DecodedCars2008 Suzuki SX4
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatch FWD, 4dr Hatch FWD /Jlx, 4dr Hatch FWD /Jx, 4dr Sedan FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 162.2–177.6 in
- Curb weight
- 2,646–2,800 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 19% better than the average 2008 compact car (21.9 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Suzuki SX4 is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 162 inches long and 68 inches wide on a 98-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,646 lb (4dr Hatch FWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 19% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 SX4 — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 SX4 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatch FWD | 162.2 in | 68.1 in | 62.2 in | 98.4 in | 59.1 / 59.4 in | 2,646 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Hatch FWD /Jlx | 163 in | 69.3 in | 63.4 in | 98.4 in | 58.3 / 57.9 in | 2,800 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Hatch FWD /Jx | 163 in | 69.3 in | 63.4 in | 98.4 in | 58.3 / 57.9 in | 2,646 lb | 61/39 |
| 4dr Sedan FWD | 176.8 in | 68.1 in | 61 in | 98.4 in | 58.7 / 58.3 in | 2,668 lb | 61/39 |
| Sport 4dr Sedan FWD | 177.6 in | 68.1 in | 61 in | 98.4 in | 58.7 / 58.3 in | 2,668 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 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | +19% | $2,600 | 342 |
| SX4 Sedan | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +14% | $2,700 | 355 |
| SX4 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +11% | $2,700 | 355 |
| SX4 | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +11% | $2,700 | 355 |
| SX4 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +7% | $2,800 | 370 |
| SX4 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 23 | +2% | $2,900 | 386 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Suzuki SX4 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Suzuki SX4 (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Hyundai Accent | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Kia Rio | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Nissan Versa | 29 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
Recalls (3)
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.
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior · Oct 19, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V513000 · 69,587 vehicles
- Problem
- SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 SX4 HATCHBACK AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 SX4 HATCHBACK AND SEDAN PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE THREE SCREWS THAT SECURE EACH OF THE OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRRORS TO THE MIRROR BASE CAN COME LOOSE DUE TO VIBRATION.
- Risk
- IF A REAR VIEW MIRROR FALLS OFF THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER WILL HAVE REDUCED VISIBILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BASE SCREWS ON BOTH OUTER REAR VIEW MIRRORS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-887-697-8985 OR VISIT SUZUKI'S WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.SUZUKIAUTO.COM.
Equipment › Electrical › Navigational System(Global Positioning System) · Sep 1, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V392000 · 20,692 vehicles
- Problem
- SUZUKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 SX4, 2010 GRAND VITARA, AND 2009 THROUGH 2010 EQUATOR VEHICLES THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH A GARMIN NUVI MODEL 750, 760, AND 765 NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE BATTERIES CONTAINED IN THE AFFECTED GPS UNITS CAN OVERHEAT.
- Risk
- OVERHEATED BATTERIES COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Fix
- SUZUKI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY GARMIN TECHNICIANS BY REPLACING THE BATTERY AND INSERTING A SPACER ON TOP OF THE BATTERY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GARMIN DIRECTLY AT 1-866-957-1981 OR SUZUKI AT 1-887-697-8985. OWNERS MAY ALSO VISIT GARMIN'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GARMIN.COM/NUVIBATTERYPCBRECALL.
Not every 2008 Suzuki SX4 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Suzuki SX4 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 11 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 58,724 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 2008 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 →