Suzuki Vitara

What kind of car is the Suzuki Vitara?

The Vitara is Suzuki’s compact SUV, with a history rooted in four-wheel-drive vehicles. Suzuki introduced it in 1988 as a compact 4x4, also known as the Escudo in Japan. The original three-door model was followed by a five-door version, broadening its appeal for everyday use. Suzuki developed the Vitara around the idea of combining off-road ability with greater comfort on the road.

Vitara generations

The early generation represented in North American and UK figures is Generation II (1999–2004 in the US and Canada; 2000–2005 in the UK). The modern European-era lineage is listed as Generation IV, from 2015 to today. After the original Vitara, Suzuki introduced the Grand Vitara, carrying the name through another chapter before the Vitara returned to Europe. The current model’s compact proportions and SUV body give it an upright driving position and a practical cabin.

Engines, power and official economy

The EU range spans 1.0 L to 1.6 L engines, with power from 75 kW (102 PS) to 132 kW (179 PS). UK listings cover the same engine-size range and power from 75 kW (102 PS) to 129 kW (175 PS). French listings show 1.4 L engines, with outputs from 88 kW (120 PS) to 95 kW (129 PS). European market listings include petrol, diesel and hybrid options, with availability varying by year and country.

The lowest stated EU consumption for petrol, diesel or hybrid versions is 5.1 L/100 km on WLTP. The plug-in hybrid figure is 5.3 L/100 km WLTP, a weighted result that assumes some driving is electric. The lowest UK and French figures are 4 L/100 km on NEDC. In the US, the best listed result is 24 MPG combined under EPA testing; Canada’s lowest is 9.9 L/100 km on the NRCan 5-cycle test. European WLTP and NEDC, the US EPA procedure and Canada’s 5-cycle test differ, so figures should be read in their respective test contexts.

Where was the Vitara sold?

The Vitara appears in figures for the EU, UK, France, the United States and Canada. The modern European listings cover 2015–2025 in the EU, 2000–2026 in the UK and 2015–2026 in France. US and Canadian listings cover 1999–2004. Suzuki introduced the Vitara in 1988 as a compact 4x4, a format that helped define the model’s identity.