Verdict
B
Small SUV · Japan · 1988-Present
Suzuki Vitara
Suzuki Vitara — spec data and generation history.
Years
1988-Present
Generations
1
Segment
Small SUV
Suzuki's compact SUV. Older Vitara / Grand Vitara generations (1988-2014) were body-on-frame off-roaders - genuine 4WD with low range. Modern Vitara since 2015 (LY chassis) is a unibody crossover - the same platform-cousin as the SX4 S-Cross and the Swift. LY (2015-Present) UK gets 1.0 / 1.4 / 1.5 Boosterjet petrol with optional AllGrip part-time AWD - mild-hybrid added 2019, full hybrid 1.5 added 2022. The 1.4T S variant (138 bhp) is the underrated quick one. The Vitara is the rational, slightly old-fashioned answer to the Mokka / Captur / Juke market - cheaper, lighter, more honest, less stylised. Suzuki has done it well for nearly a decade. The LY is the modern-relevant Vitara - earlier Grand Vitara is a different beast (and a separate page if needed).
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
2015-Present
LY
→
1.4 Boosterjet S - 138 bhp, 0-62 in 9.5s.
Verdict
B
BHP
138
0–60
9.5 s
Top
124 mph
MPG
38 mpg
Used
$13,000-$30,000
- + Light - 1080 kg base, sub-1200 kg AWD
- + 1.4T S variant 138 bhp is genuinely quick
- − Cabin plastics not premium
- − Boot smaller than Captur / Mokka
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2015-Present - LY
- Boosterjet 1.0 / 1.4 turbo failure (rare)
- AllGrip transfer case fluid leaks
- Mild-hybrid 12V auxiliary battery weak
- Sat-nav freezing pre-2022 facelift
Rivals
Vauxhall Mokka · Renault Captur · Ford Puma · Nissan Juke