Suzuki S-Cross Review

The Suzuki S-Cross sits between the smaller Vitara and mainstream family SUVs such as the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

The current generation arrived in late 2021 as a heavily revised successor to the SX4 S-Cross. Although Suzuki presented it as a new model, much of the underlying structure and cabin architecture was carried over.

That continuity is reflected in a cabin that looks less modern than those of many rivals, with a traditional dashboard, basic displays and widespread hard plastic. It also helps keep the S-Cross relatively light and mechanically straightforward, contributing to useful performance, respectable economy and a strong reputation for dependability.

Suzuki originally offered two electrified petrol engines. The 1.4-litre Boosterjet uses 48V mild-hybrid assistance, while the 1.5-litre full hybrid combined an electric motor with an automated manual gearbox.

The full hybrid has since left the current UK range, leaving the 1.4-litre mild hybrid as the sole engine.

Buyers can choose a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox, with front-wheel drive fitted as standard. ALLGRIP four-wheel drive is available on selected Ultra versions and can send power to the rear wheels when the front tyres lose traction.

The S-Cross is not a serious off-roader, but the system provides useful reassurance on wet grass, muddy tracks and snow-covered roads. Its compact dimensions also make it easier to use on narrow rural lanes than many larger family SUVs.

There are two trim levels, Motion and Ultra.

Motion includes most of the equipment buyers are likely to need, including heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and smartphone connectivity.

Ultra adds leather upholstery, a larger infotainment screen, a panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree camera.

The S-Cross is smaller than many cars marketed as family SUVs, so buyers should not expect the passenger space or luggage capacity of a Kia Sportage or Skoda Karoq. Its 430-litre boot remains useful, however, while the upright seating position and large windows provide the everyday convenience many SUV buyers want.

The Suzuki S-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet Mild Hybrid Motion manual is the best all-round version because it combines the strongest economy with a generous standard specification and the lowest price in the range.

Motion includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, keyless entry and front and rear parking sensors. A reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and smartphone connectivity are also standard.

The manual gearbox has a light clutch and an easy shift action, while the 129PS engine feels livelier than its modest output suggests.

Ultra adds leather upholstery, polished alloy wheels, integrated navigation, a larger touchscreen, a 360-degree camera and a panoramic sunroof. These additions make the cabin more inviting but do not improve passenger space or refinement.

ALLGRIP is worth considering for drivers who regularly use slippery rural roads, tow a small trailer or need to cross wet fields. Front-wheel drive remains the cheaper and more economical choice for ordinary road use.

The Suzuki S-Cross Motion manual currently starts at £23,999 after Suzuki’s advertised customer saving.

Motion automatic costs from £25,599, while the Ultra manual is priced from £26,499.

The Ultra automatic costs from £28,099, while Ultra models with ALLGRIP start at £28,299 for the manual and rise to £29,899 for the automatic.

These prices include a temporary customer saving and may change when Suzuki updates its offers.

Every S-Cross remains below the £40,000 Expensive Car Supplement threshold.

Used examples of the current generation start from around £13,500, with early Motion mild hybrids generally offering the strongest value.

Full-hybrid cars are also available second-hand, but their hesitant automated manual gearbox makes the 1.4-litre mild hybrid the more convincing choice.

The Skoda Karoq is roomier, more refined and better finished inside. Equivalent cars generally cost more, while four-wheel drive is restricted to selected versions.

The Nissan Qashqai has a far more modern cabin and stronger motorway refinement. The Suzuki is simpler and usually cheaper.

The Dacia Duster provides more space and stronger off-road ability for the money. Its cabin feels similarly basic, while some versions are less refined than the S-Cross.

The Toyota Corolla Cross is smoother and more economical in town thanks to its full-hybrid drivetrain. It is considerably more expensive.

The Ford Kuga is larger, more practical and better to drive. Its additional size makes it less convenient in tight urban areas.

The Suzuki Vitara is slightly smaller and cheaper, with much the same engine and four-wheel-drive technology. The S-Cross provides a larger boot and a little more rear passenger room.

The S-Cross provides the high seating position many SUV buyers expect, with a broad windscreen and relatively slim pillars giving the driver a clear view of surrounding traffic. The large rear window also helps when reversing, while every version has a camera.

There is enough adjustment in the driver’s seat and steering wheel for most people to find a comfortable position. The front seats are reasonably supportive, although the absence of adjustable lumbar support may become noticeable during longer journeys.

Heated front seats are standard across the range.

Front passenger space is generous enough for taller adults, while cabin storage includes useful door pockets, cupholders, a glovebox and a compartment beneath the central armrest.

Rear space is adequate rather than class-leading. Children and average-sized adults should have enough knee room, while reclining backrests allow passengers to adopt a more relaxed seating angle.

Taller adults may find headroom limited in Ultra models fitted with the panoramic roof, and three people will feel cramped across the rear bench. Isofix mounting points are fitted to the two outer seats.

The boot provides 430 litres of luggage space, which is enough for a weekly shop, several suitcases or a typical folding pushchair. It is larger than the Suzuki Vitara’s boot but trails those in the Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Karoq and Kia Sportage.

Its square shape and wide tailgate opening make the available capacity easy to use, while the adjustable floor can reduce the loading lip and create a flatter surface when the rear seats are folded. Smaller compartments at either side are useful for securing loose items.

The rear backrests split 60:40 but do not slide forwards and backwards, limiting the flexibility to trade passenger room for additional luggage capacity.

The Suzuki S-Cross measures 4,300mm long, 1,785mm wide & 1,585mm high, making it shorter and narrower than many mainstream family SUVs.

Its compact footprint helps on narrow roads and in multi-storey car parks, while light steering reduces the effort required for low-speed manoeuvres.

Motion includes front and rear parking sensors plus a reversing camera, while Ultra adds a 360-degree camera that provides a clearer view of obstacles around the car.

Motion models have a seven-inch touchscreen with DAB radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The display is positioned high on the dashboard, making it easy to glance at while driving, although its graphics look dated and responses can be slow.

Ultra upgrades the system to a nine-inch screen with built-in navigation. The larger display is easier to read and is paired with a 360-degree camera, but the interface remains less polished than those in a Nissan Qashqai or Hyundai Tucson.

Touch-sensitive shortcut controls can also be fiddly to operate on the move.

Most owners will rely on smartphone integration for navigation and media, avoiding many of the system’s weaker menus.

Physical controls remain for the main climate functions, reducing the need to use the touchscreen for routine adjustments. The conventional analogue instruments are also clear, with a central information display showing fuel economy, assistance systems and mild-hybrid operation.

Suzuki Connect provides smartphone access to vehicle information, security notifications and selected remote features.

The S-Cross has USB connections but lacks the extensive charging options and higher-resolution digital displays offered by newer rivals.

The S-Cross cabin prioritises durability over visual appeal, with hard plastic used across much of the dashboard, doors and centre console.

The surfaces feel robust and the switches operate with a reassuringly solid action, but the dated design, traditional instruments and manual handbrake make the interior look older than the cabins in most current family SUVs.

Motion uses cloth upholstery, while Ultra adds leather seat trim, a leather-effect dashboard insert and a panoramic sunroof. These upgrades lift the atmosphere slightly without disguising the basic plastics beneath.

The doors also feel light when closed, although the cabin should withstand everyday family use well. Buyers who regularly carry children, pets or outdoor equipment may appreciate the easily cleaned finishes, while those seeking a more upmarket environment will find the Skoda Karoq and Nissan Qashqai considerably more convincing.

Every current S-Cross uses a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance.

The mild-hybrid system uses an integrated starter-generator to assist the petrol engine during acceleration and recover energy when the car slows.

A small battery stores that recovered energy, but the S-Cross cannot travel independently on electric power.

The 129PS manual is the strongest version, with useful low-rev pull and enough mid-range response for joining motorways or overtaking slower traffic. Its relatively low kerb weight helps it feel quicker than many SUVs with similar power.

The six-speed manual gearbox has a light clutch and straightforward shift action, making it easy to use in town.

Automatic versions have a lower 109PS output but provide more convenience in heavy traffic. They remain adequate for everyday use, although acceleration is less energetic and the engine has to work harder when the car is fully loaded or climbing a steep hill.

The engine can sound coarse when pushed towards higher revs but settles into the background during steady driving.

The S-Cross’s low weight helps it respond neatly to steering inputs and limits body lean through bends.

Its steering is very light, which suits urban driving but provides little feedback on faster roads. Grip is reassuring and the car remains predictable, even though it lacks the precision of a Ford Kuga or SEAT Ateca.

The suspension absorbs most smaller bumps effectively without feeling overly soft. Sharper potholes can produce a noticeable thump, but the ride remains broadly comfortable on typical British roads.

Wind and tyre noise are more apparent at motorway speeds than they are in a Nissan Qashqai or Skoda Karoq, while the engine becomes vocal during stronger acceleration. A steady cruise is reasonably comfortable, but drivers covering frequent long motorway journeys may prefer a more refined rival.

ALLGRIP versions offer selectable driving modes for different conditions. Auto uses front-wheel drive wherever possible and sends power rearwards when extra traction is required, while Snow prepares the system for slippery surfaces and Lock provides stronger low-speed traction.

The S-Cross can cope confidently with muddy tracks, wet grass and winter roads, although its road-focused tyres and modest ground clearance limit more serious off-road use.

The current S-Cross has not been awarded a contemporary Euro NCAP rating.

The previous SX4 S-Cross received five stars in 2013, but that result was achieved under a much older and less demanding test protocol and should not be applied directly to the current car.

Standard safety equipment is extensive and includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, traffic-sign recognition and driver monitoring are also included.

The broad assistance package is competitive for the price, but buyers prioritising the latest independent crash-test performance may prefer a newer rival with a current Euro NCAP assessment.

The manual front-wheel-drive S-Cross returns up to 52.3mpg, making it the most economical current version.

The automatic returns approximately 48.7mpg, while ALLGRIP reduces economy further because of its additional weight and drivetrain losses. The least economical automatic four-wheel-drive version achieves around 46.3mpg.

Real-world results in the mid to high 40s should be achievable in mixed driving, particularly with the manual model.

A full-hybrid Toyota Corolla Cross or Renault Austral will use less fuel in town, where their electric motors can provide more assistance.

The standard manufacturer warranty covers three years or 60,000 miles, after which Suzuki’s service-activated warranty can renew cover following each qualifying dealer service until the car reaches 10 years old or 100,000 miles.

Owners must continue using participating Suzuki dealers and follow the required maintenance schedule to retain the additional cover.

The S-Cross has a strong reputation for mechanical reliability, while the long-serving 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine and relatively simple mild-hybrid system are well established.

Current S-Cross models sit broadly between insurance groups 18 and 22, with manual front-wheel-drive cars generally at the lower end and automatic or ALLGRIP versions towards the top.

These ratings are broadly competitive for a compact family SUV, although premiums vary significantly according to the driver, location and insurer.

Annual Vehicle Excise Duty from the second licence is £200, and mild-hybrid versions do not receive a separate discount.

Every current S-Cross costs less than £40,000, so the Expensive Car Supplement does not apply.