2011 Suzuki SX4
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatch AWD Jx/Jlx, 4dr Hatch FWD Base, 4dr Hatch FWD Jx, 4dr Sedan FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 162.2–177.6 in
- Curb weight
- 2,747–2,992 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2011 compact car (24.3 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints5 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 23 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 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 / 32 highway), 15% better than the 2011 compact car average of 24.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2011
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 SX4 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 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 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 / 31 / 28 | +15% | $2,400 | 317 |
| SX4 Sedan | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | +7% | $2,600 | 342 |
| SX4 Sport/Anniversary Edition | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +7% | $2,600 | 342 |
| SX4 Sport/Anniversary Edition | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +3% | $2,700 | 355 |
| SX4 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | +2% | $2,700 | 355 |
| SX4 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +2% | $2,700 | 355 |
| SX4 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +2% | $2,700 | 355 |
| SX4 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 29 / 25 | +2% | $2,700 | 355 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Suzuki SX4.
Similar 2011 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Suzuki SX4 (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Mazda 3 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Ford Fiesta | 33 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2011 Mazda 2 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Hyundai Accent | 30 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (3)
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.
Not every 2011 Suzuki SX4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Suzuki SX4 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,100 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 2011 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 →