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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 23 / 29 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,700 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 345 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $12,395–$16,497 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2013 Suzuki SX4 at 6.2/10 overall, which translates to a Fair rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Value at 7.1/10, while Technology at 5.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. Buyers should review the score breakdown carefully and consider higher-rated alternatives before committing.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 5.9/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. Safety is a notable gap at 6.8/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance at 6.0/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 5.3/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $12,395–$16,497, 14 MPG, seating 5, the Suzuki SX4 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The 7.1/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: Based on our scoring, the 2013 Suzuki SX4 underperforms its segment peers across multiple dimensions. Unless there's a specific reason it fits your situation — price, a particular trim's features, or availability — there are better-scored alternatives at similar price points worth considering first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2013 Suzuki SX4 ranks #2444 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 0% of the segment. Its 6.2/10 overall score is 1.2 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $12,395 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 66%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the SX4 model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 (this review) | 6.2/10 | $12,395 | |
| 2012 | 6.2/10 | $11,840 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Steering / Hydraulic power assist / Pump 14/11/2018 · 18V804000 | Suzuki Motor America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Suzuki SX4 vehicles. The power steering pump may seize causing a loss of steering assist. |
|---|---|
| Power train / Automatic transmission / Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) 17/05/2018 · 18V331000 | Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2013 Suzuki Kizashi and SX4 vehicles equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Transmission Control Module (TCM) may fail causing a reduction in speed or reduced vehicle… |
| Power train / Automatic transmission / Gear position indication (prndl) 22/12/2014 · 14V811000 | Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 SX4 vehicles manufactured July 16, 2009, to November 1, 2012, and 2010-2013 Kizashi vehicles manufactured October 13, 2009, to October 31, 2012. The shift selector can be… |
| Steering / Hydraulic power assist / Pump 22/09/2015 · 15V587000 | Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2012-2103 Suzuki SX4 vehicles manufactured September 3, 2011, to April 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, insufficient clearance between the power steering pump body and the power… |
| Power train / Automatic transmission 18/11/2013 · 13V572000 | Suzuki del Caribe (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2013 SX4 vehicles manufactured December 26, 2012, through February 4, 2013 and equipped with a continuously variable transmission. The bolts that fasten the drive plate to the torque converter may… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
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