2009 Suzuki SX4 Quality Review

The 2009 Suzuki SX4 is comfortable enough for up to four and suitably practical as a hatchback.

When it comes to build and materials quality on the 2009 Suzuki SX4 lineup, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com are mixed. Edmunds feels "the quality of the surrounding plastics is a step or two below the materials in rivals,” while ConsumerGuide says the Suzuki SX4 "cabin materials are appropriate for the price.” Cars.com reviewers split the difference, claiming that "while the cabin has some downmarket elements...most interior trim pieces are better finished," which "puts the SX4 Sport in the middle of the small car pack." Though reviews of the materials may be inconclusive, most reviewers side with Motor Trend when they remark that the Suzuki SX4 offers "made-in-Japan build quality" that can "match, if not surpass, [that] of the Nissan" SE-R.

Reduced cabin noise is a welcome benefit of the Suzuki SX4’s solid build quality. ConsumerGuide reports that "wind noise is modest, and there's little thumping over bumps." While the 2009 Suzuki SX4 is usually hushed, Jalopnik says the "cabin noise you're subjected to as the engine whines above 80 mph" is one of the Suzuki SX4's biggest shortcomings.

In regard to ride quality, reviewers are favorable and complimentary. ConsumerGuide says that SX4s "ride fairly comfortably for being such small cars; limber but nicely damped suspension and large tires help iron out most rough pavement." Referring to its earlier comment on the vehicle's excessive weight, Edmunds acknowledges that the "extra pounds help give the [Suzuki] SX4 a smooth, refined ride quality.”

Kelley Blue Book states that the "rear bench can handle two adults or a trio of kids." The reviewer from MotherProof isn't so admiring of those backseats, however, pointing out "there's a seat belt in the middle position in the back, but [she] didn't have the heart to make [her] teenager squeeze into a space that was about the width of his right thigh." ConsumerGuide adds that the rear seats are definitely "too narrow for three adults." The 2009 Suzuki SX4 lineup offers five seatbelts and comfortable seating for front-seat passengers. ConsumerGuide reports that front headroom in the Suzuki SX4 "is ample despite a high seating position for the class," while legroom is also "OK" for most passengers. According to Edmunds, "those who are very tall will appreciate the Suzuki's voluminous headroom in both the front and rear"; they also note that the "propped-up driving position may feel a bit awkward to some consumers, but ex-SUV owners will find it familiar."

The sedan earns praise from Cars.com for its "sizable 14.3 cubic feet" of storage space in the trunk, "which is larger than the cargo area of the Civic, Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla." Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com mark down the Suzuki SX4 Sport for its lack of folding rear seats. Inside the Suzuki SX4, "cabin storage is useful but not abundant," comments ConsumerGuide. Storage space in the 2009 Suzuki SX4 is adequate in the Sport but impressive in the Crossover. Edmunds reports that "the 60/40-split rear seat can be lowered and tumbled forward to open up an ample 38 cubic feet of cargo room" in the Suzuki SX4 Crossover.