New Suzuki e Vitara undercuts Elroq and EV3
Words NZ Autocar | Images Suzuki
The compact Suzuki e Vitara electric SUV is now available in the UK and is selling for less than EV3 and Skoda Elroq. That makes it amongst the most affordable in its class. It also comes with the option of all-wheel drive. Expect it here in 2026.
An entry-level variant will be available with a 49kWh battery. Every other version gets a 61kWh battery pack, good for almost 400km of range.
New electric Vitara cannot compete on range with the EV3 and Elroq, both being around the 600km mark. Despite a claimed maximum charging speed of 150kW, the e Vitara takes around 30 minutes to recharge from 15 to 70 per cent.
See our Suzuki Swift RSC review here.
The base model has a 106kW/189Nm motor. A medium-spec variant will come with a 128kW motor also driving the front wheels. Meantime, the top AWD variant has dual motors good for 135kW/300Nm.
An Allgrip e 4wd system has a Trail mode that brakes spinning wheels and can send torque across the axle for improved traction. Normal, Eco and Sport modes are also available, while a button on the centre console ramps up the regen.
Available to order from July, Suzuki hasn’t yet revealed full specifications for the two trim levels. However, much is already known about this newcomer.
New electric platform
The e Vitara sits on a new EV-dedicated platform called ‘Heartect-e’. Suzuki jointly developed it with Toyota and Daihatsu. A heat pump comes standard fit.
At 4275mm long and with a wheelbase of 2700mm, the e Vitara is 100mm longer than its ICE power sib. There’s an extra 200mm between the wheels for added interior space.
It is wider and taller too, though is obviously heavier. The lightest version weighs in at 1702kg, while the dual-motor variant is nearly 1900kg. By contrast, the heaviest petrol Vitara is 1375kg.
The design of the e Vitara echoes that of the Suzuki eVX concept revealed in January 2023. Key features include angular wheelarches, a sloping roofline, and extensive use of plastic cladding. There’s a three-point matrix lighting signature at the front and rear. Both 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels will be on offer.
The e Vitara has slightly more complex body surfacing than the concept while there’s no faux-skid plate. Production versions use conventional door handles versus flush-mount items for the concept. The rear ones are hidden in the C-pillar. Its charging port is above the front-right wheelarch.
Interior and practicality
The concept’s interior design isn’t quite so motor-show ready but is a step forward on that of the ICE Vitara. Behind the two-spoke steering wheel is a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, part of a widescreen set-up that includes the 10.1-inch central infotainment screen.
There’s a small row of physical climate controls located on the dash, and a floating centre console. Also present are a rotating gear selector, a wireless charging pad, cup-holders and a large storage area underneath the centre console with charge outlets.
The floor in the rear, while flat, is set high which might not suit taller adults. There’s another pair of charging ports and two sets of ISOFIX child-seat mount points in the rear.
Its 306-litre boot isn’t huge; the smaller Jeep Avenger has 355 litres, by comparison. The Suzuki does feature a 60:40-split sliding rear bench though. It can be pulled forward by approximately 20cm. Even so, a high boot floor means maximum e Vitara luggage space is only 320 litres.
Suzuki’s will share electric tech with Toyota
Toyota’s Urban Cruiser is a rebadged e Vitara. It is the second electric model in its passenger car range after the bZ4X. And these will also be joined by the C-HR EV soon.
Toyota and Suzuki have been working together on vehicles since 2016. In the UK, Toyota’s Corolla Touring Sports and RAV4 PHEV have been rebadged as Suzuki Swace and Across, respectively.
We asked Suzuki New Zealand about its intentions for e Vitara and it says it plans to launch the EV here next year. Timing is yet to be confirmed but CEO, Gary Collins, says it will likely here early to midway though next year.
