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2009 Suzuki SX4 Safety Review

July 13, 2009

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Front roof pillars impede the view to the sides
ConsumerGuide

Consistent with Suzuki's philosophy of both fun and safe driving
Autoblog

Four stars, frontal impact; five stars, side impact
NHTSA

Aside from a few four-star crash-test ratings, the 2009 Suzuki SX4 offers an impressive safety resume.

The 2009 Suzuki SX4 has not been tested by the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which puts vehicles through very stringent exams. However, the SX4 lineup has been tested extensively by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and boasted impressive crash-test ratings, especially for its size. Both the Suzuki SX4 Sport and Crossover earned four out of five stars in NHTSA frontal impact tests, and both Suzuki SX4 variants earned a perfect five-star rating in side-impact tests, as well as a four-star rating in the rollover category.

The list of safety features on the 2009 Suzuki SX4 includes what’s expected on a modern vehicle. Edmunds remarks that "traction and stability control, an unusual feature for this class, is standard on SX4 Touring models." ConsumerGuide points out that a "tire-pressure monitor" and "daytime running lights" are standard fare on the Suzuki SX4. Edmunds reports that "every 2009 Suzuki SX4 comes with antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and head-protecting side curtain airbags for all outboard passengers."

The 2009 Suzuki SX4 generally provides decent visibility, but some reviewers issue minor complaints. ConsumerGuide notes "some testers complain that the front roof pillars impede the view to the sides," though Edmunds counters by saying the high seating position is "beneficial to outward visibility." Cars.com takes both sides, finding "the view forward from the front seats is great, but the large A-pillar on the right side is in the driver's line of sight when checking for pedestrians and cars."

Conclusion

Some economy cars skimp on safety features but not the 2009 SX4.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Front roof pillars impede the view to the sidesConsumerGuideConsistent with Suzuki's philosophy of both fun and safe drivingAutoblogFour stars, frontal impact; five stars, side impactNHTSA Aside from a few four-star crash-test ratings, the 2009 Suzuki SX4 offers an impressive safety resume. The 2009 Suzuki SX4 has not been tested by the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which puts vehicles through very stringent exams. However, the SX4 lineup has been tested extensively by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and boasted impressive crash-test ratings, especially for its size. Both the Suzuki SX4 Sport and Crossover earned four out of five stars in NHTSA frontal impact tests, and both Suzuki SX4 variants earned a perfect five-star rating in side-impact tests, as well as a four-star rating in the rollover category. The list of safety features on the 2009 Suzuki SX4 includes what’s expected on a modern vehicle. Edmunds remarks that "traction and stability control, an unusual feature for this class, is standard on SX4 Touring models." ConsumerGuide points out that a "tire-pressure monitor" and "daytime running lights" are standard fare on the Suzuki SX4. Edmunds reports that "every 2009 Suzuki SX4 comes with antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and head-protecting side curtain airbags for all outboard passengers." The 2009 Suzuki SX4 generally provides decent visibility, but some reviewers issue minor complaints. ConsumerGuide notes "some testers complain that the front roof pillars impede the view to the sides," though Edmunds counters by saying the high seating position is "beneficial to outward visibility." Cars.com takes both sides, finding "the view forward from the front seats is great, but the large A-pillar on the right side is in the driver's line of sight when checking for pedestrians and cars." ConclusionSome economy cars skimp on safety features but not the 2009 SX4. 2009 SUZUKI SX4 STYLING | [8 out of 10] MyRide.com: "everything is well placed" Kelley Blue Book: "mildly wedge-shaped bodywork matches form with function" Cars.com: "SX4 Crossover is less distinctive but more athletic looking" Suzuki's designers have clearly focused their attention ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Toyota Matrix, although an aging design for 2009, is a good, practical alternative that may have higher resale value. The Matrix is a bit more expensive though. Like the Suzuki SX4, the Subaru Impreza comes with standard all-wheel drive. But the Impreza hatchback starts more than $2,000 higher than the SX4 hatchback. Arguably, the Impreza feels a little more substantial, but it doesn't have any more usable interior space. Those torn between the sedan and hatchback might consider the Dodge Caliber, a hatchback with a more sedan-like profile and some useful convenience options. However, all-wheel drive is only available on the Caliber in the top-of-the-range R/T model. The Nissan Versa is an especially low-priced model that comes well equipped and has a roomy, comfortable interior.

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See the Suzuki SX4 in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Sam #1, Posted: 8/16/2009

    "Suzuki sweetened the deal by including a touch screen navigation system as standard equipment." That's news to me, and I just bought one. At no point did I see a nav system, much less touch screen.

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