Suzuki is finally entering the electric age! With the Suzuki eVitara model, they promise a new direction for the brand, but still maintain the solidity and robustness that has already conquered many. Will the newcomer compete with established rivals such as the Kia EV3, Peugeot E-2008 and Smart #1?
Suzuki has joined the electric revolution with its first all-electric SUV –Suzuki eVitara. This model is more than just another electric car; represents a new chapter for a brand that has long been celebrated for off-road vehicles and practical city cars. The E-Vitara will be available from summer 2025 and will be built at Suzuki's plant in India, Gujarat Motor Suzuki to be exact. Europe, India and Japan will be among the first markets to experience Suzuki's first electric vehicle.
Exterior and dimensions of the new Suzuki eVitara
The Suzuki eVitara is based on the concept eVX vehicle, which first impressed at the Indian Auto Expo 2023 and later at the Tokyo Motor Show. The car measures 4,275mm in length, which puts it in direct competition with the likes of the Kia EV3, Peugeot E-2008 and Smart #1. Its width of 1,800 mm, height of 1,635 mm and wheelbase of 2,700 mm place it in a class where compact external dimensions still provide a spacious interior. Following the example of its competitors and the partnership with Toyota, the eVitara is also based on the Heartect-e platform, which should provide improved stability and driving characteristics.
The eVitare's design clearly demonstrates Suzuki's commitment to robustness. The powerful and crystal-shaped exterior is accentuated by black protective trims, which promise durability even for occasional trips off the beaten track. While it's impressive on the outside, Suzuki hasn't yet revealed exact details about the boot space - which will hopefully add another practical reason to buy.
The interior of the Suzuki eVitara – a technological update with a Suzuki touch
Inside, Suzuki maintains its recognizable, but slightly more "wild" style. It boasts two horizontal screens that stretch across the dashboard to create a modern digital experience. They additionally supplement it analog control elements, which offer an "old-school" feeling combined with a technological upgrade. A charming detail is also the button on the central console for selecting driving modes and the parking brake, which contributes to additional comfort and safety.
Drive and battery – Suzuki electric power
Suzuki eVitara offers a variety of drive configurations. Buyers in Europe will have a choice of:
- Front-wheel drive with 144 hp (105 kW) and 189 Nm of torque and 49 kWh battery.
- A more powerful version with front-wheel drive and 174 hp (128 kW), the same torque and a larger, 61 kWh battery.
- The four-wheel-drive version will feature system power 184 hp (138 kW) and 300 Nm of torque, and 61 kWh battery.
For lovers of robustness, the four-wheel drive eVitara will be available with this "trail mode", which allows better grip on challenging surfaces. This driving mode is able to automatically transfer power to the wheels with better grip, thus enabling recovery from difficult off-road situations.
For energy storage, Suzuki relies on lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery technology with capacities of 49 or 61 kWh. Although the brand has yet to reveal an official range, we expect the 49kWh version to be capable of around 310km of range, while the 61kWh battery will deliver between 400 and 450km (based on the range of rivals such as the Kia EV3 and Smart #1).
Range, charging and expectations
Based on what is displayed on the instrument panel screen where the remaining distance is visible 249 km (155 miles) on an 81 % charge, we can conclude that the basic version with a 49 kWh battery reaches about 310 km on a full charge. In the version with a larger battery and a more powerful engine, we can expect a range of close to 400 km.
Suzuki hasn't given exact figures on charging speed, but we expect it to keep up with rival standards, meaning the larger battery could be charged from 10 % to 80 % in about half an hour at 100kW – possibly more, which ranks the eVitara among compact SUVs with a good electric range for everyday driving.
Where will the eVitara leave its biggest mark?
Suzuki aims for a combination of all-round utility, moderate price and practical range – exactly what the average buyer expects from a family SUV. At the same time, the driving characteristics and performance are designed for city driving and short trips to nature, which the eVitara promises without major compromises.
Conclusion
The Suzuki eVitara brings a breath of fresh air to the electric compact SUV segment. With its robust design, modern interior and flexible powertrain options, it appeals to fans of Suzuki heritage as well as those who want affordable electric mobility. Although the prices are yet to be revealed, we can expect an affordable variant considering the Indian manufacturing, which will help the brand enter new markets.
So is the eVitara just another electric SUV or a true Suzuki alternative? The answer to that question will be known soon, but until then we can only imagine how Suzuki will compete with established rivals in the electric future.
