Used Suzuki S-Cross for sale: everything you need to know

The Suzuki S-Cross is now in its third generation, having debuted as the Suzuki SX4 back in 2006. It’s steadily evolved since, but has always offered the same qualities: easy driving characteristics, generous equipment levels, and the option of four-wheel drive to keep people moving in the worst conditions.

The latest S-Cross arrived in 2021, initially as a mild-hybrid 1.4-litre turbocharged model, while a full hybrid joined the range later. The S-Cross isn’t as spacious or as upmarket as some of its rivals but its value for money is only enhanced as a used buy and Suzuki’s dependable reputation means it should give you years of relatively trouble-free service for your money.

If the S-Cross doesn’t quite do it for you, then there are certainly plenty of alternatives. Larger models include the Nissan Qashqai and Toyota RAV4 (and Suzuki’s version of the RAV4, the Suzuki Across), as well as the Skoda Karoq and Kia Sportage. If you don’t need quite as much space, the Ford Puma or a SEAT Arona are both fun-to-drive options.

Should you buy a Suzuki S-Cross?

The Suzuki S-Cross is one of that breed of cars whose appeal is almost entirely in its sensible, pragmatic qualities. It’s not an “image” car for impressing the neighbours, and it isn’t exciting, but if you couldn’t care less about such things then the Suzuki’s equipment, modest size compared to many crossovers, low running costs, and reputation for reliability will likely tick your boxes instead.

There are certain things Suzuki always does well and they’re right here in the S-Cross. It’s relatively light by SUV standards - barely heavier than many Fiesta and Polo-sized cars - which pays dividends in its eager performance and agile handling, the latter without resorting to a stiff ride.

In addition, Suzuki offers 4x4 on the S-Cross, so like so many Suzukis before it, you’re not left out if you live somewhere that occasionally requires the security of an extra pair of driven wheels. Countryside dwellers will love it, while the relatively small size of the S-Cross means it’s similarly at home in town - doubly so as all models get front and rear parking sensors and at minimum a rear parking camera.

The Suzuki’s 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine is peppy, the full 1.5 Hybrid less so, but both are frugal and, if Suzuki’s back-catalogue can be relied upon, should make sound and reliable used buys. The S-Cross isn’t the most refined car in its class, nor the most spacious, but the uncomplicated cabin design should win fans, even if it lacks the flash of some rivals.

Those alternatives include much higher-profile family SUVs like the Nissan Qasqhai, Skoda Karoq, and Kia Sportage, while size-wise the S-Cross sits between these and smaller crossovers like the Ford Puma and Toyota Yaris Cross. It’s not as upmarket as a Karoq or as fun as fun as a Puma, but it’s still a fine used buy.

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What’s the best used Suzuki S-Cross model to buy?

With such a simple range you probably won’t need to spend too long deciding which model suits you best. In our full review we reckoned that the entry level model - which means Motion trim and the 1.4-litre Boosterjet engine, a manual gearbox and front-wheel drive - makes the most sense, but as a used buy you might find that the higher-spec Ultra, or the 4x4 models fall into budget, and equally there’s no reason to shun them.

As the 1.5-litre full hybrid model is newer, used prices are still expensive, and other than a handful of Boosterjet models sold with an automatic prior to 2022, it’s the only way to get an auto in the S-Cross if you need one.

Used Suzuki S-Cross fuel economy and performance

• Suzuki S-Cross 1.4 Boosterjet Mild Hybrid: The smaller S-Cross engine is actually slightly more powerful, thanks to the 1.4-litre petrol being boosted by turbocharging. It makes 129PS, comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, and either front wheel drive or 4x4. 0-62mph is 9.5 seconds for the front-drive model and 10.2 for the 4x4, with 53.2mpg and 47.8mpg economy respectively.
• Suzuki S-Cross 1.5 Full Hybrid: The recently-introduced full hybrid uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric assistance for a combined 115PS. The gearbox is a six-speed automated manual (so it operates as an automatic). 0-62mph takes 12.7 seconds in front-drive form, 13.5 seconds as a 4x4, and combined economy is 54.3mpg for the front-drive model.

What used Suzuki S-Cross trim levels are available?

The latest S-Cross is available with two trim levels, both well-equipped and on-par with other cars in the class with regards to the kind of kit they offer. Automatic air conditioning, alloy wheels, LED headlights and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are standard across the range.

• The Suzuki S-Cross Motion comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, auto headlights and wipers, keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors, a rear parking camera, a 7-inch infotainment display (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), dual-zone air conditioning, heated front seats, and electric folding door mirrors.
• The Suzuki S-Cross Ultra gets a polished finish for its 17-inch alloys, a 360-degree parking camera, leather trim, a double sliding panoramic sunroof, a larger 9-inch infotainment screen with navigation, and an extra centre speaker for the audio system.

Used Suzuki S-Cross dimensions and boot size

The Suzuki S-Cross’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4300mm
• Width: 1785mm (without mirrors)
• Height: 1585mm
• Ground clearance: 175mm

The Suzuki S-Cross’s boot size is:

• 430 litres
• 665 litres with the rear seats folded (to window line)

Used Suzuki S-Cross road tax

The hybrid status of both versions of the S-Cross - be that Boosterjet Mild Hybrid or the 1.5 Full Hybrid - means that they’re both classed as alternative fuel vehicles. The good news is that this qualifies for a VED or ‘road tax’ discount. The so-so news is that this discount is only £10, so you’ll currently pay £170 per year for the privilege of taxing them.

How much is it to insure a Suzuki S-Cross?

All Suzuki S-Cross variants fall into a fairly narrow band of insurance groups, so all should be a broadly similar cost to cover each year. The most affordable models start in group 16, for a Full Hybrid in Motion trim, while the higher-performing Boosterjet in top-spec Ultra trim and equipped with all-wheel drive lifts that to group 22.

Read our full Suzuki S-Cross review