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Suzuki Vitara 2019 review

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Suzuki Vitara 2019 — front three-quarter view

Overview

The facelifted fourth-generation Suzuki Vitara reached UK showrooms in late 2018 as the 2019 model, and it is the Vitara to buy: the old 1.6-litre petrol and the diesel were both dropped, replaced by turbocharged Boosterjet petrols, while the styling gained a six-vertical-slat grille, a reworked bumper and LED rear lights. This page covers the range-topper, the 1.4 Boosterjet SZ5 ALLGRIP manual, launched at £24,299 (£25,649 for the automatic).

The engine is a 1,373cc four-cylinder turbo petrol producing 140 PS (138 bhp) and 220 Nm, driving all four wheels through Suzuki's ALLGRIP system with Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock modes, via a six-speed manual gearbox (a six-speed automatic was optional). ALLGRIP cars cover 0-62mph in 10.2 seconds and top out at 124mph — do not confuse that with the front-wheel-drive 1.4's 9.5-second figure. Launch-era CO2 is 139g/km with economy around the mid-40s mpg; sources conflict on the exact combined mpg for the manual ALLGRIP, so this page quotes CO2 firmly and economy as an approximate launch-era figure.

SZ5 trim is lavishly equipped for the money: LED projector headlights, 17-inch polished alloys, suede upholstery, keyless entry and start, a panoramic sunroof, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, Dual Sensor Brake Support and rear cross-traffic alert. The 375-litre boot grows to 1,120 litres with the seats folded, and the high driving position and light 1,240kg kerb weight make the Vitara one of the easiest small SUVs to live with.

Two used checks matter most. First, the brake-booster valve recall (SSR28, covering 2016-2022 Vitaras): the valve between engine and vacuum brake booster can swell, increasing pedal effort and reducing assistance, so check any car by VIN on Suzuki UK's recall checker. Second, the ALLGRIP driveline: look for transfer-case oil-seal leaks underneath the middle of the car and make sure rear-differential and transfer-case fluids have been changed on schedule. Also test manual gear selection (crunchy first and second gears are reported), check stop-start operation — failure is often just an ageing EFB battery — and remember the 2019 car left the factory on a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, not Suzuki's later seven-year cover. The five-star Euro NCAP rating dates from the 2015 test of the pre-facelift bodyshell, which was carried over.

UK price from: £24,299

Specifications

Engine	1.4L 4-cylinder turbo petrol (1,373cc)
Power	140 PS (138 bhp)
Torque	220 Nm
0-62 mph	10.2 seconds (ALLGRIP)
Top speed	124 mph
Transmission	6-speed manual (6-speed automatic optional)
Drive	ALLGRIP four-wheel drive
Fuel economy	Around mid-40s mpg combined (launch-era figure)
CO2 emissions	139 g/km
Boot space	375 litres (1,120 litres seats folded)
Kerb weight	Around 1,240 kg (manual ALLGRIP)
Insurance group	17E
Euro NCAP	5 stars (2015 test, pre-facelift bodyshell carried over)
Warranty	3 years / 60,000 miles when new

Features

1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol (140 PS, 220 Nm)
Six-speed manual gearbox (six-speed automatic optional)
ALLGRIP selectable four-wheel drive (Auto/Sport/Snow/Lock)
LED projector headlights and 17-inch polished alloys (SZ5)
Suede upholstery and panoramic sunroof (SZ5)
Blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise and rear cross-traffic alert
Dual Sensor Brake Support autonomous emergency braking
375-litre boot, 1,120 litres with seats folded

Common parts & prices

Part	Price (GBP)	Notes
Front brake pads (set)	£34.99	Pattern part; typical UK retail
Front brake discs (pair)	£84.99	Pattern part; typical UK retail
Oil filter	£9.99
Engine air filter	£16.99
Cabin pollen filter	£14.99
EFB stop/start battery	£139.99	Check fitment by registration

Prices are typical UK aftermarket/OEM guide prices and may vary by supplier.

Pros

Genuine ALLGRIP four-wheel drive in a small SUV
Light, easy to drive and cheap to run for an AWD car
SZ5 is lavishly equipped for the money
Strong, proven 1.4 Boosterjet engine

Cons

Only a three-year warranty when new (not seven)
Brake-booster recall must be VIN-checked
ALLGRIP driveline needs its fluids changed on schedule
Cabin plastics feel hard in places

Frequently asked questions

What is ALLGRIP on the Suzuki Vitara?

Suzuki's selectable four-wheel-drive system with Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock modes. In Auto it runs mainly in front-wheel drive and sends torque rearwards when slip is detected; Lock splits torque for low-grip surfaces, and hill descent control is fitted on ALLGRIP models.

1.0 or 1.4 Boosterjet on the 2019 Vitara?

The 1.0 (111 PS) suits town and light motorway use and is cheaper to buy and run. The 1.4 (140 PS) is the stronger, more relaxed choice, and it is the only engine offered with ALLGRIP on SZ5 — buy it if you tow, carry loads or want four-wheel drive.

Is there a recall on the 2019 Suzuki Vitara?

Yes — the brake-booster valve recall (SSR28) covers 2016-2022 Vitaras: the valve between the engine and the vacuum brake booster can swell, increasing pedal effort and reducing assistance. Check any car by VIN on Suzuki UK's outstanding-recall checker before buying.

Does the 2019 Vitara come as a diesel?

No. The 2019 facelift dropped the diesel entirely, along with the old 1.6 petrol. The range is Boosterjet petrol only: 1.0-litre on SZ4 and SZ-T, 1.4-litre on SZ-T and SZ5.

What should I check on a used 2019 Vitara ALLGRIP?

Transfer-case oil-seal leaks underneath the middle of the car, and proof that rear-differential and transfer-case fluids were changed on schedule. Also test manual gear selection for crunchy first and second gears, check stop-start operation, and confirm the SSR28 recall has been done.