Images
1 / 6
Suzuki's first EV, the e Vitara, is a careful take on what a fashionable B-segment small electric SUV should be. It emphasises value and the shared Toyota engineering is thorough, but segment competition is fierce.
+ More
Detailed ratings
Compact Full Electric Cars
Background
Suzuki's been talking loudly about electrification since the beginning of this decade, but the fact is that it's the last of the mainstream makers to introduce an EV, this car, the e Vitara.
As it did when introducing a full-Hybrid, the brand has turned to long-time partner Toyota for help here. But while Suzuki full-Hybrids (the Across and the Swace) were merely re-badged Toyotas, the e Vitara is a Suzuki stand-alone model - though it shares its platform and all its engineering with Toyota's new Urban Cruiser.
Which means it's a B-segment EV crossover, so for rivals, think cars like the MINI Aceman, the Ford Puma GEN-E and the Peugeot E-2008. The e Vitara is a slightly larger car than the existing combustion Vitara, with looks based on the company's eVX concept of 2023. And it'll be built in India to keep prices sharp. Let's take a closer look.
+ More
Range data
| Min | Max |
| Price | 33000 | 38000 |
| 0-62 mph (s) | 9.5 | 9.5 |
| Electric WLTP-Rated Driving Range (miles) | 200 | 200 |
| Min | Max |
| Length (mm) | 4275 | 4275 |
| Width (mm) | 1800 | 1800 |
| Height (mm) | 1635 | 1635 |
| Boot Capacity (l) | 306 | 320 |
Driving experience
Bolted to the e Vitara's new Heartech-e platform is a choice of two batteries of either 49kWh or 61kWh in size. The smaller pack is mated to a 142bhp motor, while the larger pack energises a 172bhp motor.
In both cases, drive comes from the front, but if you opt for the larger battery, you'll be offered the option of a top 4WD variant, which gains an extra 64bhp rear axle motor as part of what's called an 'Allgrip-e' system. Total output there is 181bhp, with 310Nm of torque. Suzuki says the 'Allgrip-e' set-up manages the twin motors independently for off-road use to allow for more precise control. There's also a selectable Trail mode which works like a limited slip differential for better traction on slimy tracks. It can apply the brakes to calm spinning wheels, while sending torque to wheels with traction. But there's a modest 180mm of ground clearance.
Across the line-up, driving range isn't anything to write home about, limited somewhat by the weight of the e-Heartech platform; e Vitara models tip the scales at anything between 1,702kg and nearly 1,900kg, which is pretty heavy for the size of car this is. As a result, even the bigger-battery model can only do around 248 miles between charges. Expect around 200 miles from the base 49kWh version. You can maximise those figures by maximising stronger regenerative braking (via a centre console button) and by activating the most frugal of the drive modes - 'Eco' (the others are 'Normal' and 'Sport').
+ More
Design and build
Like the eVX concept car that inspired it, the e Vitara has a more overtly SUV look than most of its segment competitors, with plenty of crossovery black cladding on the lower sills and between squared-off wheel arches that house large 18 or 19-inch alloy rims. Size-wise, at 4,275mm in length, it's the right shape take on its many B-segment rivals (100mm longer than the current combustion Vitara). And makes just enough of a gym car park statement with its 'three-point matrix' lighting signatures, gently sloping roof line and creased panel work.
Inside behind the two-spoke wheel, you view a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, situated in the same panel as the 10.1-inch central infotainment screen, high on the dashboard. At least you don't have to use that screen to operate the climate system; there's a small row of physical controls for that on the dashboard. The 'floating' centre console features a rotary gear selector borrowed from the Toyota bZ4X, alongside a wireless charging mat and cup holders with a large storage area underneath.
Once you enter the rear (via concealed C-pillar door handles), you'll appreciate the fact that the Heartech-e platform this car sits on has been designed to maximise interior space, hence the relatively lengthy 2,700mm wheelbase length. This means decent rear seat leg room by class standards, which can be improved by a sliding rear bench that moves over 20cm back-and-forth. Not so good is the height of the cabin floor, which might be an issue for taller adults over longer journeys. Rear seat folk get USB charging ports and ISOFIX child seat mounting points, but the door bins can only hold a small bottle.
The high floor rather restricts boot space, which varies between 306 and 320-litres depending on the position of the sliding rear bench. To give some class perspective, the Jeep Avenger offers 355-litres.
+ More
Market and model
We don't yet have full details about UK pricing and specs, but this car will need to sit in the £33,000-£38,000 bracket if it's to be segment competitive. Spec levels will be pretty comprehensive: even the base trim is likely to include includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, a sliding rear bench and a wireless charging mat. In addition, you can tick off a 10.25-inch driver's display, auto air conditioning, auto headlamps and wipers, roof rails and rear parking sensors. Plus there's a 10.1-inch centre screen with over-the-air updates and wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-connectivity.
Top models get larger 19-inch wheels. And all offer access to Suzuki Connect connected services that includes a three years free subscription. Via this, you can connect remotely with your e Vitara via your ;phone, checking on charging levels, pre-conditioning the cabin and remotely locking or unlocking the doors.
As you'd want, you can also expect a full complement of drive assist and safety gear, including Adaptive Cruise Control, High beam assist, autonomous braking, lane assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, a Blind Spot Monitor, a Driver Monitoring System and seven airbags linked to an eCall system which will alert the emergency services if any of them ever go off.
+ More
Cost of ownership
Suzuki says that the e Vitara can charge at up to 150kW, which is pretty class-competitive, but the 30 minute 15-70% DC charging time figure isn't particularly noteworthy. At least a heat pump is standard, to maximise range in colder months - which isn't the case on many cars in this segment. The battery is of the lithium-ion phosphate kind - which is the type of tech used for more affordable, shorter-range electric cars. At home, you will be able to AC charge at up to 11kW (if you have a three-phase supply) and if that's the case, then you can add around 36 miles of range from every hour of charging.
As with all Suzukis, this one is covered by a three year/60,000 mile warranty, plus a year of AA Suzuki Assistance, providing 24 hour UK and European roadside assistance, recovery and associated services. There's also a 12 year perforation warranty. And the battery gets a separate 8 years of warranty cover. Suzuki's dealer network usually comes out strong in customer satisfaction surveys. As with all EVs, you'll be paying low Benefit-in-Kind tax rates - 3% for 2025, 4% for 2026 and 5% for 2027.
+ More
Summary
Suzuki calls this e Vitara a 'milestone'. It certainly proves that the brand is still capable of playing a major part in producing a class-competitive all-new volume segment model. But if the company takes as long to produce new EVs in other market segments, it's going to have difficulties in Europe.
A market currently saturated with cars in the e Vitara's crowded segment. Some of them with greater EV range and cabin space than is provided here. Still, this Suzuki's as fashionable as most will want and the brand has taken its time with Toyota in producing what looks like a proven piece of engineering. Add in the merits of an eager-to-please dealer network and we can see why you might think that this contender's worth a look.
+ More
Have you considered these alternative models...
Find a Review
We have over 500 new and used car reviews to help you find your next car.
Browse reviews and model guides for all makes
