Small and affordable doesn’t have to mean boring and lethargic. The 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover is a subcompact car that packs a great deal of sportiness and fun into a handsome, very practical package. And it does all this with an outstanding warranty and prices well under $20,000 .
The SX4 comes in two body styles, a 5-door hatchback called the Crossover and a more traditional sedan. We drove the SX4 Crossover with AWD.
A keyless remote is the only optional equipment. Instead of an option list the SX4 is offered in several packages. Some SX4 packages come with a navigation system, which is a rarity on such an affordable car.
Walkaround: We think the SX4 Crossover hatchback is by far the more attractive body style. It’s short with wheels pushed out to the corners. The glass area is tall, but suited to the overall styling. Body panels are pleasantly rounded. The 205/60R16 tires and handsome alloy wheels contribute to the sporty look as wheel as the nimble handling. The SX4 Crossover is a handsome little car.
Interior: The seating position is rather high, but legroom is great even for tall drivers. A good size dead pedal is a plus. The front seats are supportive with nice, soft headrests. Our comfortably contoured leather steering wheel had audio and cruise control buttons. Front passenger room is excellent.
Rear seat room is quite good for such a small car. Head and foot room are ample. The rear seat is fine for two passengers, but a tight squeeze for three.
Interior materials were above what would be expected at this price point. Even the plastic quality was above average.
Under The Hood: Performance was greatly enhanced by the fine 5-speed manual transmission. We suspect the SX4 would be a bit slower with the automatic transmission .
The AWD system can be switched between 4WD lock, Auto, and 2WD. ABS, traction control, and an antiskid system are available. Fuel economy is rated at 21/28, which is pretty good for an AWD vehicle.
Behind The Wheel: The Suzuki SX4 Crossover was a participant in the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year Competition held at Pacific Raceways in Kent. Besides off-road and highway driving the vehicles were tested on Pacific Raceways’ twisty road course. The SX4 was by far the most fun vehicle on the racetrack.
The excellent 5-speed manual transmission played a big role in our ability to wring out all the performance the 2.0-liter 143 hp engine had to offer. The AWD was a great help both on the racetrack and the off road course.
Whines: When the rear seats are folded down there’s a large height difference from the cargo floor. This limits what you can carry.
Bottom Line: The 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover is a great example of how to make practical, affordable cars fun to drive and desirable to own. The AWD feature makes the SX4 Crossover an excellent car for this part of the country. The Suzuki SX4 Crossover is a small car with big attributes.
