Suzuki S-Cross (2013 – 2021)

Suzuki S-Cross (2013 – 2021) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Suzuki S-Cross was a mid-sized SUV/crossover that sat above the slightly smaller Vitara in the Suzuki family. This model was produced from 2013 to 2021, after which it was replaced by an all-new model.

Originally known as the SX4 S-Cross when it was first launched, it received a major mid-life facelift in late 2016. At the same time, the ‘SX4’ part of the name was dropped. A diesel engine was also previously offered, but was dropped as a result of falling demand for diesel cars.

The Suzuki S-Cross received generally indifferent reviews from the UK motoring media, without any enormous enthusiasm. Its overall Expert Rating of 57% at the time it was discontinued put it in the bottom half of the mid-size SUV segment and a long way behind the class-leading Skoda Karoq.

The S-Cross was praised for being reasonably practical and offering good value for money, but was criticised for not matching the comfort or driving enjoyment seen in many of its rivals.

In a 2020 What Car? survey of the 50 most reliable cars in the UK up to eight years old, the Suzuki S-Cross ranked 26th, which is a particularly impressive result for one of the oldest new cars stil on sale.

An all-new S-Cross was unveiled in late 2021 and hit UK roads in early 2022. We will have an Expert Rating report for this car soon, so check back regularly for all the latest coverage.

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol
Price: From £20,749 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2013Last updated: Autumn 2016
Ended production: Summer 2021

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Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Score: 8 / 10“The basic premise of the S-Cross is that, for pure driving enjoyment, it doesn’t quite come up to rivals. But in terms of what you get for your money, it leaves many rivals behind.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“A 2016 facelift for the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross may have changed the styling, but it remains a great value crossover that’s decent to drive.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6.4 / 10“There are aspects of Suzuki’s latest S-Cross that are noteworthy. The styling may be a bit questionable, but if you spec it accordingly and choose one of the punchy petrol engines, the S-Cross is an awful lot of car for the money.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol mild hybrid manual SZ5Score: 7 / 10“There are a number of similarly priced crossovers around now that also employ mild-hybrid tech, and the best of them by far is the Ford Puma, which is genuinely enjoyable to drive. So even if you’re not bothered about the mild-hybrid tech, that’s the direction we would now point you in.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SZ-TScore: 7 / 10“If you are looking for a practical and economical crossover that’s packed with standard kit, then the Suzuki S-Cross is a cost-effective alternative to the Nissan Qashqai or SEAT Ateca.”
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Business Car

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol (mild hybrid) SZ5 AllgripScore: 6 / 10“The Suzuki S-Cross looks like OK value in the C-segment, although its smaller size will count against it on practicality, but it might have a harder time overcoming the appeal of newer, cheaper and not much smaller alternatives from the class below.”
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Car

Model reviewed: 1.4-litre petrol manual SZ5Score: 6 / 10“Quirky. That’s arguably the best word to sum up the Suzuki S-Cross. Yes, that nose is grotesque, but the unexpected competence of pretty much everything else makes it a little more forgivable.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SZ-TScore: 6 / 10“There’s a refreshing honesty about the SX4 S-Cross that Suzuki should be applauded for. Detroit-esque grille aside it’s unpretentious, reliable, fit-for-purpose family transport with a standard kit roster in SZ-T form that embarrasses other players in the market.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual SZ-TScore: 8 / 10“Well equipped, practical and better to drive than most, the Suzuki S-Cross is still something of a hidden gem in the crossover/SUV market. As a family runaround this model is hard to fault, though we’d probably opt for the diesel for better efficiency.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7.6 / 10“The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross is an affordable crossover that competes with models like the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Karoq”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross is a surprisingly capable small SUV that’s good value, practical and decent to drive, but not the most exciting car to look at.”
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Fleetworld

Model reviewed: SZ4 HybridScore: 7 / 10“Mild it may be, but the S-Cross Hybrid benefits from strong improvements as a result of its electrification.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Squint at the Suzuki S-Cross and you’ll see a few similarities to the Nissan Qashqai. That’s not a huge surprise – the Nissan crossover is a bestseller and it was the benchmark against which the S-Cross was measured, and the model from which Suzuki hopes to steal some of the limelight.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Unpretentious and comfortable crossover is packed with equipment.”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: Range overview“The Suzuki S-Cross has the ingredients to give the Nissan Qashqai food for thought. Its main selling point is value for money. To get the same amount of goodies in the Qashqai you need two or three grand more.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 7 / 10“The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross gives you a lot of space for your money and is available with a strong and efficient diesel engine. Make sure you can live with the firm ride, though. And avoid the higher-spec versions – these are priced too close to the Nissan Qashqai.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross is hard to beat when it comes to value for money, and is enjoyable to drive. Other small SUVs are more comfortable, though.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Range overview“If you want a quietly effective crossover that’s cheap to buy and run, the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross could be your car. We can’t recommend it, though, as it breaches nitrous oxide exhaust emissions limits in our tests.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

The Suzuki SX4 S-Cross was crash tested by Euro NCAP way back in 2013 and achieved a five-star rating. However, this rating has now expired and is no longer valid.

Euro NCAP’s crash testing standards are raised almost every year, and ratings will expire when a vehicle no longer meets the latest standards for that rating. Sometimes a vehicle will be re-tested against the newer standards and awarded a new (usually lower) rating, but this has not happened in the case of the Suzuki S-Cross.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Suzuki S-Cross was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Suzuki S-Cross received

2017

Tow Car of the Year Awards – Best Budget 4×4

2014

Scottish Car of the Year Awards – Best Crossover

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