Overview
The Suzuki e Vitara marks the Japanese brand's debut in the EV market. Developed on the newly engineered HEARTECT-e dedicated EV platform alongside Toyota, this compact electric crossover brings rugged styling and true off-road ambition to a crowded segment. Designed to capture buyers stepping into electric mobility without sacrificing utilitarian capability, the e Vitara positions itself against key rivals such as the Kia EV2, Jeep Avenger, and Renault 4 E-Tech. Its distinct advantage lies in offering genuine dual-motor 4WD capability in an accessible small SUV form factor.
Design
Suzuki has opted for a muscular, utilitarian look that builds directly on the initial eVX concept car. The exterior features aggressive black plastic wheel arch cladding, high ground clearance, and defined shoulders that express proper off-road intent. Tri-slash LED daytime running lights sit high on the front end, integrated into a blanked-off grille assembly with a prominent central badge. The rear side door handles are concealed neatly within the C-pillars to give a sleeker profile without compromising access. At the rear, full-width LED lighting bars give the vehicle a modern light signature, while chunky front and rear skid plate elements reinforce its outdoor-focused design.
Interior
Inside, the cabin takes a significant step forward from historic Suzuki standards, balancing rugged durability with modern digital interfaces. A dual-screen layout dominates the dashboard, combining a digital driver display with a responsive central touchscreen infotainment unit. Physical switchgear is retained for essential climate functions, offering tactile control that suits everyday usability. Materials lean toward durable plastics and textured textiles built to withstand an active lifestyle rather than one of luxury. Higher-tier trims introduce ambient lighting, synthetic leather accents, and upgraded speaker configurations, while overall visibility remains excellent thanks to an elevated, command-style driving position.
Performance & Powertrains
The powertrain lineup centers on LFP battery technology paired with FWD or AWD motor configurations. The entry-level setup pairs a 49 kWh battery with a front-mounted electric motor delivering 144 hp, achieving a range of 214 miles. Step up to the 61 kWh battery option in FWD, and output rises to 172 hp with an increased range of up to 265 miles. The range-topping 61 kWh ALLGRIP-e variant adds a 65 hp electric motor to the rear axle, outputting a combined 181 hp and 300 Nm of torque while delivering a 245-mile range. Peak DC fast-charging rates reach up to 150 kW, allowing a 10 to 80% top-up in around 45 minutes. The ALLGRIP-e system also includes a dedicated Trail Mode, which selectively brakes spinning wheels to direct power to tires with grip on loose surfaces.
Practicality
Cabin space is optimized through a flat floor allowed by the bespoke EV platform. Rear legroom is surprisingly generous for a compact SUV, benefiting from sliding rear seat capabilities that allow owners to prioritize legroom or cargo volume depending on need. The boot offers up to 310 liters of capacity with all seats in place, expanding significantly when the 40/20/40 split rear seatbacks are folded flat. Storage solutions throughout the main cabin include deep door pockets, a large open space under the floating center console, and multiple USB charging ports for both front and rear passengers.
Buying
Pricing for the e Vitara starts at £29,999 for the entry 49 kWh Motion FWD, rising to £32,999 for the 61 kWh Motion FWD and £35,799 for the Ultra FWD trim. Dual-motor ALLGRIP-e variants are priced at £34,999 for Motion and £37,799 for the range-topping Ultra trim. Standard Motion equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, the dual-screen infotainment system, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, and reversing camera. Ultra trim adds 19-inch wheels, a panoramic glass roof, 360-degree parking camera, and synthetic leather upholstery. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the 61 kWh Motion 2WD. It provides the optimal mix of range, standard tech, and much-needed value to compete against the competition.