Suzuki e Vitara review: Is Suzuki’s first ever EV any good?

Join us as we put Suzuki's debut electric vehicle through its paces

Suzuki's debut electric vehicle (EV), the Suzuki e Vitara, recently rolled onto the Carparison forecourt, and we couldn't wait to slide behind the wheel.

What struck us immediately was its perfect balance of nostalgic charm and modern functionality. This refreshingly straightforward EV offers all the tech you actually need without the overwhelming complexity that can plague today's vehicles.

For drivers taking their first steps into electric motoring, the e Vitara hits a sweet spot – delivering confident performance without intimidating power. It climbs hills effortlessly while sparing you the whiplash acceleration some EVs are known for.

But should you lease it? We got behind the wheel of two variants to really put the e Vitara to the test.

What we drove

Ultra:

Model: Suzuki e Vitara 61kwh Ultra 2WD

Power: Electric

Battery: 61 kWh

Range: 264 miles (WLTP Comb)

Acceleration: 0-62mp in 8.7 secondsOTR: £35,799

Colour: Grandeur Grey Pearl Metallic / Bluish Black Pearl roof

AllGrip-e:

Model: Suzuki e Vitara Ultra AllGrip-e

Body style: SUV

Power: Electric (135kW / 183PS)

Battery: 61kWh

Range: 245 miles (WLTP Comb)

Colour: Land Breeze Green Pearl Metallic

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Authentic SUV design

From the outside, the e Vitara maintains much of the rugged SUV charm that Suzuki is known for, with some electric flair mixed in.

The front end features a closed-off grille (typical of EVs that don't need the same airflow as combustion engines), while the distinctive LED lighting gives it a modern look.

The Suzuki 'S' badge sits front and centre. It’s a small but confident statement that this is still very much a Suzuki, just one that happens to run on electricity.

The chunky black plastic cladding around the squared-off wheelarches and short overhangs give it a stocky, purposeful stance. It looks like it means business, and with the AllGrip-e's four-wheel drive capability, it backs that up.

One quirk we noticed was the placement of the rear door handles at the top of the door rather than in the conventional position. Often found in Nissan and Toyota cars, but definitely one to get used to rather than going to grab a non-existent door handle...

The boot opening sticks with a traditional design that's refreshingly straightforward to use. The bonnet proved slightly troublesome to close properly, requiring a bit more force than we'd expect. A minor point, but worth noting.

Our AllGrip-e arrived in Land Breeze Green Pearl Metallic, and it suited the e Vitara's character perfectly — rugged enough to feel intentional rather than just a colour choice.

Overall, the e Vitara strikes a nice balance between traditional SUV styling and modern EV design cues. It's clearly a Suzuki, but with enough distinctive elements to mark it out as something new.

Practical interior with traditional controls

Step inside and the e Vitara offers a functional rather than flashy cabin.

The dashboard features a split digital display, with one screen dedicated to driver information and the other handling infotainment duties.

As a passenger, this black gap between screens is rather noticeable and looks clunky.

But in the driver's seat? It looks much more cohesive, thanks to the gap lining up with the steering wheel.

Unlike many modern EVs that have minimised physical controls in favour of touchscreen interfaces, the e Vitara refreshingly features buttons galore for key functions. This makes operating climate controls and other essential features while driving much easier and safer.

The driver's display is a 10.25-inch screen that can show a range of information including navigation and economy data. It’s useful without being overwhelming.

There's also 12-colour ambient lighting to set the mood. And if you're on Ultra trim, the Infinity by Harman premium audio system with subwoofer takes the in-car soundtrack to another level entirely.

The gear selector takes the form of a dial rather than a traditional stick: Push down and twist to select drive or reverse, or just push down for neutral.

It's intuitive to use and feels like a natural evolution rather than a complete reinvention.

The high-set centre console sits alongside a deep storage tray and two USB sockets — practical touches that make everyday life that little bit easier.

Ultra trim also adds a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, a wireless phone charger, and a glass roof with sliding sunshade; the latter doing a brilliant job of lifting what can otherwise feel like a fairly dark cabin.

The rear seats slide, which is a genuinely useful touch for balancing passenger comfort against boot space. This is relatively uncommon in this segment.

Boot space comes in at 306 litres (or 238 litres with the seats set back as far as they’ll go), which is on the smaller side compared to some rivals, though the flat floor helps utilise the space. The seats fold in a 40:20:40 split for larger loads.

Our AllGrip-e arrived in the tan interior, and paired with Land Breeze Green Pearl Metallic on the outside, it felt like a deliberate and considered choice; warm, premium, and a world away from the standard grey cabin.

One quirky interior feature we couldn't help but notice: Square cupholders. While functional (for smaller cups), they're certainly unusual.

Behind the wheel: A gentle introduction to electric driving

Here's the thing about the Suzuki e Vitara — it doesn't feel electric. It feels like a very well-sorted automatic, and that's genuinely one of the best things we can say about it.

There's no whiplash moment, no drama, no sense that the car is trying to prove a point.

It simply gets up to speed smoothly and quietly, handles hills without fuss, and makes overtaking look effortless. For anyone making the switch from petrol, that familiarity is worth its weight in gold.

Eco mode has more than enough power for everyday driving.

Switch to Sport and the throttle response sharpens up considerably. It's a noticeably different car when you want it to be, without ever tipping into intimidating.

The AllGrip-e is the quicker of the two variants — 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds versus 8.7 in the 2WD — and you feel that extra urgency when you put your foot down.

Both feel planted and predictable through corners, more confidence-inspiring than their family SUV billing might suggest.

The AllGrip-e also adds Trail and Auto modes via the centre console. Auto adapts to changing road conditions, Trail sends power to the wheels with the most grip.

The buttons aren't the most intuitive to figure out at first, but once you know what does what, the added capability is genuinely impressive.

The suspension is on the spongy side: Bumps are felt rather than absorbed, and it's noticeable enough to mention.

The brakes also lack feel, with not much feedback through the pedal; it takes a drive or two to properly calibrate.

Rearward visibility is limited too, with large headrests and a narrow rear window creating more of a blind spot than we'd like.

But taken as a whole? The e Vitara does exactly what it sets out to do. It’s accessible, unfussy, and quietly capable — in either variant.

Does it go the distance?

The e Vitara makes charging straightforward with options to suit every driver. Available with either a 49kWh or 61kWh battery, this Suzuki handles both home charging and public top-ups with ease.

Plug into your 7kW home wallbox and the 49kWh model charges fully in just 6.5 hours, while the 61kWh version takes nine hours. Perfect for charging overnight while you sleep.

A heat pump comes as standard too, helping to preserve range on cold mornings without draining the battery. Useful in Britain, where cold mornings are basically a personality trait.

For longer journeys, DC rapid charging delivers a 10-80% charge in just 45 minutes with either battery size. That’s plenty of time for a coffee, a sandwich and a stroll at the services.

The Suzuki Connect app adds a layer of everyday convenience that's easy to underestimate.

Monitor charging progress, precondition the battery before a journey for more efficient charging, pre-warm or cool the cabin before you even step outside, and set remote air conditioning. All from your phone.

The subscription is free for the first three years, which is a nice touch — especially if you’re leasing.

Now for the important bit: Range. How far can it go on a single charge?

• 61kWh 2WD: 264 miles (WLTP Comb)
• 61kWh AllGrip-e: 245 miles (WLTP Comb)
• 49kWh: 213 miles (WLTP Comb)

More than enough for the school run, work, and a spontaneous IKEA trip.

With these practical charging options, the e Vitara fits into your life without demanding significant changes to your routine. Which is exactly what many first-time EV drivers are looking for.

What's good, and what's not

Suzuki's first EV gets a lot right, but there are a few things worth knowing before you commit:

The good bits:

• Doesn't feel electric
• AllGrip-e four-wheel drive adds genuine off-road capability, rare at this price point
• Buttons galore
• Up to 10-year warranty
• Heat pump as standard

The not-so-good bits:

• Suspension is spongy
• Infotainment is slow and menu-heavy
• Rearward visibility is limited
• Camera resolution on the 360-degree system is poor

What's the verdict?

Overall Rating: 6.5/10

Suzuki's first EV is a confident debut. It's not groundbreaking, and it's not trying to be — but it gets the fundamentals right in a way that matters.

The accessibility angle is genuine. If you've been putting off the switch to electric, the e Vitara is one of the least intimidating ways to make it. It drives like a car you already know, just one that happens to run on electricity. 

The AllGrip-e is the standout variant. Genuine four-wheel drive capability at this price point is rare in the electric SUV segment, and the Trail and Auto modes back that up with real-world substance.

But it’s worth keeping in mind the niggles. 

The infotainment is slow and menu-heavy, the suspension disappoints, the boot is on the small side, and the brakes take time to get used to.

None of them are deal-breakers, but they add up on a car asking buyers to take a leap of faith with a brand-new technology.

What tips the balance though is the 10-year warranty.

Suzuki is clearly confident in what they've built. And that confidence is reassuring when you're committing to a manufacturer's first EV.

It knows exactly what it is, and it does it well. That's no small thing.

Top five reasons to consider the Suzuki e Vitara:

1. Up to 10-year warranty: Unmatched in the segment
2. AllGrip-e four-wheel drive: Genuine off-road ability that most electric rivals simply don't offer
3. Approachable, unfussy driving experience: The perfect first EV for drivers making the switch
4. Solid real-world range: 264 miles (WLTP Comb) on the 61kWh 2WD covers most daily needs comfortably
5. Competitive pricing for the class: A lot of car for the money

Would we recommend leasing a Suzuki e Vitara?

Absolutely. Especially if you're taking your first steps into electric driving.

Nothing about the e Vitara will catch you off guard. It's approachable, unfussy, and practical — exactly what a first EV should be. The 10-year warranty removes much of the risk that comes with committing to a brand's debut electric model, and the competitive pricing means you're getting a lot of car for your money.

If four-wheel drive confidence is on your wishlist, the AllGrip-e makes an even stronger case: Genuine off-road capability combined with EV practicality is a combination that's hard to find at this price point.

It might not be the most exciting car in the segment. But it might just be the most sensible first step into electric driving available right now.