Name: Suzuki Vitara (2015 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Suzuki Vitara
Rating: 58.0

Summary

The Suzuki Vitara is a small SUV/crossover. The current model is the fourth-generation Vitara, which went on sale in 2015 and was given a substantial facelift in late 2018.

The Vitara has received generally review scores from the UK motoring media, which have declined over time as the Vitara has been on sale since 2015 and has long been overtaken by newer rivals.

It has received particular praise for its practicality, versatility and value for money, but has been criticised for the low quality of its interior fittings compared to rivals.

As of March 2026, the Suzuki Vitara holds a New Car Expert Rating of D with a score of 58%. This score places the car firmly in the lower end of the small SUV category in our Expert Rating Index.

More Suzuki Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, petrol/electric hybrid
Price: From £23,749 on-road

Launched: Spring 2015
Last updated: Spring 2022
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Featured reviews

“The first hybrid drivetrain in the Suzuki Vitara is not a massive step forward, but it is a useful one on an SUV that is good value for money.”

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid SZ5

Score: 7 / 10

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The Car Expert

Andrew Charman

“The Suzuki Vitara is a no-fuss SUV that’s perfect for a growing family. It’s good to drive and offers decent space, but alternatives look more luxurious inside.”

Model reviewed: Range overview

Score: 6 / 10

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Carwow

More reviews

The Car Expert

“The BoosterJet engine adds welcome performance to the Suzuki Vitara, but without sacrificing its impressive efficiency.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“An SUV in the traditional mould, the Suzuki Vitara is showing its age in some key areas.”
Author: Dean Gibson, Max Adams
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Car

Model reviewed: Vitara S
Score: 8 / 10
“What a fine car. When you look at the prices being asked for supposedly more premium products that are actually no roomier or quicker, nor better built, you can feel pretty smug that you’re in a Suzuki Vitara S. Not just because it’s practical and versatile, but because it’s a satisfying, if low key, car to drive.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Suzuki Vitara is an affordable, practical and reliable small SUV that’s good to drive.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol (mild hybrid) manual SZ5 Allgrip
“It’s a specific place the market, but if you need a small, low-cost SUV with good four-wheel drive, a decent boot and competitive emissions the Suzuki Vitara is excellent value for money.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: Vitara S
Score: 6 / 10
“The Suzuki Vitara S is one of the more entertaining options for family types forced to put a small crossover on the driveway.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“The Suzuki Vitara softens up as a mid-size crossover.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“All rounder and family favourite”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“We think the Suzuki Vitara offers a lot of space and equipment for the money. It may not be as stylish as other small SUVs nor as desirable, but we think the smart money would go on the Vitara every time.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual AllGrip SZ5
“The Suzuki Vitara remains one of the best value SUVs with genuine four-wheel drive capability.”
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Model reviewed: 1.4-litre BoosterJet petrol manual S
“The BoosterJet is certainly the engine to choose. It’s the perfect choice for the Suzuki Vitara, combining impressive on-road flexibility and performance with affordable running costs. Factor in the added peace of mind afforded by the all-wheel-drive system and it’s a great family car.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 8 / 10
“Cheap crossover is good to drive and great value”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: SZ5
“The Suzuki Vitara might not be the most seductive small SUV, but with AllGrip technology it’s one of the most capable — and affordable.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: Vitara S 1.4-litre petrol manual
Score: 6 / 10
“Flimsy but likeable.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SZ-T
Score: 6 / 10
“Suzuki’s sensible SUV is as likeable as ever, but it isn’t quite as good as it needs to be to truly justify its increased price. And while the new 1.0-litre engine is fun if you wind it up, it can be frustrating to use around town – which is where most Vitaras will find themselves.”
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Top Gear

Score: 6 / 10
“The Suzuki Vitara isn’t the coolest crossover on sale, but it might be the best value. More to like here than you might expect.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: April 2015
Date expired: January 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 89%
Child protection: 85%
Vulnerable road users: 76%
Safety assist: 75%

Notes on safety rating

The Suzuki Vitara was tested by Euro NCAP back in 2015 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2022 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used Vitara to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

Model tested: 1.0-litre petrol manual 110hp

Overall score: 2 stars
Date tested: November 2020
Read the full Green NCAP review

Clean Air Index: 3.3 / 10
Energy Efficiency Index: 4.9 / 10

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 21
Average repair cost: £451.38
Last updated: April 2025

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Suzuki Vitara has a reliability score that’s better than average, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both the current-generation Vitara and the earlier (pre-2015) versions which were called ‘Grand Vitara’.

Faults are reportedly cheap to fix across the board for Vitara owners, but watch out for gearbox issues which, although more rare, can cost around £800.

If you’re looking at a used Suzuki Vitara, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score
Petrol models	51 mpg	C
Hybrid models	52 mpg	B

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	124 g/km	B
Hybrid models	123 g/km	B

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	19	A

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£178	B
Year 2	£518	B
Year 3	£861	C
Year 4	£1,113	C
Year 5	£1,548	C
Overall	£4,218	C

The Suzuki Vitara is a relatively affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

The fuel economy of both petrol and diesel models is very good when compared to other compact crossovers, and the Vitara’s insurance and maintenance costs are predicted to remain manageable over the course of five years of ownership.