Suzuki Vitara
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a practical SUV that won’t break the bank? The Suzuki Vitara could be exactly what you need. This compact crossover has been quietly serving families for years, offering genuine off-road capability in a sensible, easy-to-live-with package. It’s the car for people who want SUV versatility without the complexity or running costs of bigger, more premium alternatives.

From first glance, the Vitara looks the part of a proper SUV. Its chunky styling and higher driving position give it road presence that rivals like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage work hard to match. But the real appeal lies in its straightforward approach. The interior is functional rather than flashy, with durable materials and simple controls that make sense from day one. There’s genuine substance beneath the practical exterior.

What sets the Vitara apart is its refreshing honesty. This isn’t trying to be a luxury car or the sportiest SUV on the block. Instead, it focuses on being reliable, affordable to run, and genuinely capable both on and off the beaten track. The optional four wheel drive system isn’t just for show either. While the price point is competitive, you get Suzuki’s legendary reliability and surprisingly good equipment levels as standard.

What's the Suzuki Vitara Like to Drive?

The Suzuki Vitara keeps things simple with its engine lineup. The current mild hybrid 1.4-litre petrol engine produces around 129 horsepower, providing adequate performance for daily driving. It feels lively enough around town and has sufficient power for motorway cruising and overtaking. The 0-60 mph time of around 9.8 seconds won’t set any records, but it’s perfectly reasonable for this class of compact SUV.

Where the Vitara really excels is in its driving character. The steering is light and easy at parking speeds, yet weights up nicely on faster roads. The ride quality strikes a good balance between comfort and control. Unlike some rivals, it doesn’t try to be overly sporty, instead focusing on being predictable and confidence inspiring. The available AllGrip four wheel drive system transforms the car on slippery surfaces or light off-road terrain. This genuine capability sets it apart from many front wheel drive only competitors in the segment.

How Comfortable Is the Suzuki Vitara?

Step inside and the Vitara’s practical approach becomes immediately apparent. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, dominated by a central touchscreen that handles most of your infotainment needs. The materials feel robust rather than premium, but everything is well put together. The seats offer good support and comfort for longer journeys, with plenty of adjustment to help you find the right driving position.

The cabin is surprisingly quiet for a car in this price bracket. Road and wind noise are well controlled, making motorway trips more relaxing than you might expect. Standard equipment includes smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus air conditioning and cruise control. Higher trim levels add features like heated seats and a larger infotainment screen. The overall feel is functional and durable, designed to withstand family life rather than impress with luxury touches.

The Suzuki Vitara succeeds by focusing on the fundamentals rather than trying to be everything to everyone. It offers genuine SUV capability, excellent reliability, and strong value for money in a package that’s easy to live with day to day. The interior may not wow you with luxury materials, but it’s well designed and built to last. On the road, it delivers a composed and comfortable driving experience that suits both urban driving and longer journeys.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Suzuki Vitara Expensive to Run?

The Vitara’s running costs are among its strongest selling points. The mild hybrid engine delivers real world fuel economy in the high 40s to low 50s MPG range, keeping your fuel bills manageable. Insurance groups are reasonable for the class, typically falling in groups 16 to 20 depending on the trim level. The initial purchase price undercuts many premium rivals, offering genuine value for money.

Suzuki’s reputation for reliability helps keep long term ownership costs down. The brand consistently scores well in reliability surveys, and parts are generally affordable when maintenance is needed. Servicing costs are competitive, and the comprehensive warranty provides additional peace of mind. With car finance options available, the Vitara represents excellent value in the compact SUV market. It proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a capable and dependable family car.

Suzuki Vitara Practicality & Boot Space

For a compact SUV, the Vitara offers impressive practicality. The 375 litre boot is a good size for the class, easily accommodating the weekly shopping or holiday luggage. The rear seats fold down to expand cargo space when you need to carry larger items. Inside the cabin, there are plenty of storage compartments for your everyday essentials, including door pockets and a useful centre console.

The higher driving position gives you a commanding view of the road, making it easier to spot potential hazards and navigate busy traffic. Rear seat space is adequate for adults on shorter journeys, though taller passengers might find legroom a bit tight on longer trips. For families with young children, the Vitara hits the sweet spot of being large enough to be useful while remaining compact enough for easy parking and manoeuvring. Compared to other used Suzuki cars, it offers the best balance of space and everyday usability.

The Suzuki Vitara stands out in the competitive compact SUV market by prioritising substance over style. It combines Suzuki’s legendary reliability with genuine off-road capability and excellent fuel economy. While it may not have the most luxurious interior or cutting edge technology, it excels in the areas that matter most for everyday family life. The practical approach extends to running costs, making it an affordable choice for long term ownership.

You choose the Vitara because you want a dependable SUV that won’t let you down. Its honest, straightforward character and proven track record make it ideal for families who value reliability over flashy features. Whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring country lanes, the Vitara provides confidence and capability. For buyers seeking a sensible SUV with cars under £10,000 available on the used market, the Vitara represents outstanding value and peace of mind.