2024 Suzuki Vitara: Quick review

The Suzuki Vitara name (previously Grand Vitara) has a history dating back to 1988 when it was a road-friendly alternative to Suzuki's Jimny, catering to both off-road enthusiasts and urban drivers.

While the new Jimny retains its traditional characteristics, the fourth-generation Vitara continues to focus more on inner-city comfort with some off-road capability as well.

So let's see what Suzuki's compact SUV has to offer in its entry level spec.

5

Pricing and features

The 2024 Suzuki Vitara is available in five variants – the Vitara, Vitara Shadow, Vitara Turbo, Vitara Turbo Shadow and the Vitara Turbo ALLGRIP.

We're going to be looking at the most affordable grade which will set you back $29,990 drive-away.

It's 1.6-litre petrol engine outputs 86kW and 156Nm in automatic models, and there's an option for a 5-speed manual transmission too.

On the base grade Vitara you get 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch touch screen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 4.2-inch drivers digital display, a reverse camera, cruise control, keyless entry and push button start, daytime running lights, rear privacy glass and more.

5

Safety

Although the previous generation held a five-star rating, the current Vitara (from 2023 onwards) is unrated.

Curiously, additional safety such as autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert is reserved for grades higher up the range.

The entire range however gets seven airbags, including a knee airbag for the driver, anti-lock braking system and brake assist systems.

5

Key rivals

In the segment there are plenty of rivals to consider, the main ones being:

• Toyota Corolla Cross
• Hyundai Kona
• MG ZS
• Mazda CX-30
• Subaru Crosstrek
• Haval Jolion

5

Should I put it on my shortlist?

Suzuki has developed a longstanding reputation for the reliability of their vehicles. With plenty of older Grand Vitara's still on the road it continues this legacy with the latest generation.

As this small SUV does miss out on some key safety, we would most likely recommend stepping up the range. But that does come at a significant cost– about $7000 to be exact up to the Vitara Turbo. That being said, you'll also gain an array of additional features.