Suzuki Across Review 2024

Suzuki Across At A Glance

4/5
Honest John Overall Rating
The Suzuki Across might not immediately spring to mind if you’re looking for a midsize plug-in hybrid SUV, but there’s a lot to like here – including its family-friendly interior, low running costs and comfortable driving experience.

+Efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 46-mile range and rapid acceleration. Hugely spacious and practical interior. Quiet and pleasant to travel in.

-Infotainment system is not very intuitive to use and lacks sat-nav. Not especially engaging to drive. Price looks quite high.

New prices start from £45,599

Perhaps you’re looking at the Suzuki Across and thinking there is something familiar about it? Well, you’re not wrong, because it’s basically a Suzuki-branded version of the Toyota RAV4. The transformation from Toyota to Suzuki includes a new front bumper and headlights, plus a smattering of Suzuki badges. Otherwise, the Across is identical to the hugely popular RAV4, which is one of the best-selling SUVs around the world.

The Suzuki Across arguably looks less distinctive than the Toyota RAV4. But considering it sells in comparatively small numbers, the likelihood of you parking next to another one at the supermarket is pretty low.

There’s just a single model available, which is loaded to the gunnels with standard features, barring a couple of curious omissions such as sat-nav (you can at least connect your phone to the infotainment system to use navigation apps). There’s loads of safety equipment, too.

Power comes from a plug-in hybrid powertrain, with a 2.5-litre petrol engine, automatic gearbox and two electric motors to provide four-wheel drive. With more than 300PS, acceleration is really rapid, and it can travel 46 miles on electric power alone.

That translates to low tax rates for company car drivers, along with the potential to achieve very high fuel economy figures.

Despite its turn of speed, the Across driving experience is geared more towards comfort than excitement – no bad thing, of course. Add in a quiet, leather-lined interior with plush seats and the Suzuki Across is a lovely car to spend time in.

There’s no shortage of space, either. Five tall adults can fit comfortably, so the average family will have all the room they need. The boot is plenty big enough as well, offering more space than most other midsize SUVs with plug-in hybrid tech.

The Across feels like a car built for family life. Its interior looks and feels extremely robust, so your kids shouldn’t be able to disassemble it. There are plenty of storage spaces dotted throughout the interior, too. It’s just a shame there isn’t a bit more flair to the design, while the infotainment system is decidedly sub-par.

The price isn’t great, either, with the Suzuki Across costing around £48,000 at the time of writing. That’s punchy compared with rivals such as the Ford Kuga and Hyundai Tucson, which both cost considerably less. You do get more space in the Across, though, and there are lots of standard features.

The Suzuki Across is unlikely to be at the top of anyone’s shopping list, simply because Suzuki isn’t usually associated with this kind of car. It’s got a lot going for it, however, especially if your local dealer can offer you a good deal.

We're living with an Across for six months - find out how we get on with in our Suzuki Across long-term test.

Ask Honest John

When does the new hybrid Toyota RAV4 launch in the UK?

"When will the Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid be available in the UK?"
The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in will arrive in showrooms in spring 2021. We'll find out more information, including UK prices and specifications, nearer the time. If you can't wait, consider the closely-related Suzuki Across which will go on sale this month: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/new-cars/2020-10/2021-suzuki-across-rebadged-toyota-rav4-will-cost-gbp45599/
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

What does a Suzuki Across cost?