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Suzuki Kizashi: engine, trims and what to check when buying
The Suzuki Kizashi is a mid-size sedan produced from 2009 to 2016 and offered in Europe and North America. It stands out with smooth handling and good equipment. We look at the engine, trims, and what you need to know when buying used.
Kizashi in brief
The Kizashi was Suzuki's attempt to enter the mid-size sedan segment: a 4-door car with a 2.4-litre engine, good handling, and a quality interior. The name means a sign of something good in Japanese.
The car had one generation, and sales in Europe were modest, making the used Kizashi a rare find. Some of the cars sold in Lithuania are imported from the US, so it's worth checking which market version you're being offered.
Which version to choose
The main choice is between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (i-AWD) and a manual or CVT gearbox. All-wheel drive is more convenient in winter, but these cars are more expensive and technically complex.
US market cars differ in equipment from European ones, so when buying, compare the full specification of the specific car, not just the trim name.
Engines and gearboxes
In Europe, the Kizashi was offered with one engine — a 2.4-litre petrol (around 178 hp). The US version's engine is similar but with slightly more power.
Gearboxes are a 6-speed manual or CVT. Manuals are often considered more fun to drive, while CVTs are more comfortable. The engine has a good reputation, but fuel consumption is higher than many rivals.
What to check when buying a used Kizashi
Test the CVT gearbox: it should operate smoothly, without hesitation, and the service history should include gearbox oil changes. In a full-auto car, check that there are no strange noises when cornering.
Inspect the suspension components, as actively driven cars wear them out faster. Ask for all maintenance documentation, as finding certain parts can take time.
Check the body for signs of corrosion and repainting. For a US-import car, verify the accident history using the VIN.
Trim levels
Names vary by market: in the US market — S, SE, GTS, SLS; in Europe, trims were named differently, e.g., GLX.
S
US marketBase trim with a 2.4-litre engine.
- Often — light-alloy wheels
- Often — automatic climate control
- Simpler sound system
SE
US marketBetter-equipped version than the base.
- More comfort features
- Often — additional safety equipment
- Often — better sound system
GTS
US marketSportier trim with higher-grade details.
- Sportier handling
- Often — sport seats
- Often — additional trim elements
SLS
US marketThe top-tier trim with extra comfort.
- Often — leather interior
- Often — heated seats
- Often — premium sound system
GLX
EuropeEuropean market trim, usually well-equipped.
- Often — leather or part-leather interior
- Often — navigation or camera
- Solid standard safety kit
Kizashi trim comparison
| S / SE | GTS | SLS | GLX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Budget-friendly option | For sportier driving | For comfort | For the European market buyer |
| Wheels (most common) | 17-inch | 18-inch | 18-inch | 17–18-inch |
| Interior | Cloth | Cloth with sporty details | Leather | Leather or combined |
| Engine | 2.4-litre petrol | 2.4-litre petrol | 2.4-litre petrol | 2.4-litre petrol |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | €€ | €€ | €€ |
Most buyers will be better off with a better-equipped version like the SE, GTS, or GLX, with well-maintained mechanics. Since the engine is the same everywhere, what matters most is not the trim level but the technical condition.
Pros
- Smooth driving and a good chassis
- Well-equipped interior
- Full-time four-wheel drive is available
- A rare car that stands out
Cons
- Limited choice of parts
- Higher fuel consumption than competitors
- Limited supply, and prices are hard to compare
Frequently asked questions
Is the Kizashi a reliable car?
The engine is considered reliable, but there's not much overall reliability data due to low production volumes. What's crucial is the service history and the condition of the CVT gearbox.
Does the Kizashi have a diesel engine?
No. This model only offered a 2.4-litre petrol engine.
Is the Kizashi with full-time four-wheel drive better?
Full-time four-wheel drive is more comfortable in winter and on slippery roads, but such cars are more expensive, and repairs are more complex. If you mostly drive in the city, a front-wheel-drive version might be more sensible.
Updated 2026-10-14 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
