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
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.1
Comfort & Interior
4.4
Running Costs
4.6
Practicality
4.2
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
Looking for a plug-in hybrid SUV that combines efficiency with genuine off-road capability? The Suzuki Across might be exactly what you need. This practical family SUV offers the best of both worlds: electric-only driving for daily commutes and a petrol engine for longer journeys. It’s designed for families who want to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on space or versatility.
The Across stands out in the competitive hybrid SUV market with its impressive electric range and robust build quality. Unlike some rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Volkswagen Tiguan, the Across offers genuine plug-in hybrid technology with up to 46 miles of electric-only driving. The interior is spacious and well-equipped, with high-quality materials throughout and a comprehensive suite of safety features as standard.
What makes the Across particularly appealing is its dual personality. Around town, it runs silently on electric power, perfect for school runs and shopping trips. On longer journeys, the petrol engine seamlessly takes over, providing confidence and range anxiety-free motoring. The combination of low running costs, excellent build quality, and practical family-friendly features makes it a compelling choice for those ready to make the switch to electrified driving.
How Does the Suzuki Across Drive?
The Suzuki Across combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with electric motors to produce a total output of 302 horsepower. This substantial power figure translates to brisk acceleration, with 0-60 mph achieved in just 6.0 seconds. The electric-only range of up to 46 miles covers most daily driving needs, while the combined system ensures you never experience range anxiety on longer trips.
Where the Across truly excels is in its refined driving experience. The transition between electric and petrol power is virtually seamless, creating a smooth and quiet ride. The SUV handles predictably and confidently, with well-weighted steering that makes it easy to manoeuvre despite its size. The regenerative braking system feels natural and helps maximise efficiency. Whether you’re navigating city traffic or cruising on the motorway, the Across delivers a composed and comfortable driving experience that inspires confidence.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.5L Petrol + Electric Motors
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Power Output
302 bhp (combined)
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0-60 mph
6.0 seconds
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MPG Combined
282 mpg (official)
- Boot Space
- 490 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Suzuki Across?
Step inside the Across and you’re greeted by a thoughtfully designed cabin that prioritises comfort and functionality. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with a clear 9-inch touchscreen taking centre stage. Physical buttons for climate control and other key functions make the interior user-friendly, while the materials feel robust and well-chosen. Soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door panels add to the premium feel.
The front seats are supportive and offer excellent comfort on longer journeys, with heating and electric adjustment available. There’s generous space throughout the cabin, with adults comfortable in both front and rear seats. The quiet electric running enhances the serene cabin atmosphere, while comprehensive sound insulation keeps road and wind noise to a minimum. Standard equipment includes smartphone integration, wireless charging, and a premium sound system, ensuring passengers stay connected and entertained.
The Suzuki Across succeeds in delivering a genuinely usable plug-in hybrid SUV that works brilliantly in real-world conditions. The impressive electric range covers most daily driving, while the powerful petrol engine provides confidence for longer trips. The interior quality and refinement levels are excellent, creating a premium feel that justifies the higher price point.
Is the Suzuki Across Expensive to Run?
The Across shines when it comes to running costs, particularly for company car users. Its ultra-low CO2 emissions of just 22g/km place it in the 6% Benefit-in-Kind tax bracket, making it exceptionally attractive for business users. Fuel economy figures are impressive when you utilise the electric range regularly, with many owners achieving triple-digit mpg figures in real-world use.
The higher purchase price reflects the sophisticated plug-in hybrid technology, but this is offset by low running costs and strong residual values. Insurance costs are reasonable for the class, while the comprehensive warranty provides peace of mind. Regular charging maximises the financial benefits, and with car finance options available, the Across becomes accessible to more buyers. Government grants for plug-in hybrids can also help reduce the initial purchase cost, making the switch to hybrid motoring more affordable.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Suzuki Across
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Toyota RAV4
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Mitsubishi Outlander
|
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £42,000 | £38,000 | £40,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.5L PHEV | 2.5L Hybrid | 2.4L PHEV |
| Power | 302 bhp | 218 bhp | 265 bhp |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 282 mpg | 58 mpg | 166 mpg |
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Practicality
|
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| Boot Space | 490 litres | 580 litres | 463 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Long electric range, Premium interior, All-wheel drive | Proven reliability, Lower price, Self-charging hybrid | Seven seats available, Good warranty, Competitive pricing |
Suzuki Across Practicality & Boot Space
The Across proves highly practical for family life, with a 490-litre boot that easily accommodates a week’s shopping or holiday luggage. The rear seats fold flat when needed, creating a generous loading area for larger items. Clever storage solutions throughout the cabin include cup holders, door pockets, and a useful centre console compartment.
The elevated driving position provides excellent visibility, while the compact external dimensions make parking easier than you’d expect for such a spacious interior. For families considering used Suzuki cars, the Across represents the pinnacle of the brand’s SUV offerings. The only limitation is the lack of a seven-seat option, which some larger families might miss. However, for most households, the combination of interior space, boot capacity, and electric driving capability makes it an exceptionally practical choice.
Absolutely love our Across. The electric driving is perfect for the school run and local trips, while the petrol engine means we can still visit family across the country without worry. The build quality is superb and it feels much more premium than expected.
The Suzuki Across stands out as one of the most accomplished plug-in hybrid SUVs available today. It successfully combines impressive electric range with robust petrol power, creating a versatile family vehicle that works in all situations. The premium interior, excellent build quality, and comprehensive equipment list justify its position as a serious alternative to European rivals.
You choose the Across because you want the benefits of electric driving without the limitations. Its practical design, low running costs, and refined driving experience make every journey more enjoyable. For families ready to embrace plug-in hybrid technology, the Across offers an excellent introduction to electrified motoring with cars under £5,000 available on the used market as the model ages.
