In this Suzuki e-Vitara review, Caroline Kidd tests Suzuki’s new electric SUV for Ireland to see if it’s a good buy in 2026.
It has its work cut out, entering a competitive electric vehicle market with rivals such as the Leapmotor B10, MGS5, Skoda Elroq and Kia EV3. But as I found out when I spent a week with it, the new e-Vitara has strengths and weaknesses of its own.
Suzuki e-Vitara Review Overview
The Suzuki Vitara has a long history in the Irish market, remaining a strong seller throughout. Now a technology and platform share with Toyota has given us the Suzuki e-Vitara, and it’s the brand’s first full electric model to go on sale. The e-Vitara shares batteries and underpinnings with the Toyota Urban Cruiser, interestingly a model that Toyota Ireland is not selling here, giving Suzuki a golden opportunity in this market to sell its new electric compact electric SUV. It’s offered with the choice of two batteries, as well as front wheel drive or four wheel drive variants. It shines for its quirky design and build quality, with a high-end finish to the interior and sophisticated feel on the road. However in a competitive market it’s let down by so-so range, underwhelming charging speeds and a small boot. As a result, overall it feels expensive for what it is.
Suzuki e-Vitara Video Review
Pros
- Upmarket, well-built cabin
- Passenger legroom
- Refinement
Cons
- Poor efficiency
- So-so range
- Underwhelming charging speeds
- Small boot
Which Suzuki e-Vitara trim should I buy?
The new Suzuki e-Vitara hits a very competitive part of the market straddling both the B and C segments. That puts it between small electric SUVs like the Renault 4 and the Kia EV2, as well as bigger ones like the Skoda Elroq, Kia EV3 and the Leapmotor B10.
It has a solid, quirky design with an almost coupe SUV like appearance thanks to hidden rear door handles. Though it shares its name with the popular Vitara, a homegrown Suzuki SUV, the e-Vitara does look different with more modern design features. It is 200mm longer than it’s petrol-powered namesake and comes with wider tyres. Plenty of plastic cladding adds to the chunky crossover look.
Wheel sizes vary depending on trim level: Motion get 18-inch alloy wheels, while Ultra upgrade those to 19s.
There are two battery sizes: a 49kWh battery with up to 344km (front wheel drive only), which does limit its appeal beyond city or town use. There is also a larger 61kWh battery with up to 395 kilometres of range (Allgrip all wheel drive) or 426 kilometres in front wheel drive variants.
Standard equipment is good including a full digital driver display, touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity, reversing camera and an energy-saving heat pump. Safety features include lane keep assist and departure prevention, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
The 61kWh Motion is the sweet spot on price, range and equipment, adding heated front seats, heated steering wheel and a heater outlet for rear seat passengers.
Stepping up to the 61kWh Ultra adds wireless phone charger, adaptive high-beam system, Infinity audio system with subwoofer, 360-degree camera, glass roof, LED front fog lamps, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and half-synthetic leather upholstery.
What’s the Suzuki e-Vitara like to drive in Ireland?
The Suzuki e-Vitara is built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform shared with the Toyota Urban Cruiser and uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries across the range. On the road, it’s immediately clear this is one of the most sophisticated Suzukis yet. Compared with the Vitara Hybrid and S-Cross, there’s a noticeable improvement in refinement, with more sound insulation helping to create a quieter, more premium driving experience.
The 61kWh front-wheel drive model tested produces 174hp and 193Nm of torque, completing 0-100km/h in 8.7 seconds. It’s brisk enough for everyday driving, and delivers its performance in a smooth, predictable way.
Ride comfort is one of its strengths. The suspension does a good job of absorbing rough Irish road surfaces, though a series of bumps can translate to a bouncing sensation. Still, it’s never noisy or too hard. The steering is light and accurate, making the e-Vitara easy to manoeuvre around town. On faster roads it feels more planted and substantial than previous Suzuki SUVs thanks to the low down positioning of the battery, with tidy body control through bends and reassuring stability at motorway speeds.
Drivers can choose between Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes, while regenerative braking can be adjusted through three different levels using the Pedal Mode function. There’s also a strong one-pedal driving experience accessible from a button on the centre console.
Front-wheel drive versions also feature a Snow mode that smooths out torque delivery to improve traction in slippery conditions. Buyers opting for the AllGrip-e four-wheel drive version gain extra reassurance for poor weather and rougher roads. Though for most Irish drivers the front-wheel drive model will be perfectly adequate and save you some money too.
The biggest disappointment is efficiency. During testing, the e-Vitara consumed more energy than expected, meaning real-world range falls short of some of its key competitors. Combined with relatively modest DC fast charging speeds, it leaves the Suzuki at a disadvantage if you regularly cover long distances.
What’s the real-world range of the Suzuki e-Vitara?
During my summer test, the e-Vitara returned average energy efficiency of 17.9kWh, which points to real-world range of about 330 kilometres from front wheel drive 61kWh battery versions.
Charging the Suzuki e-Vitara
11kW AC charging is included as standard across the range. There’s also 70kW DC fast charging for 10-80% in 45 minutes, which is off the pace of most rivals.
Suzuki e-Vitara Interior & Practicality
The e-Vitara’s cabin is a real highlight. Compared to other Suzukis like the Swift, Vitara and S-Cross, the e-Vitara feels miles ahead for quality and modern features. There’s a real upmarket feel, an interesting and quirky design, and the switchgear all feels really solid. It’s a shame the touchscreen is slow to respond. I explain more about this in my video review. But otherwise this is a really smart and stylish interior for a compact electric car.
The customisable digital driver display looks clean and upmarket, while the touchscreen comes with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and has modern graphics.
Seats are a highlight, nicely bolstered and supportive. The rear seats can even recline a little for passengers to get more comfortable.
Rear legroom is another high point with a completely flat floor and generous footwells. The floor is perhaps a bit on the high side but it’s a small gripe. It is still a narrow car so it’s best suited to two on the outer seats but someone will be able to sit in the middle from time to time. There is flexibility too in that the rear seats can be moved forward and back to create more or less boot space.
There are Isofix points on the two outer seats. The rear doors open wide making it easy to get in and out or fix child seats.
The boot is okay but a bit shallow overall and outshone by rivals like the Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq. For example when the rear seats have been let back there is just 244 litres. Slide the seats forward and that goes up to 310 litres, but it’s still off the pace of rivals. The rear seats do split-fold 40:20:40, which is handy to have.
There is a very little underfloor storage and cables are left in the boot, rather than tucked away neatly under the boot floor or in a frunk.
Suzuki e-Vitara Pricing for Ireland
Suzuki e-Vitara 49kWh Motion (FWD): €32,995
Suzuki e-Vitara 61kWh Motion (FWD): €36,995
Suzuki e-Vitara 61kWh Ultra (FWD): €40,470
Suzuki e-Vitara 61kWh Ultra Allgrip-e (4WD): €44,055
Verdict: Suzuki e-Vitara
The Suzuki e-Vitara is an impressive step forward for the Japanese brand, adding a compact electric SUV to its mix of small cars and trusted SUVs like the Vitara and S-Cross. It looks distinctive, has one of the best interiors Suzuki has ever produced and delivers a comfortable, refined driving experience that feels genuinely more premium than its badge might suggest. Rear passenger space is also excellent, while generous standard equipment means there’s plenty of value in terms of features.
However, the fundamentals matter in this fiercely competitive electric SUV segment. Rivals such as the Kia EV3, Skoda Elroq, and Leapmotor B10 all offer stronger range, better efficiency, faster charging or more practicality for similar money.
The 61kWh Motion is the version to go for, striking the best balance between price, equipment and usable range. But even then, it’s difficult to ignore the compromises of the small boot, average efficiency and relatively slow charging.
For buyers who prioritise comfort, build quality and something a little different, the e-Vitara is an appealing choice. But if maximum range, practicality and overall value are your priorities, there are stronger alternatives in this class.
Key facts
Model tested: Suzuki e-Vitara 61kWh Motion
Price: €36,995
Battery: 61kWh
Power: 174hp
Motor tax: €120
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
The post Suzuki e-Vitara Review (2026) | Range, Price & Verdict appeared first on Changing Lanes.
