Should You Buy a SUZUKI VITARA? (Test Drive & Review 2016 MK4 1.6 SZ5) 

An honest, down to earth, simple, rugged and reliable, practical car. So much more appealing than most of the high tech that infest our roads today.

My wife has had a 2016 Vitara for the last 4 years. On the test drive I wasn’t impressed and tried to talk her out of it, now I regularly borrow it and actually really enjoy driving it. Reliable, economical and good fun. Can’t recommend highly enough.

Matt, you do the motor industry and the car buying public a great service by reviewing normal cars, the kind of cars that ordinary people need and buy. Who needs to see a Bugatti or Ferrari review? admittedly they are fun but most people can only aspire to owning one of them. Keep up the good work, it is much appreciated. The Car Vertical discount is the icing on the cake.

I have held a driving licence since 1967 and over those years have driven and owned many makes and types of car. My last choice was to have a vehicle which may see out my final years of driving the criteria was to find an aspirated petrol engined vehicle, auto gearbox, SUV type design (easy access for tired old bones) light and simple to drive with lots of 'boys toys fitted" and a good carrying capacity. Good MPH was also important and limited four wheel drive a bonus. Above all else reliability was top of the list being a Suzuki ticked that box straight away. When you put that into a car search there is only one choice! I've had it about 4 years now Ok my annual mileage is quite conservative but my Suzuki Vitara is always there and willing no matter what, fit all season tyres and she seems unstoppable. I have one negative gripe and this is down to Suzuki designers, why oh why did they fit such tiny sun visors? they were obviously never tested on a sunny day, apart from that this is the only car I have ever owned that I would exchange for a newer model, but there again do I really what change it?...........no, not really.

Simple answer yes. I have the 1.4 boosterjet it is a real gem and has been very reliable too. Suzuki dealers are usually family run businesses too and and the service is a lot better that some faceless national.

Nothing sweeter than when someone does wacky overtake, and then you pull up behind them a few minutes later.

Bought a 1.6 2016 model 3 years ago and it's been great. Economical, easy to enter exit, more capacious than figures suggest, good size around town. Only downside is road noise on coarse surfaces.

We've bought a 2015 1.6 manual last year, honestly not missed a beat. Looks good, perfect for the family and dog. Test drove qashqai and Duke before buying it they were nowhere near as nice. Mpg is good.... honestly can't fault it. Thanks for the tip to wax oil it Matt 👍

Matt you seem to be the only commentator who gives credit to Suzuki and other Japanese cars. Here at the other end of the world ( Australia and New Zealand )they are very popular across the range from the little ignis , swift, swift sports ,vitara and S cross. They are certainly not luxurious inside but very economical and reliable. They cost much less than in the UK for the same models so I presume some sort of tariffs are in place. Still the best car review channel on RU-vid

Great review Matt 👌💯,,,, always happy when you review cars that most people can afford,,,,,

Looks a sweet little motor and for someone like me with Mobility issues the ground clearance seems good another great review matt keep em coming you do a great job of these videos 👍

I’ve had a few Vitaras. Capable, beautifully built 4wd. Love your work 👍

Great review Matt I have just purchased one of the same year and spec and fully agree with all of your comments. Thoroughly enjoy all of your videos fella, and this review helped confirm our decision on the Vitara.

Hi Matt. I have mentioned before I have a DDIS Allgrip SZ5 and love it. There is sat nav, I think someone took the SD card out of yours. Boot space is ok, and with a flat load area easy for big loads (I’ve carried washing machines in the back of mine). Just driven from Southampton to Bishop Auckland in one go (ex rest stops) and it was fine. 66+mpg. The four wheel drive gives extra peace of mind for our uncertain climate. The space in the car is surprising especially in the back. I use apple car play for nav and entertainment and it goes split screen so not much need to touch the buttons on the screen. Volume etc dealt with by buttons on the steering wheel. For the money and likely longevity I cant see myself changing soon.

Great review and I've had my 2017 Vitara sz5 1.6 petrol manual for 2years and it's been an excellent car averaging about 35 mpg around town but on a recent run to Kent from Shropshire it averaged 51mpg

I bought one of these new in 2019 when I wanted a low cost practical car. It was ace, I went for the 1.0 turbo which really went well, even on the motorway on trips to Scotland with 3 mountain bikes on the roof, 3 passengers and luggage, did 40 to 50 mpg too., really good cars.

Great video Matt and I am glad you have good words for the Suzuki. I have had Suzukis for the last 25 years including 3 Grand Vitaras and currently run a 2015 S-Cross with the same 1600cc engine, if you want reliability and decent fuel economy the you won't go wrong with this car. ( The S-Cross is slightly bigger ?).

Was looking for a car for her indoors…..watches Matt’s latest video…… Goes straight on Autotrader! Thank you Matt 😊

Great vid Matt, I've got a 2017 Vitara Turbo which I recently inherited from the wife. It's a fantastic run around for the city and I've found the 1.4 turbo to be a great performer against others in the same sector. Only downside is the quality of the finishes inside lots of hard plastics that tend to wear with kids and dogs and I've had a few issues with the "leather" seats shrinking in the sun (that's the Australian summer affect) apart from that nothing compares to the performance and inclusions with this set up. Highly recommend looking at it if you want a fun, quick city runaround. Ps loving the channel mate keep up the good work!

Great review matt, i did ask a short while ago if you could do a review on these. So pleased you did and even more pleased after hearing what you thought of them, thanks so much for doing this review

My boss [ the wife ] has a Swift Sport with the 1.4 Booster Jet engine. Goes really well and it has been ultra reliable. Keep up the great video work.

picked one of these up a few weeks ago for the missus wanting a higher riding position. So far seems great, one trim level down from the one in the vid, 1.6 manual, got this model as no real expensive bits to worry about after the last car really was falling apart. Perfectly adequate car that does the job nicely, no blandmobile either.

I have looked at these. I am impressed with what it has and it looks better than a lot of similar cars. Another one on the list

Absolutely love Suzuki…. Just got a 2014 Swift sport and how durable everything feels is one of my favourite parts of it

Totally agree. I’ve got this car (2017 plate) but in red with black roof. 1.6 petrol but manual. And it’s never missed a beat. Way more reliable than my prior QQ and Juke. Sure it’s not the most exciting thing on the road. But it does what it’s meant to very well. Bought it with only 22000 miles. And I’ve only reached 43000 in two year. So had it a while and I’d say it’s a good all-rounder. Can’t really fault it. Great reviews! Love to watch them. Honest and to the point. 👍🏼

Cheers Matt. Good straightforward video. Looking at one of these to move on from my 07' Freelander 2.

Hi Matt. I usually drive a L322 TDV8 Westminster, but had a 1.4 Boosterjet auto Vitara from Enterprise Car Club for the day and was really impressed with it. It is different and remarkably it is fun to drive. As you say it is surprisingly spacious. There has been some time on autotrader looking at them since….

We have a 1.4 Boosterjet Allgrip . It’s a 66 plate and it hasn’t missed a beat . The engine is great a responsive and pulls well especially when you switch it to sport mode. We get an average 34 mpg which although not the best is acceptable for a four wheel drive mainly around town driving.

Great video as always, been hoping for a modern vitara to show up on your channel. I have had a 1.4 Boosterjet Vitara S allgrip for getting on for 2 years. Its been one of the best cars i have ever owned. Yes its a bit plasticky inside, but when you get past this and realise how good it drives and the levels of equipment, you appreciate just what a good car they are. Myself, wife and 2 teenage kids had no issue getting all of our luggage in the boot for a two week holiday to cyprus last year. If i need additional storage i will use a roof box. Keep the great videos coming. My only complain is that a black car doesn't stay clean very long in the uk lol.

You covered everything I wanted to know - Thanks.

I'm actually quite impressed with that vehicle, it's something I wouldn't have even considered looking at in the past. Food for thought!

I've had Suzuki motorbikes in the past but never a Suzuki car. The bikes never let me down once so Suzuki are definitely on my car radar. I got the speed thing out of my system years ago so 0-60 times and top speed don't mean much to me at all. I'd much rather have the qualities the Vitara has. I might consider a Vitara as my next car.

Great video as always,really informative 👍,makes a change that a suv is slightly smaller it gets harder and harder to find one that fits in a garage 😳

Bought a 2019 Vitara 1.0 Boosterjet 9 months ago. Absolutely brilliant vehicle.

OMG i was just talking to my wife literally 5 hrs ago about getting a used Vitara!! You definitely read my mind, thanks mate!!!

I bought a brand new 1.4 mild hybrid in September, it is an amazing car for the money. And the 1.4 turbo witt the electric motor have serious amount of torque, it goes!

Yeah, the armrest on a lot of newer Suzukis is a dealer fit option. You can buy one, either from Suzuki or aftermarket, and you screw it into the cubby behind the handbrake.

I have a 2019 Vitara SZ5 Allgrip and I love it. The manual gearbox is great, the 1.4 turbo engine is decent and it’s surprisingly fun to drive, almost like an old school hot hatch. There is plenty space for a small package and enough luxuries like the sunroof and Apple car play. Oh and mine has an armrest! I honestly think it’s one of the best value cars around.

Thinking of one for my father….so glad you reviewed the 1.6 auto…cheers

I used to like the old 2 door ones! They sold them in convertible too.. they were funky and quite good on rocky mountains where I lived!

Thanks for this Matt seems like awesome car to buy preowned 🙏

Loving the mix of cars on here everything from £300 sheds to luxury barges & everything in between

Great vid I love it when you do stuff from this end of the market. Would like to see you give your review of the Ssangyong suv or MG’s offerings for a real honest opinion.

I'm a big fan of Suzuki's, sadly they are not sold in America anymore, I feel the quality of these is close to Toyota, so they are great buys, I love the look of this Vitara even the color, the car ticks a lot of boxes for me as I'm in my 60's, easy entry is so important as we age, I was thrilled you like it and gave it a great review, price wise Id consider it when looking at Crvs and Rav 4s, thanks a lot Matt, I do enjoy your channel, Id buy a car from you, no doubt about it.

Great review everything we need to know and no waffle what a great all round car that dosn't look ugly and has not got all black interior

Good useful review, thks.

As an owner of 8yo vitara allgrip (1.6 AT) I can confirm it is a lovely allrounder. Looking forward for next 8 years together.

Shame on youtube that it showed me your video just now, after 9 days from posting it. I've bought one at the beginning of the month. Very good car :)

Hi Matt. Thanks as always for an informative and entertaining review. I'm not sure if someone else has already mentioned this in the comments, but I would add the latest generation (ND) Mazda MX-5 to the short list of cars that have actually shrunk. The NC (2006-2015) clocked in at a mammoth 1,153kg and 4020mm in length, compared to the leaner ND (2016-present) which weighs 1,058kg and is only 3,915mm in length.

Intriguing so few near you, but down here in South West Devon it's definitely the AWD vehicle of choice. I have a 21 plate Allgrip, and much is good, much is a bit tinny, and while the standard equipment of the SZ5 is impressive - adaptive cruise control, proximity sensors etc (actually more than on my Lexus RX450h) they do rather feel like Halfords special. Engine in mine is the 1.4 boosterjet Allgrip and in sport it really gets a move on as well as being really sweet. Mine is going as the Defender Td5 is way more characterful, but it is a really cracking little car.

Good review Matt nice car

Love the styling. Nice car.

I bought one to replace my 20yr old Rav4 which I only used as a runabout, exactly the same colour, auto, but the allgrip model, the 4WD selector has a sport function, sharpens the throttle and engages 4WD, the gutless engine comes alive! I added a centre armrest (option from Suzuki) a boot mat protector, a Suzuki spare wheel, it already had the rugged pack and rear spoiler. For local use it’s great, I average 47mpg and it’s comfortable. Long distances are hard work, a slight hill and you need to kick it down or use the flappy paddles unless you’re using the adaptive cruise control, in which case it goes berserk and does it for you… interior is tough but cheap - but my other car is an Audi. Good review, thanks. ps. Someone’s nicked the SD card, satnav was standard on these.

I've got the 1.4 boosterjet Allgrip. Brilliant car, powerful engine and the diveline has tons of grip in the snow but also on wet tarmac. Long distance fuel consumption is pretty good.

I got one of these as a rental in Iceland! Great car and fun to drive around!

Nice car Matt would like to drive one nor had a Suzuki before

I agree with Matt, keep it simple. Nice looking car that!

I have a 2019 1.0 Booster manual. I took 4-5 small SUVs for test drives, so it was between Hyundai Kona and the Vitara , the Kona was the one I wanted but the Vitara was just better in every way. I was due to replace the Vitara after the PCP ended but after test driving 4 car’s including a Ford Puma , when I got in my Vitara it was a better drive. So I’ve paid off my PCP and I’m keeping my Vitara. On a side note I had to reject after 3 weeks the first Vitara I collected cause the car didn’t start a few times and the engine cut out 5 times whilst driving, a damaged wire was found under the carpet. It’s replacement has been great.

We had a 2018 sport. Never had a car go through tyres like it did. Told the wife to stop racing in it. 1.4 turbo was quick. Would I have another one. No bit to firm on ride plus you feel every bump. You said not to many around. Come to North Yorkshire there everywhere. Great video Matt love the channel 👍

Great video, brilliant car, very nice car, has everything going for it.

My wife had a 1.6 like yours but manual. She wrote it off in an accident. They are pretty safe!

Had one of these. Fabulous car.

I liked the first gen models, very simple and capable. This newer one looks good too.

Nice car matt, very underrated brand in my opinion.

I do not believe it. Only today I've been shopping for one of these as a boring, mildly off-road capable company car. Thanks Matt, this one almost feels bespoke for me 🤣

We have the 1.0 ltr boosterjet and it's one of the best cars we've owned. The turbo makes it a laugh and a fun car when you want it to be, yet we are getting 41mpg for the usual family use.

Hi matt. Always wondered how a review would go on here for the suzukis. Good job.I have an sx4 s cross z5 auto all grip. That has the 1.4 turbo engine with 145bhp? That can shift, probably cause it weighs the same as a shed. My old man has the face lift vitara also. Great cars. Pleasantly surprised. Not as refined as a kia but then again, they are significantly cheaper. The interior quality is definitely not as high end, but its functional and durable. Small fuel tank (45lt), we both are getting about 350 miles to a tank.

Hola Matt, una buena revisión del coche y la he disfrutado mucho como siempre. Me gusta como siempre dices unas palabras en español en tus vídeos jaja

Stellar review Matt. Would opt for 1.0 or 1.4 boosterjet engine though, Suzuki underplay the bhp in them by a good 15-20% and seem very reliable with much more usable gusto. I test drove a 1.4 boosterjet Vitara S and found it great fun for such a practical, reliable offering.

Another nice car Matt 🚘🚙🚗⭐️⭐️👍👍👍

Cracking video Matt. Lovely motor and good to see Suzuki moving towards better auto boxes. Is it me or do you need to do a "top ten cars for cupholders/cubby's/hidden storage"? 😉👍

Nice one Matt. I was considering one these. 😁 👍🏻

Definitely came here for the bonnet bra comment knew it wouldn't be your cup of tea and you didn't disappoint....better not admit I've got the bonnet protector on my CHR although I quite like it but I am gonna start referring it to as a car 'tache.

Interesting review and a contrast to how some Americans view Suzuki. I’ve had an SX4 for 13 years (135,000 miles) from new. Been pretty reliable until recently; 5th gear has been a problem, and now the gearbox is leaking slightly. Oil and filter changes, sparks, air filters, coolant and brake discs and pads are all easy to do and ‘cheap as chips’. Just be careful with the locking wheel nut key - it’s weak and can break with the supplied tool. As it’s aged, most bolts open to the weather experience bad corrosion, but the body itself has been fairly free of rust. Not needed an alternator yet or drive belts yet, so on borrowed time. Was toying with the idea of the Vitara as the SX4’s replacement, and your review suggests it’s worth considering. Cheers.

Great car totally non descript and average. I ran an Allgrip one for three years and sold it a year ago for more than I paid for it. Excellent car!

They're pretty popular up in the Highlands, you do see a good few

Hi Matt, could you do a seat Toledo review, one of the later models? Curious to see your thoughts on this. Cheers!

Seems a decent car. I do like how you call out Qashqai/Juke for what they are, not particularly reliable & very dull. I mean a Grey Qashqai say, the most boring thing you could ever buy. So many about. Sad times

Mm... 'seems a good, competent car which isn't a bad looker either... Thanks, Matt!

Great review Matt! We are moving to Portugal and live down 2 miles of rocky track so need the ground clearance. I'd personally rather a Golf or Focus, but need the ground clearance... these seem like a better quality product than a Duster at around the same price used.

Definitely a good work horse with bullet proof mechanics

There was a time a few years ago where I used to see these everywhere. Guessing they were on a very cheap lease deal at the time. Always liked the bolder colours.

As always mate 👌👌

Have a 2021 1.4 Booster Jet Hybrid , Bought it with Wife in mind. I never liked Japanese other than Lexus GS previously until this brilliant car arrived. Engine is excellent, 1.4 Booster Jet with Hybrid is a superb combo. I will recommend it to anyone ,super reliable, great fun..SUZUKI NEVER BUILD BAD CARS..

Something to be said for a car that just does what it needs to do everyday. Similar to range anxiety, reliability assurance is a real thing!

Had one since new 2017. New tyres and windscreen wipers that's it. 👌

I think the 90's Japanese cars had a serious issue with rust. I don't really think that's been an issue for a long time now.

I always think of our old family friend Colin Appleyard when I see a Suzuki. He was such a character 🙂

Come down to South Dorset, they are everywhere

Hi Matt, thanks for the excellent review of a car that has been very much on my mind of late. I test drove one recently at a local garage but on reflection it was a bit older (2016) and more basic (SZ4) than I was looking for - immaculate condition though and I notice that they have since sold it (it didn't hang around). It felt nice on the test drive, like a higher up, more refined, quieter and smoother version of the ageing Note we are looking replace. Nice gear change and excellent visibility. I did get a pain in the back of my hamstrings, but I think that might have been my pumping up the seat too high (due to being a short a***e). Ideally we wanted a bigger boot as the Note's is decent with the rear seat slid forward and the Vitara is about the same/slightly less. Struggling though to find, but not too much bigger, alternatives and keep coming back to the Vitara. Does its light weight (and steering) and relatively high profile make it twitchy on M & A roads and passing lorries etc? That has been my real gripe with the Note that it doesn't inspire confidence in windy weather or passing HGVs. Is it worth considering a Sportage or S-Cross instead? Thanks

Hi Matt, I've always liked the look of these vitara models especially the allgrip for our annual Scottish holidays. Any chance of reviewing the jeep renegade 4x4. Cheers

Brilliant video Matt! Here they are a bit less common, but the Croatian Police use them alot and they are all auto, my dad drives on offroad at the Croatian border and that Vitaras been through alot, has 300,000km and is very reliable :D

When this generation first came out they weren't selling too well, then the company I then worked for got the contract from Suzuki to paint a load of the roofs a different colour in a bid to help sell them better.

My grandad has the same shape as this one but an all black 2018 plate with the 1.4 boosterjet SZ-T manual box. It’s super comfortable and it’s even got a sport mode (which for a small 4x4 actually does something 😂) got all the bells and whistles too, I like the little pinky coloured interior and headlight trims too! has gotta go back to the dealer next week however on recall for a potential failure of brake master cylinder.

Best motor I've ever owned, hands down - built in Hungary Matt

I was loving the Vitara right up until we got to the small boot. But I do like it, it's a very sensible but slightly quirky car. Would prefer a 2.0L engine in it, though.

I've always liked them Vitara's

I love the 3rd generation (since 2005) and I regret for not buying it when it’s still around. If I did, I could’ve maintained it until today. Because it’s relatively cheap to maintain.. Everytime I see one of these gen-3 on the road in my eye the styling looks timeless. And it was available in 2.4L as well as far as I can remember. The next generation was not sold in my country. But the looks I still prefer the previous one. In 2013 I ended up getting new 2nd gen Suzuki Swift that I love and have it until today. But that’s another story. Suzuki when you choose the right model you can have a gem. Not all of them though especially the ones with AMT transmission (I think they call it that) that even without trying I already think it’s a garbage.

The wind noise is not the cars fault, just play your horrendous music preference Matt and you won't hear a thing... wonderful video as always and an extra treat after Man City smashed Arsenal 🤣. CATCH US IF YOU CAN!

Great cars. Mum's friend has a 2002 which is still going strong.