A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
3.5
Running Costs
4
Practicality
4.3
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Thinking about an adventure ready vehicle that doesn’t break the bank? The Suzuki BaseCamp might be exactly what you’re looking for. This rugged concept vehicle was designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts who need a capable companion for their adventures. Built on the solid foundation of Suzuki’s XL7 platform, it offers genuine off road capability wrapped in a surprisingly practical package.
From the moment you see it, the BaseCamp makes a statement. Its raised ride height and robust styling give it a confident presence that sets it apart from regular family SUVs. The exterior features protective cladding and purposeful design elements that hint at its outdoor intentions. Inside, you’ll find a cabin designed around usability rather than luxury, with hard wearing materials and thoughtful storage solutions throughout.
Driving the BaseCamp feels refreshingly honest. The suspension is tuned for comfort over rough terrain while remaining composed on tarmac. The engine provides adequate power for daily driving and weekend adventures alike. It’s a vehicle that prioritises capability and reliability over outright performance. While it may not offer the latest tech or premium finishes, you’re getting something much more valuable. Genuine go anywhere ability at a price that won’t leave you eating beans for months.
How Does the Suzuki BaseCamp Drive?
The Suzuki BaseCamp is built for adventure rather than speed. The concept featured a robust V6 engine that delivered around 185 horsepower, providing enough grunt for highway cruising and off road exploration. The power delivery feels smooth and predictable, making it easy to manage both on tarmac and loose surfaces. Acceleration to 60mph takes around 10 seconds, which is perfectly adequate for its intended purpose.
Where the BaseCamp truly excels is in its real world capability. The elevated ground clearance and sturdy construction mean you can tackle rough tracks and steep inclines with confidence. The steering feels direct and communicative, giving you a clear sense of what the wheels are doing underneath. The suspension soaks up bumps and ruts effectively while maintaining stability on the road. This is a compact SUV that prioritises substance over style, delivering the kind of dependable performance that outdoor enthusiasts genuinely need.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
3.6L V6
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Power Output
185 bhp
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0-60 mph
10.2 seconds
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MPG Combined
28 mpg
- Boot Space
- 580 litres
- Safety Rating
- (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Suzuki BaseCamp: Comfort & Features
Step inside the BaseCamp and you’ll find a cabin that prioritises function over flash. The dashboard layout is straightforward and logical, with chunky controls that work even when wearing gloves. The materials are hard wearing rather than luxurious, but they feel built to last. Everything from the seat fabrics to the door handles has been chosen with durability in mind rather than visual appeal.
The front seats offer good support and comfort, even on longer journeys. There’s plenty of adjustment to help you find the right driving position. Storage is a real strength here, with numerous compartments and pockets for outdoor gear and everyday items. The rear seats fold flat to create a generous cargo area that’s perfect for camping equipment or sports gear. While it may not have the refinement of more expensive SUVs, the BaseCamp delivers exactly what it promises. A practical, no nonsense interior that can handle whatever adventures you throw at it.
The Suzuki BaseCamp succeeds brilliantly at its intended purpose. It’s an honest, capable vehicle that delivers genuine off road ability without unnecessary complexity or cost. The interior may lack luxury touches, but the build quality is solid and everything feels designed to last. The performance is adequate rather than exciting, but that’s exactly what most outdoor enthusiasts need. This isn’t a vehicle for badge snobs or tech enthusiasts. The BaseCamp is for people who prioritise capability over comfort and value substance over style. If you need a dependable companion for outdoor adventures that won’t cost a fortune to buy or run, the BaseCamp deserves serious consideration. It proves that sometimes the best approach is the simplest one. A straightforward, well built vehicle that does exactly what it says on the tin.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Suzuki BaseCamp?
The BaseCamp represents excellent value in the adventure vehicle market. Fuel economy sits around 28 mpg in real world driving, which is reasonable given its capabilities and size. Insurance costs are typically moderate thanks to its sensible performance figures and strong safety record. The initial purchase price was positioned competitively against other outdoor focused vehicles.
Maintenance costs are generally reasonable, with Suzuki’s reputation for reliability helping keep unexpected bills to a minimum. Parts availability is good, and the mechanical simplicity means most repairs won’t require specialist knowledge. The BaseCamp was designed to be owned and enjoyed rather than constantly serviced. With car finance options making it accessible, the running costs stack up well against rivals. You get genuine capability without the premium price tag that often comes with adventure vehicles.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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suzuki basecamp
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Subaru Forester
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Nissan X-Trail
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £28,000 | £30,000 | £29,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 3.6L V6 | 2.0L Flat-4 | 2.5L 4-cylinder |
| Power | 185 bhp | 156 bhp | 169 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 10.2 seconds | 10.8 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 28 mpg | 30 mpg | 32 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 580 litres | 509 litres | 565 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Rugged design, High ground clearance, Adventure focused | Symmetrical AWD, Boxer engine, Good visibility | Flexible seating, Smooth CVT, Family friendly |
Is the Suzuki BaseCamp Practical for Everyday Use?
The BaseCamp excels in real world usability. The 580 litre boot is generous for its class and the flat loading floor makes it easy to slide heavy items in and out. With the rear seats folded, there’s enough space for bikes, camping gear, or even a small kayak. The high seating position gives you a commanding view of the road ahead, which is particularly useful when navigating challenging terrain.
Interior storage is thoughtfully designed with outdoor activities in mind. You’ll find waterproof compartments, bottle holders, and tie down points throughout the cabin. The BaseCamp is perfect for active families who need space for sports equipment and outdoor gear. Compared to other used Suzuki cars, it offers exceptional versatility. Its compact dimensions make it manageable in town while still providing serious capability when the adventure calls. This is a vehicle that adapts to your lifestyle rather than limiting it.
“Absolutely love my BaseCamp for weekend camping trips. The ground clearance gets me places other SUVs can’t reach and it’s surprisingly comfortable on long drives. The interior isn’t fancy but everything feels solid and practical.” by Marcus Thompson
The Suzuki BaseCamp stands out as a genuine alternative to overcomplicated modern SUVs. It combines honest capability with practical design and reasonable running costs. The concept successfully demonstrated that adventure vehicles don’t need to be expensive or overly complex to be effective. Its rugged construction and thoughtful design make it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who need real capability.
You choose the BaseCamp because you want a vehicle that can handle anything you throw at it. The straightforward approach and robust build quality ensure years of reliable service. Perfect for camping trips, off road adventures, or simply navigating challenging rural roads. If you’re looking for an SUV that prioritises capability over luxury, the BaseCamp should be on your shortlist.