2008 Suzuki SX4 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$14,770 to $16,870

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(23 reviews)
2008 Suzuki SX4 Preview summaryImage

A Sport sedan joins the lineup of the 2008 Suzuki SX4, which debuted last year in hatchback form. The new Sport sedan features a sport suspension, sport pedals, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an aerodynamic body kit. Unlike the AWD hatchback, however, the sedan comes only in front-wheel drive, which makes it less veratile but also less heavy. The only major change for the hatchback is an updated fifth gear in the manual transmission. Both trims share a 2.0-liter, 143-hp I4 engine with 136 ft-lbs of torque at a relatively low 3500 RPM. A 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic are the transmission choices.

The 2008 Suzuki SX4 hatch continues to bill itself as the most affordable compact AWD. Lacking low-range gearing, it is meant only for slippery and snowy driving conditions, but drivers seem impressed with its performance. The system defaults to front-wheel drive, but then automatically distributes torque to the wheels when it feels slippage. Though the engine power and 10.2-second 0-60 time doesn't compete with more pricey cars such as the Sentra SE-R, owners and critics agree that the 2008 Suzuki SX4 steps up to the plate and delivers in terms of handling and sporty feel on the open road and around curves. For someone wanting a little fun behind the wheel without breaking the wallet, the 2008 SX4 provides a good-looking alternative.

Both sedan and hatchback come with ABS brakes, dual front-side and side curtain airbags, full power features, and a CD/MP3 player. Both can be outfitted with either the Convenience Package (cruise control, leather trim) or the Touring Package (foglights, rear spoiler, CD changer, keyless ignition). While the rear seats in the hatch fold and flip up to expand the 16 cubic foot trunk to 64 cubic feet, the SX4 sedan's seats do not, due to a stabilizing bar behind the seatbacks. Reviews cite the 2008 SX4 as sportier, more nimble, and more fun to drive than the comparably-sized Fit and Versa. The AWD system ranks high, as does the surprising headroom and roomy interior. The major drawback for owners seems to be its small 11-gallon gas tank and its 22/30 mpg, which some feel should be better for a compact. Sluggish acceleration, engine noise, and the lack of folding rear seats in the Sport sedan also earn criticism.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2008 Suzuki SX4

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User rating:
by Andrew O
Jun 24, 2022
Great reliability and great MPG with AWD. The 1st micro SUV.Jun 24, 2022
by Steve S
Mar 30, 2022
Great car also very stable on road for a small car..Mar 30, 2022
by Lindsay P
Mar 21, 2022
Great car for the value. Basically the best, cheapest small SUV you can get. Mar 21, 2022

2008 Suzuki SX4 Pricing

Original MSRP
$14,770 to $16,870
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front

Convenience Features

Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: driver

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: retractable · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.81

Exterior Features

Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 50-50 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: hard · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: driver

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 4.41 · Locking differential: rear

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: driver

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: retractable · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.41

Exterior Features

Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 50-50 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: hard · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: driver

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 2.81 · Locking differential: rear

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 380 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: driver

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 380 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: retractable · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.81

Exterior Features

Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 50-50 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 9 · 380 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.0 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cargo cover: hard · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: driver

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 2.81 · Locking differential: rear

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 15.2 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed

See all trims (9)