2022 Suzuki Vitara Full Hybrid - Review

With the release of the All-New Suzuki Vitara Full Hybrid, it's made us realise just how far some models have come in recent years.

As well as a brand new hybrid system, the latest Vitara has some fantastic standard features including lane departure warning & prevention, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, rain sensing front wipers and much more. But before we take a closer look at the 2022 model, let's take a look back over the Vitara of recent years.

2014 - 2018 Suzuki Vitara

The Vitara was reinvented as a compact on-road SUV following in the footsteps of it's predecessor the Grand Vitara. The Vitara's historic off-road ability was diluted down to make it more appealing to the general public but not forgetting it's heritage, Suzuki still provided the option of a 4x4 'ALLGRIP' Vitara powered by their tried & tested four wheel drive technology.

Aside from a whole new look, Suzuki went all out with specification including USB and bluetooth connectivity, cruise control with speed limiter, auto air conditioning and front and rear electric windows on all models as standard. Moving up to the range you would also get smartphone link audio and navigation system​, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, radar brake support plus a panoramic sunroof​ with the SZ5. 

The overall appearance​ of the Vitara was striking with a fresh, sleek exterior featuring a bold upper grille and striking lines with the addition of pale blue detailing around the headlights of the SZ5. The Vitara 'S' went on sale in 2016 adding a more sporting and dynamic character to the line up and was the first of the Vitara models to be fitted with a 1.4 litre Boosterjet which delivered 17% more power along with a 4% improvement in fuel economy versus the 1.6-litre petrol engine.

2019 Suzuki Vitara

 The 2019 Suzuki Vitara update was subtle in terms of styling with the focus on a new engine and an even higher level of technology and safety features. Smartphone link audio and navigation were fitted as standard on SZ-T and SZ5 grades with the addition of dual sensor brake support (also on SZ-T ALLGRIP models), blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control on the SZ5. This would be the basis for even more safety features to come with the 2022 model. 

The new 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine offered a vast improvement over the outgoing 1.6 and 1.4 litre options. The Boosterjet engine was developed in line with Suzuki’s ethos of reducing weight and size but with added response and smooth power delivery to achieve the characteristics that Suzuki engines are renowned for.

2022 Suzuki Vitara

2022 sees the 3rd release of the popular Vitara with the focus this time being on improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions. With a newly developed 1.5 litre petrol hybrid engine​, the 2022 Vitara will automatically switch from electric (zero emission) driving to hybrid to deliver a combined fuel economy of 53 mpg (WLTP) and emissions 121 g/km. There's a choice of driving modes (Eco and Standard) to switch between a more responsive performance or greater efficiency and an option for 2 or 4 wheel drive. 

Suzuki have also upgraded the transmission. The new Auto Gear Shift (AGS) transmission will automatically shift gears and operate the clutch with the efficiency of a manual but the convenience of an auto. If you want to read more about the AGS transmission and engine changes, you can take a read of our earlier blog article which explains this in more detail.

The exterior remains the same which can only be a positive - why change something that isn't broken? The Vitara has always been one of Suzuki's best looking cars and has been voted best compact SUV for a reason! ​

In terms of specification, Suzuki have continued their improvements with all models coming with Dual sensor brake support (AEB), Lane departure warning & prevention, Rear cross traffic alert, Traffic sign recognition, Blind spot monitor, Adaptive cruise control, Smartphone link with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, Satellite navigation, Rear parking camera, 17" alloy wheels, Automatic air conditioning as standard! Step up to the SZ5 and you'll also get a Panoramic Sunroof, Front & Rear parking sensors, Electric folding door mirrors with built-in indicator and Suede seat fabric.

Head To Head

If all that wasn't enough to highlight just how far the Vitara has come over the years then the following will definitely show you how Suzuki's engine improvements have made leaps and bounds in terms of efficiencies and cost savings.

Take a look below at how the 2017 1.6 litre petrol, the 2019 1.0 litre Boosterjet petrol and the latest 2022 1.5 litre petrol hybrid compare on miles per gallon, CO2 emissions and monthly running costs.

NB Prices & Specifications correct at time of producing (April 2022)

Which Vitara will you choose?

Whilst the latest model offers the biggest improvements and cost savings, we've tried to demonstrate that 'upgrading' doesn't necessarily mean having to buy new. With our vast range of nearly new and used Vitara models, you can choose the model and age that best fits your budget and needs.