Costs & verdict
Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is
Costs, insurance groups, MPG and CO2
The Suzuki Vitara starts at around the same price as our preferred versions of the Ford Puma and slightly more than the Volkswagen T-Cross, while range-topping SZ5 trim pushes it into the territory of the slightly larger Volkswagen T-Roc. Helping to justify its price, though, is that even the basic Vitara trims offer plenty of equipment, especially in terms of safety kit, and Suzuki tends to offer substantial discounts. Insurance groups are reasonable and servicing costs are sensible.
The Vitara is a relatively inexpensive car to run, and the mild-hybrid engine brings good fuel economy, with an official WLTP figure from 49.7mpg. The Puma, which also offers mild-hybrid technology, returns 48.7mpg, although the regular petrol-powered T-Cross can achieve figures that aren’t far off. The hybrid auto ups this figure to more than 50mpg, which is good, but somewhat south of the far more impressive 60mpg of the Toyota Yaris Cross.
SZ5 models get 17in alloy wheels, too, but also add lots of upmarket features, including front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, suede upholstery and an analogue clock in the centre of the dashboard.
Reliability
Suzuki as a brand came a highly impressive joint third with Hyundai in our 2021 What Car? Reliability Survey – way ahead of VW in 20th or Ford in 27th.
The Vitara itself also did reasonably well in the small SUV category of the survey, finishing in the top half of the table and above the T-Roc and Puma.
As with many of its rivals, the Vitara comes with a three-year or 60,000-mile warranty is standard, while a 12-year anti-perforation warranty should quell any concerns about rust.
