Suzuki Vitara Updated for 2025: Sharper Style, Smarter Tech and Improved Hybrid Efficiency

Suzuki’s UK line‑up follows a refreshingly logical path. The Swift acts as the brand’s city‑car entry point, followed by the S‑Cross mid‑size crossover, the Vitara compact SUV and the larger Across at the top of the range. Alongside these sits the freshly introduced all‑electric Vitara, which differs significantly in both design and platform from the mild‑hybrid model tested here.

For 2025, Suzuki has given the Vitara a comprehensive update aimed at strengthening its position in one of the most hotly contested segments of the market. Rivals including the Ford Puma, Škoda Kamiq and Renault Captur loom large, as does its in‑house sibling, the S‑Cross. Revised styling, upgraded technology, improved hybrid efficiency and a notable recent price reduction are all part of Suzuki’s strategy to keep the Vitara competitive.

Styling and Trim Revisions

Prices now start from a highly competitive £21,999*, reflecting a substantial reduction across the range. In line with Suzuki’s wider portfolio, the Vitara adopts a simplified two‑trim structure: Motion and Ultra.

Visually, the updates are subtle but effective. A redesigned front grille and bumper sharpen the Vitara’s nose, while a revised rear spoiler with integrated side elements modernises its profile. New 17‑inch alloy wheel designs feature across the range, joined by two fresh paint options: Sphere Blue Pearl Metallic with a contrasting Cosmic Black roof, and Titan Dark Grey Metallic.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the Vitara benefits from a meaningful lift in perceived quality and standard equipment. Both trim levels now include a new 9‑inch touchscreen infotainment system with built‑in navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start, rear parking sensors, and an auto‑dimming rear‑view mirror. Suzuki Connect connected services are also included, with a three‑year subscription as standard.

Ultra models—priced from £23,699* and representing the car pictured and tested—add further premium touches. These include polished alloy wheels, a panoramic sliding sunroof, suede and leather upholstery, front parking sensors and electrically folding door mirrors.

Enhanced Safety as Standard

Safety technology has been significantly upgraded for 2025. Every Vitara now comes equipped with Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Speed Control, a Driver Monitoring System, eCall, and the latest iteration of Suzuki’s Dual Sensor Brake Support system.

This upgraded system combines millimetre‑wave radar with a monocular camera, improving detection of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists—particularly at night and at junctions. It’s an impressive suite for a car in this price bracket and one that adds genuine value.

Hybrid Powertrains and Efficiency

Hybrid power remains standard across the Vitara range. Manual models use Suzuki’s 1.4‑litre Boosterjet mild‑hybrid petrol engine, while automatic versions are powered by a 1.5‑litre full hybrid paired with Suzuki’s Auto Gear Shift (AGS) transmission. This automated manual ‘box isn’t one I could with from my experience of driving one in the Welsh mountains, so it’d be hard for me to recommend.

Efficiency has improved for 2025. Mild‑hybrid 2WD manual models now return up to 53.2mpg, while full‑hybrid 2WD AGS versions achieve up to 56.4mpg. CO₂ emissions for the full‑hybrid Motion model drop to 113g/km, down from 119g/km previously.

Uniquely in this segment, the Vitara continues to offer optional ALLGRIP four‑wheel drive on both manual and AGS variants. Available on Ultra trim only and priced from £25,499*, the ALLGRIP Select system features four modes—Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock—providing enhanced traction across a wide range of conditions.

On the Road

With the recent price reduction from Suzuki UK, it’s hard to overlook the Vitara mild‑hybrid when compared to its rivals. At the time of my initial test of the vehicle pictured, it felt slightly too utilitarian for its asking price. However, at today’s lower entry point, it now feels pitched just right.

The Vitara may be classed as a compact SUV, but it copes well with family life—provided that life doesn’t revolve around transporting a large buggy, as some rivals offer more generous boot space. Inside, the seating is comfortably supportive, with adequate room for four adults.

Producing 130hp, the 1.4‑litre Boosterjet engine delivers 0–62mph in just under 10 seconds—more than sufficient for everyday driving. I first fell in love with this engine (non-hybrid) when I tested it in the Swift Sport around the Wicklow Mountains and Mondello Park, and it remains a highlight here.

Punchy and smooth in its delivery, the mild‑hybrid system works quietly in the background, focusing purely on aiding efficiency. Over a week‑long test, living semi‑rurally, the Vitara returned an impressive real‑world average of more than 48mpg.

Ownership and Warranty

The Vitara is produced at Suzuki’s Magyar plant in Hungary and continues to benefit from the brand’s Service Activated Warranty. When serviced within the Suzuki dealer network, coverage extends to up to seven years or 100,000 miles.

All Suzuki models include a three‑year/60,000‑mile new‑vehicle warranty, one year of AA Suzuki Assistance covering UK and European roadside support, and a 12‑year anti‑perforation warranty. Servicing for the Vitara Hybrid is required at intervals of 12,500 miles.

Verdict

With sharper styling, a stronger safety offering, meaningful technology upgrades and a revised pricing structure, the 2025 Suzuki Vitara finally feels like the complete package. It may not shout the loudest in the compact SUV class, but taken as a whole—especially at its new price point—it makes a compelling, well‑rounded case for itself.

*Prices stated include a £5,300 customer saving at time of writing.