Suzuki Vitara 2019 review: Turbo Allgrip

Is it time to join the Suzi queue for a new Vitara? Peter Anderson finds out.

CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

[gregburville]

I've just sold a 2014 Swift, owned from new, and zero problems. The revised Vitara looks great and your review was fair and informative. The turbo (2wd) is the best choice. My only criticism of Suzuki is the six month service intervals.

[johnsinclair]

I have the 2017 1.6. I don’t agree it’s gasping. It’s not overly quick but it never ever gives less than 50 mpg.
A delight to drive and the Range Rover copy bonnet looks great. Very happy with my Vitara.

[bikerman]

Suzuki n Subaru, The only cars n the crossover/small suv segment, with good 4wd systems 👍

[JesseKnowles]

Great car, Purchasing one for my mum soon.

I have a Jimny and I've stuck with Suzuki's for years.

I have alot of experience with Vitara's and they have come a long way since the 90s, They aren't exactly a fully fledged 4x4 anymore but they are actually really capable off-road, I've seen the allgrips show up modern 4x4 utes in the slippery stuff because it's just so light and nimble.

One key thing I think is missing in this is that the allgrid is more than just the 4x4 system, It also has that massive panoramic sun-roof, This is the only spec that receives this.

So for an extra 4-5k you get one of the largest sun-roofs you can get in any car and you get a real 4wd system, Along with better resale value.

[AndreiLucaa]

I bought this car a week ago, but 2WD top of the range. I'm very happy with it! Great, great value for money imo ! I love it

[mjfjkf]

I have the vitara allgrip .when you do a road test do it probably .the allgrip has a sport mode it make a lot of difference it’s a lot faster and gives the car great handling.

[jaybenton]

The 4WD in this gives the Audi 4WD system a run for it's money, beating it in places. God knows what this reviewer is talking about, it's amazing.

[reko]

The backseats look adequately comfortable. For a 6-foot person not to get grasshopper-legs at back is a win.

[leftatedsa]

I personally think that this is a great little car. I have a 2017 1.4 Turbo. It's lightweight and efficient achieving close to 20 km/p/ltr on a freeway run even with aircon. I got 23 once but don't know how. The DCT is positive although a little twitchy in traffic but it actually gives you a good feel unlike a standard torque converter. Just don't 'creep' in traffic, that's the golden rule. The paddle shifters are handy for those 60 downhill runs where the police are waiting at the bottom with their devices at hand. The Atlantic Turquoise isn't for everyone but I like it and it's easy to find in a car park. Why are the reviewers complaining about the plastics? All cars are basically the same. The seats are very comfy, the back seats are roomy and the entertainment system is simple. Adjusting the volume via the steering wheel is so handy as is changing modes, Apple CarPlay, FM, AM, flash drive etc. Highway driving is extremely efficient, either choose the Cruise Control or the speed limiter, set and forget. The only little downside is the volume when using a phone via Bluetooth. A firmware upgrade and setting the system to deal with high speed road noise still doesn't give the audio presence found in the CX5..

[bjelinski]

This car behaves in offroad much better that my Pajero 2003 did with faulthy, electric rear diff block (in all of two Pajeros I have had, in one of them also the central diff lived its own life, a widely known problem, which I had not known).

[benlobo]

Nice review but no mention of the adjustable driving modes, which is the main gain from the Allgrip model. I have the 2017 Allgrip, the snow/mud mode is great in making the car feel a bit more sturdy and safe in rain or wind, and the lock mode is the "4WD" which is not really a true 4WD but handy for that piece of mind if the terrain is a bit unsteady or that extra traction is needed (btw I have seen a review of the 2017 Allgrip going up against AWD Subarus, Volvos, VWs, and Audis in a traction test and guess who outperformed them all 😉)
But the best aspect is the SPORTS mode: essentially it adjusts the suspension and gear ratios while allowing power to be delivered to all 4 wheels as needed, thus allowing the turbo to really shine. As well as being more fun this feature is actually really handy for navigating busy roads, having that extra "power" in combination with improved traction is a great thing to have at your disposal.

So why pay extra for the Allgrip? If you live in area that has a combination of variable weather, busy roads, various terrain types then yes, you won't regret it, I love it.
But if you live in suburbia/metro then it's probaly not worth it, maybe just stick with the standard turbo....
MAJOR NOTE THAT SUZUKI DON'T TELL YOU: the towball weight is only 75kg on the 2017 era, and I doubt it will be any better on this one (I haven't bothered to check). This means that despite its claimed towing capacity it is in real life useless for towing anything more than a trailer, so forget about those caravaning roadtrip dreams. You might be lucky if you can find the right small boat and trailer if you find anything that works please please please let me know! I would cnosider you a legend

[kokopaingkokopaing]

I have been waiting for this car review. Thank you very much for your review.

[nikosx]

I ve tried both vitara and scross and believe it or not i ve chose vitara since it is roomier in front (I am 2 m tall) and has more space for the head in the rear than s cross

[dariopaolini]

I doubt the AWD system in the CX3 and definitely not the Kona are better 🤔🤔🤔

[berghskedjan]

I have a 2016 Vitara Allgrip Diesel. With my diesel Vitara I can tow 1500 kg, and my caravan weighs 1320 kg. The petrol version can only tow 1200 kg, so the Diesel engine is actually missed...

[Zzzxxx]

Where was this bridge behind you at the begining may I ask? Great scenery. Great vid as always...

[wheresmycheese]

Hopefully better tyres than the continentals that were on the previous model

[Paul-glkn]

I purchased a Suzuki Vitara 66plate petrol June 2020. Thought is was a good choice having second thoughts now. When i first got the car i thought why does it not start as quick as my other car Vauxall corsa petrol. Cut a long story short i had it serviced to manufacturers standards. A week later i had not driven it for only 2 days it took 10 seconds to start was just cranking all that time. Be careful I've read the same issues on the Suzuki forums.

[dozzgio.]

The Vistara S turbo Allgrip was released early 2017 which is what I have! You didn't even mention that. You mentioned that the 2019 was the first one released after the older 1993 to 96 model which is the one I also owned before the 2017 model.

[TurfSurf]

They need to make a bigger more refined Jimny and bring it to the US!