Read Caroline’s Suzuki Vitara review for everything you need to know about buying Suzuki’s chunky small SUV in Ireland.
Suzuki has always been a relatively small player in the Irish new car market, but the Japanese brand is quietly growing its market share and selling more cars despite more and more new brands entering the market.
A big part of the appeal is value for money. Every model in the Suzuki line-up starts below €35,000. Combine that with some tempting finance packages and you can see why buyers are taking notice.
Recent growth has been driven by the latest versions of the Suzuki Swift and S-Cross, but the Vitara remains an important nameplate. First launched in Ireland in the late 1980s, the Vitara has evolved from a tough off-roader into a practical, road-friendly compact SUV. It’s not chasing headlines with flashy tech or daring design, but it delivers where it matters as a sensible, good-to-drive and capable package.
For 2025, the Vitara has been lightly refreshed, so I took it for a spin to see how it stacks up in today’s competitive small SUV segment.
Design
The Suzuki Vitara is a compact SUV with plenty of rugged charm. The current generation launched all the way back in 2015 and has been tweaked gently over the years but the basic, boxy shape remains the same.
The front end has been given a makeover for 2025, with a redesigned grille and bumper that do wonders for the plucky Vitara. The classic clamshell bonnet remains and LED headlights are standard across the range. AT the back, the design is more bland but there’s a new roof spoiler that blends neatly into side spoilers.
Two new colours join the line-up for 2025: Sphere Blue Pearl Metallic and Titan Dark Grey Metallic. There are two trim levels – Motion and Ultra – and both come with 17-inch alloy wheels, but with a different design depending on trim.
Interior
Inside the Vitara still feels quite dated despite the update. It’s straightforward and functional rather than flashy. This isn’t the place for giant digital dashboards or ambient lighting spectacles. Instead you get analogue dials, a manual gear selector and a mechanical handbrake.
That said, the interior is well put together with no squeaks or rattles and there are some more soft touch materials on top of the dashboard. Opt for the Ultra and there’s an upholstery upgrade to suede and leather, which makes it feel nicer inside.
Ultra versions also get a panoramic sliding sunroof, front parking sensors, electric folding mirrors with integrated indicators and an overhead storage compartment.
All Vitaras get Suzuki’s latest 9-inch infotainment system. The graphics are better than the last one but are still quite old-fashioned. But you can bypass it easily with the wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
There’s a solid suite of standard kit including keyless entry and start, adaptive cruise control, automatic air conditioning, rear parking sensors and camera, high beam assist, and new driver assistance systems such as lane keep assist, intelligent speed control and driver monitoring system.
Practicality
For a compact SUV, the Vitara is pretty versatile. The 362-litre boot in the mild hybrid is competitive rather than class-leading, but it’s still a good, usable shape with a flat loading lip. Opt for the full hybrid and you lose some volume and the two-position boot floor feature.
There’s plenty of legroom in the back for children or adults, though the panoramic sunroof can eat into headroom. Still the boxy design means it feels anything but cramped.
There are Isofix points on the outer seats for child seats. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats make it easy to load longer items, and the rear door openings are wide enough for easy access.
Driving
Suzuki has made a clear commitment to hybrid technology, with mild and full hybrid options across the range, and a fully electric e-Vitara on the way later this year.
Under the bonnet of my test car is the tried-and-tested 1.4-litre ‘Boosterjet’ mild hybrid. This 48-volt system pairs a four-cylinder petrol engine with an integrated starter generator for a smoother, more responsive delivery of power. It produces 130hp and 235Nm of torque, giving a respectable 0–100km/h time of 10.2 seconds.
Having driven both the full hybrid and mild hybrid versions, I’d say the mild hybrid is the pick of the range. The full hybrid automatic feels lethargic and unrefined, whereas the mild hybrid manual is smoother, punchier and generally more enjoyable to drive.
The AllGrip four-wheel drive system fitted to my test car adds a layer of capability that many rivals can’t match. The rotary dial lets you choose between Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock modes to get you out of real thick mud, sand or snow.
On the road, the Vitara feels fun and agile to drive, with light but precise steering and good visibility all round. It’s largely comfortable for a small SUV, with plenty of grip through the corners but refinement levels are not up to scratch with the best of the rivals. It can get quite noisy in the cabin when you’re cruising at high speeds.
Suzuki quotes fuel economy for the AllGrip model as low as 5.4 litres per 100km and during my time with the car I averaged 5.6. Versions without four wheel drive are even more efficient. Annual motor tax is €200 for this model.
Suzuki Vitara Video Review
Suzuki Vitara Price
The Vitara range in Ireland starts from €31,635 for the mild hybrid petrol in the Motion trim or from €33,455 for the Ultra. Add four wheel drive and that’s €36,140.
The full hybrid starts from €33,595.
Verdict
The Suzuki Vitara benefits greatly from the latest facelift without losing any of its rugged charm. The latest safety and equipment upgrades bring it neatly up to date, however there’s no getting away from the fact that inside it is quite bland. Yet the quality is good and it’s practical too. The mild hybrid powertrain is a gem: smooth, responsive and efficient. Add in competitive pricing, good equipment levels and the option of a capable 4WD system, and the Vitara makes a strong case for itself.
For buyers looking for a practical, well-equipped and fun-to-drive compact SUV that won’t break the bank, the Vitara remains a quietly brilliant option.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
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