Suzuki Across review

Does something seem familiar to you about the car in the image above? It might well do, because the Suzuki Across we’re discussing here has more than a little in common with the Toyota RAV4. You see, Suzuki and Toyota are now collaborating on various different models, and the Suzuki Across is the first example from this partnership to hit our roads.

This isn’t entirely a copy and paste job – the Across has a differently styled front-end to the RAV4 – but the two cars are otherwise very similar indeed. In fact, the Across is virtually identical to the Toyota RAV4 inside, save for a different steering wheel with a Suzuki badge on it.

Right now the Across offers just one engine and trim level. So if you want one, you’ll be buying a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with an 18.1kWh battery, 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which promises an impressive electric range, very low official CO2 emissions and punchy performance. This same plug-in hybrid setup will also be available in the RAV4.

As a large SUV it’s up against fuel-powered rivals like the Mazda CX-5, Peugeot 5008 and Skoda Kodiaq. But as a plug-in hybrid it also counts the DS 7 Crossback E-Tense hybrid, Ford Kuga PHEV and Land Rover Discovery Sport P300e among its chief competitors. So how does the Across stack up? Should it be on your plug-in hybrid shortlist? Read on to find out.

And whatever new car you decide on, remember that our New Car Buying service is at your call to serve up big savings from the comfort of your own home, without the hassle of haggling.