2010 Suzuki SX4
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatch AWD Jx/Jlx, 4dr Hatch FWD Aero, 4dr Hatch FWD Base, 4dr Hatch FWD Jx
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 162.2–177.6 in
- Curb weight
- 2,747–2,992 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 19% better than the average 2010 compact car (23.6 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints6 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 29 for similar models.
Watch out for
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 Suzuki SX4 is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 163 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,992 lb (4dr Hatch AWD Jx/Jlx).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 33 highway), 19% better than the 2010 compact car average of 23.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 6 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2010
- Best combined MPG up from 26 to 28
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 SX4 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatch AWD Jx/Jlx | 163 in | 69.3 in | 63.4 in | 98.4 in | 58.3 / 57.9 in | 2,992 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Hatch FWD Aero | 163 in | 69.3 in | 61.8 in | 98.4 in | 58.3 / 57.9 in | 2,921 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Hatch FWD Base | 162.2 in | 68.1 in | 62.2 in | 98.4 in | 59.1 / 59.4 in | 2,747 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Hatch FWD Jx | 163 in | 69.3 in | 62.2 in | 98.4 in | 58.3 / 57.9 in | 2,879 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD | 176.8 in | 68.1 in | 61 in | 98.4 in | 58.7 / 58.3 in | 2,747 lb | 61/39 |
| Sport 4dr Sedan FWD | 177.6 in | 68.1 in | 61 in | 98.4 in | 58.7 / 58.3 in | 2,846 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SX4 Sedan | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +19% | $2,400 | 317 |
| SX4 Sedan | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 26 | +10% | $2,600 | 342 |
| SX4 Sport | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +10% | $2,600 | 342 |
| SX4 Sport | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +10% | $2,600 | 342 |
| SX4 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +7% | $2,600 | 342 |
| SX4 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +3% | $2,700 | 355 |
| SX4 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +3% | $2,700 | 355 |
| SX4 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +3% | $2,700 | 355 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Suzuki SX4 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Suzuki SX4 (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2010 Mazda 3 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2010 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2010 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2010 Hyundai Accent | 31 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2010 Honda Insight | 41 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2010 Kia Rio | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (5)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) · Dec 22, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V811000 · 60,823 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 moved out of the "Park" position without depressing the brake pedal.
- Risk
- If the shift selector is moved out of the "Park" position while the brake pedal is not depressed, the vehicle may unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shift selector assembly and inspect, and if necessary, replace the shift knob, free of charge. The recall began January 16, 2015. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-714-996-7040. Suzuki's number for this recall is VL.
Air Bags · Sep 6, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V405000 · 189,901 vehicles
- Problem
- Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Grand Vitara and 2007-2011 SX4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, over time, the OCS sensor mat installed in the front passenger seat may fail due to repeated flexing of the mat from use of the seat. As a result, during a crash necessitating deployment, the air bag will deploy regardless of whether the front seat occupant is an adult or a child.
- Risk
- Air bag deployment with a child in the front passenger side seat increases the risk of injury to that child.
- Fix
- Suzuki will notify owners and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion assembly (which includes the OCS sensor mat) free of charge. Sufficient quantities of parts are not currently available to fix all of the affected vehicles. Owners will be notified of the recall in October 2013 and will receive a second notification when parts are available to have their vehicle repaired. The recall began on May 23, 2014. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki's recall campaign number is VD.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator · Jan 27, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V055000 · 32,291 vehicles
- Problem
- SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES; MODEL YEAR 2011 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 17, 2010; MODEL YEAR 2010 SUZUKI SX4 PASSENGER VEHICLES; AND 2011 SUZUKI SX4 PASSENGER VEHICLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO OCTOBER 14, 2010. THE TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY FOR THE DRIVE BELT THAT OPERATES THE ALTERNATOR, WATER PUMP, AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR AND POWER STEERING PUMP, HAS AN IMPROPERLY MANUFACTURED INTERNAL SPRING THAT CAN BREAK DUE TO REPEATED STRESS. IF THE SPRING BREAKS, THE DRIVE BELT WILL NOT BE ADJUSTED PROPERLY AND CAN SLIP, CAUSING A SQUEAKING NOISE. OR THE DRIVE BELT COULD COME OFF CAUSING THE DRIVER TO INCREASE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THIS CAN ALSO CAUSE THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE INDICATION TO RISE, WHICH CAN LEAD TO THE ENGINE OVERHEATING, OR CAN CAUSE THE CHARGING LIGHT TO COME ON, WHICH CAN LEAD TO BATTERY DISCHARGE AND ENGINE STALL.
- Risk
- IF THE DRIVE BELT COMES OFF, REQUIRING THE DRIVER TO USE INCREASED STEERING EFFORT, OR THE ENGINE STALLS, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TENSION ADJUSTER PULLEY WITH AN IMPROVED PART. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 16, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-887-697-8985 OR VISIT SUZUKI'S WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.SUZUKIAUTO.COM.
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior · Oct 19, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V513000 · 69,587 vehicles
- Problem
- SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 SX4 HATCHBACK AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SX4 HATCHBACK AND SEDAN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE THREE SCREWS THAT SECURE EACH OF THE OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRRORS TO THE MIRROR BASE CAN COME LOOSE DUE TO VIBRATION.
- Risk
- IF A REAR VIEW MIRROR FALLS OFF THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BASE SCREWS ON BOTH OUTER REAR VIEW MIRRORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-887-697-8985 OR VISIT SUZUKI'S WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.SUZUKIAUTO.COM.
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) · Sep 1, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V392000 · 20,692 vehicles
- Problem
- SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 SX4, 2010 GRAND VITARA, AND 2009 THROUGH 2010 EQUATOR VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750, 760, AND 765 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
- Risk
- OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Fix
- SUZUKI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR SUZUKI AT 1-887-697-8985. OWNERS MAY ALSO VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
Not every 2010 Suzuki SX4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Suzuki SX4 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Structure › Body — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 43,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Suzuki SX4. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other SX4 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Suzuki. How we calculate this →