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

The brand-new 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.

Let's explore how Suzuki's flagship electric SUV performed during our test drive and whether it might be the ideal EV for your next lease.

What we drove:

• Model: Suzuki e Vitara 61kwh Ultra 2WD
• Power: Electric
• Battery: 61 kWh
• Range: 264 miles (WLTP Comb)
• Acceleration: 0-62mp in 8.7 seconds
• OTR: £35,799
• Colour: Grandeur Grey Pearl Metallic / Bluish Black Pearl roof

Specifications correct at the time of publication

Behind the wheel: A gentle introduction to electric driving

The Suzuki e Vitara delivers exactly what many first-time electric vehicle drivers are looking for – a familiar, comfortable driving experience without the oft-overwhelming punch that EVs are known for.

Setting off from Carparison HQ, the first thing you notice is how naturally it drives.

Unlike some EVs that can send you into the back of your seat with their instant torque, the e Vitara offers a more measured approach to acceleration.

This isn't a negative. Quite the opposite in fact. It's almost as if it was designed to be a stepping stone into electric motoring, rather than a radical departure from what you're used to.

We are creatures of habit, not many of us like change. So we think Suzuki are onto a real winner here.

We tested the car in Eco mode, which prioritises range over outright performance, and found it had more than enough poke for everyday driving.

Despite its more restrained power delivery, the e Vitara tackled hills effortlessly and made overtaking look easy - it just handled them with less drama than some other EVs.

For those wanting a bit more excitement, switching to Sport mode does sharpen things up considerably. The throttle response becomes more immediate, though it still maintains that approachable character that makes this car so easy and loveable.

Visibility is generally good, though the large headrests do create more substantial blind spots than we'd like, and the rear window is on the smaller side thanks to its boxy roof.

The e Vitara's handling strikes a nice balance between comfort and control. It's not trying to be a sports car (thank goodness), but it does feel planted and predictable through corners, unlike some SUVs.

The weight of the battery pack actually helps here, lowering the centre of gravity compared to the petrol Vitara and improving stability.

If you've been hesitant about making the switch to electric, the e Vitara makes a compelling case as your first EV.

It delivers the benefits of electric driving - the smooth, quiet operation and instant response - without the intimidating performance that can make some electric cars feel like a completely different species.

In many ways, it feels like Suzuki has deliberately created the perfect transition vehicle.

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.

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, however, 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. It's a minor point, but worth noting.

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

Inside, 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 passanger, this black gap between screens is rather noticeable and looks clunky. But in the drivers 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 favor 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 gear selector takes the form of a dial rather than a traditional stick - push down and twist to select drive or reverse, or push down for neutral. It's intuitive to use and feels like a natural evolution rather than a complete reinvention.

One quirky interior feature we couldn't help but notice: square cupholders. While functional (for smaller cups), they're certainly a departure from the norm and might not fit all drink containers perfectly.

Charging and range

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 overnight in just 6.5 hours, while the 61kWh version needs about 9 hours – perfect for charging while you sleep.

For longer journeys, DC rapid charging delivers a 10-80% charge in just 45 minutes with either battery size – just enough time for a coffee and sandwich at the services.

The standard Mode 3 Type-2 charging cable and straightforward charging interface make the whole process simple, while the Suzuki Connect app lets you monitor charging progress and even precondition the battery on cold mornings for more efficient charging.

Now time for the important stuff… range. How far can it go on one charge?

• 61kWh battery: 264 miles WLTP combined range (up to 361 miles in city driving)
• 49kWh battery: 213 miles WLTP combined range

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 – exactly what many first-time EV drivers are looking for.

Standout features that matter

What's better than Kia's 7-year warranty? And no, this isn't the start of some corny joke. 

The e Vitara has an up to 10-year warranty. This is significantly longer than many competitors and is a strong statement of Suzuki's confidence in their first EV.

The rear seats are adjustable, which is relatively uncommon in this segment and adds versatility for balancing passenger comfort with luggage space.

What we particularly appreciate is how Suzuki has preserved many traditional, tactile elements that make the car feel comfortingly familiar.

While other EVs rush toward minimalist, screen-dominated interiors, the e Vitara offers thoughtful analog touches - like the manual sunroof cover, and the red door lock indicators that will trigger nostalgia for anyone who owned cars in the 90s.

These might seem like minor details, but they create a sense of immediate familiarity for drivers transitioning from older combustion cars.

The physical buttons, traditional mirrors (with some modern tech such as heated wing mirrors), and these analog touches combine to make the e Vitara feel like an old friend, just one that happens to run on electricity rather than petrol.

For those who remember the much-loved Suzuki Jimny (which is no longer sold new in the UK), the e Vitara feels like its spiritual successor in many ways - just more powerful, comfortable, and spacious with greener credentials.

It captures some of that cheeky character while bringing it thoroughly up to date.

Are there any downsides?

No car is perfect, and the e-Vitara does have a few drawbacks worth mentioning.

We found it frustrating that the navigation system couldn't be operated (even by a passenger) while the car was in motion. A safety feature gone slightly too far?

The doors require a bit more force to close properly than we'd like, and rear passengers will definitely feel bumps in the road more than those in front.

Boot space is limited at just 562 litres with all the seats folded - not the smallest in its class, but certainly not the most generous either.

What’s the verdict?

The Suzuki e-Vitara isn't trying to compete with premium electric SUVs or even set new performance benchmarks. Instead, it focuses on being a practical, approachable introduction to electric motoring for those making the switch from traditional engines.

And we love that.

With the 2030 ban fast approaching, anything to increase the adoption of EVs is welcome.

With its familiar driving dynamics, practical interior, industry-leading warranty, and authentic SUV character,  the e Vitara succeeds in creating a bridge between the combustion past and the electric future.

It's exactly what many drivers need right now - a vehicle that demystifies electric driving without being overwhelming, or intimidating.

For Suzuki loyalists or anyone looking for a straightforward, no-nonsense entry point into electric driving, the e Vitara deserves a spot on your driveway.

It may not be the flashiest or most powerful electric car on the market, but it might just be one of the most sensible first steps you could take into electric motoring.