2011 Suzuki SX4

One of the Suzuki SX4's biggest selling points is available all-wheel drive at a low entry price, which is something few economy cars offer. Reviewers prefer the 2011 Subaru Impreza (Base MSRP: $17,495 to $28,995), which has all-wheel drive standard, and the more common front-wheel drive models like the best-reviewed 2011 Hyundai Elantra (Base MSRP: $14,830 to $19,980) and 2011 Honda Fit (Base MSRP: $15,100 to $16,860). These cars have a more sophisticated ride and handling experience according to reviewers, and the Elantra and Fit have better fuel economy and nicer interior materials. The SX4 comes in both sedan and hatchback variants. Base models come equipped with front-wheel drive.

The 2011 SX4 changes little from the previous year. The most notable change is the addition of side airbags for rear passengers. Otherwise, the remaining updates involve standard equipment changes for various trim packages. For additional details, see our detailed report on the 2010 Suzuki SX4.

The Suzuki SX4's Environmental Protection Agency-rated fuel economy is average at best. The 2-liter, four-cylinder sedan delivers 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway/26 mpg combined with the six-speed manual transmission, and 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway/28 mpg with the CVT automatic. AWD-equipped models get expectedly lower fuel economy, delivering 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway/25 mpg combined with the manual transmission and 23 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined with the automatic. The hatchback does slightly worse in terms of fuel economy, delivering 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined with the CVT automatic and front-wheel drive, while the manual gets 1 mpg worse in city and combined driving. Newer competitors, such as the Hyundai Elantra, provide significantly better fuel economy.

Front airbags, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, and antilock brakes are standard on all SX4 trims. Electronic stability control is only available on two trim levels: the Sportback and the Crossover.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Suzuki SX4 decent crash-test ratings, but there are many small cars that get the coveted Top Safety Pick designation. The SX4 has the highest rating of Good for front- and side-impact protection, but the lower Marginal rating for rear-impact protection. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not fully tested the SX4 but does give it 4 stars out of 5 for rollover resistance.

The 2011 Suzuki SX4 Base trim starts at $13,499 while the Sport GTS trim tops the range at $18,999.