 2016, which is the car we’re focusing on here, and then replaced in 2021 by a car called the S-Cross (no SX4), which we’ve reviewed separately.
What hasn’t changed throughout any generation is the car’s focus on value and practicality, and it makes a great used buy as a result. There are better cars to drive and more interesting ones to look at, but the SX4 S-Cross is family friendly, practical, and quite likeable too - and it’s unlikely to let you down.
Given the SX4 S-Cross’s size, almost anything from regular family hatchbacks like the VW Golf and Ford Focus, to slightly larger SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai and Suzuki’s own Vitara are suitable alternatives. The SX4 sits right between the two, which could be the ideal compromise for some buyers.
The SX4 S-Cross is a typical Suzuki product: possibly not the most exciting or stylish vehicle in its class, but thoroughly sensible, easy to own, economical, and practical. If you’re not swayed by the flashiness of some other crossovers and SUVs and simply want a car that works as you want it, when you want it, the SX4 S-Cross could be the car for you.
It may be uncomplicated, but that doesn’t mean the driving experience is sub-par either. The post-2016 cars we’re focusing on here benefit from excellent engines - both 1-litre and 1.4 Boosterjet units are fuel efficient and peppy - and because Suzuki builds its cars light (even in 4x4 form, the S-Cross is barely heavier than a well-specced Fiesta), ride and handling are impressive in almost any environment.
The cabin is sensible too. The S-Cross actually takes up less room on the road than a Ford Focus, but it has a much bigger boot, matching the larger Nissan Qashqai, and there’s plenty of passenger space both front and rear.
Equipment levels are decent enough, and the SX4’s value meant that buyers were inclined to go for the higher trim levels. You’ll find plenty of SZ-T and SZ5s on the market as a result, and these would be the models we’d recommend anyway, as their extra features (and on the SZ5, extra safety kit) makes them better buys. Suzuki has a good reputation for reliability, too.
We’ve mentioned a couple of rivals already - everything from a Ford Focus to a Nissan Qashqai is a potential consideration in this market - but one you might not have considered comes from within the SX4 S-Cross’s own stable, the Suzuki Vitara. It’s slightly larger and even more practical but also great value.
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As we note in our full review of the SX4 S-Cross, post-2016 models are the ones to go for, and they’re the ones we’ve concentrated on in this summary as a result. The reason is that it was 2016 when the two excellent Boosterjet engines were introduced, which are much better to use than the old 1.6 and commendably frugal in real-world driving.
Mild hybrid tech improved things further from mid 2020, when the SX4 name was dropped, but we’ve covered that in a separate review. In terms of spec, aim for SZ-T and above: you get a greater choice of transmissions for a start (with automatic and 4x4s available) but also useful kit like parking sensors and reversing cameras, a touchscreen infotainment system, and LED headlights. SZ5 adds safety kit too.
Suzuki SX4 S-Cross 1.0 Boosterjet: The 1-litre Boosterjet, a turbocharged three-cylinder petrol, made the same 111PS here as it does in other applications, and came with either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. 0-62mph was 11 seconds for the manual and 12.4 for the auto, with 44.9 and 40.4mpg economy respectively.
Suzuki SX4 S-Cross 1.0 Boosterjet Allgrip: With all-wheel drive, the same 1-litre Boosterjet (only offered as a manual) offered a 12-second 0-62mph time, and 39.2mpg economy.
Suzuki SX4 S-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet Allgrip: The most powerful engine was a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol, with six-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearbox options and all-wheel drive as standard. Both transmissions could get from 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds, with the manual getting 38.8mpg combined and the auto 37.7mpg.
Suzuki’s familiar ‘SZ’ equipment levels made another appearance in the SX4 S-Cross, with a three-tier range that didn’t just add equipment as you stepped up but also opened up more of the engine options, with the 1.4 Boosterjet only available on the top SZ5, for instance. All variants were fairly well equipped, though you’ll only find things like touchscreen infotainment systems and more advanced safety features as you step up the range.
The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross SZ4 offered 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, four-speaker DAB digital radio with Bluetooth, USB and CD, and power adjustable and heated door mirrors. The sole engine option was the 1-litre Boosterjet with the manual gearbox.
The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross SZ-T added a touchscreen system with satnav, larger 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, auto LED headlights, silver exterior trim elements, privacy glass, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, a leather steering wheel, keyless entry and start, and rain-sensing wipers. All 1-litre Ecoboost variants were available.
The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross SZ5 was the only trim level offered with the 1.4 Boosterjet engine. As well as the SZ-T’s equipment, it got leather seats with front seat heating, a double sliding panoramic sunroof, radar braking, adaptive cruise control, and an extra front central audio speaker.
The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross’s dimensions are:
Length: 4300mm
Width: 1785mm (without mirrors)
Height: 1580mm (SZ4), 1585mm (all other models)
The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross’s boot size is:
430 litres
875 litres with the rear seats folded
Prior to April 2017, the government’s Vehicle Excise Duty rates were based on a car’s CO2 emissions. This works in the Suzuki’s favour as it’s always made quite frugal cars, and the old 1.6 diesel, and the 1-litre Boosterjet in manual, front-wheel drive form are the ones to go for; the latter’s 120g/km currently means a yearly bill of only £35. From April 2017 onwards, the tax system went to a flat rate, which means £180 for most models, and £170 for any with hybrid assistance.
Suzukis are typically a little more expensive to insure than some of their competitors, and the SX4 S-Cross is no different. Where a Nissan Qashqai of equivalent age starts in group 13, a 1-litre SZ4 begins in group 16, with 1.4-litre Boosterjet models rising to group 24.