Suzuki’s first fully electric car should have been a landmark moment. The brand has built its reputation on simple, dependable cars that make sense for everyday life, and the Vitara name carries real weight. So, expectations were high. Unfortunately, after a week with the new e-Vitara in Ultra trim with the 61kWh battery and front-wheel drive, it felt less like a bold step forward and more like a cautious, slightly rushed entry into a fiercely competitive market.
That’s not to say it’s a disaster. There are positives here — most notably on the inside — but too many rough edges stop it from being truly recommendable.
Pros
- Spacious family SUV
- Pleasing interior
- Plenty of tech
Cons
- Overly stiff suspension
- Slow charging
- Slow infotainment
2026 Suzuki e-Vitara Interior
Firstly, I must praise the cabin improvement. Materials look elegant, the layout is clean, and nothing feels especially cheap or flimsy. My Land Breeze Green test car came with a tan interior, which lifted the ambience considerably compared from the grey. Comment below if you like this colour combination.
Standard equipment is generous. Ultra trim includes:
e-Vitara Ultra key features
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless phone charging
- Suzuki Connect app with remote climate and heated seat control
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera plus 360-degree camera
- Rear privacy glass
All-wheel drive is also available (AllGrip-e), though my test car was front-wheel drive.
Technology and ease of use
Unfortunately, joy fades as you use the technology. The infotainment system is genuinely frustrating. Every touch triggers a drawn-out animation, making simple actions feel sluggish. Changing settings that should take a second ends up taking several.
The bigger issue is the limited physical climate controls. Adjusting fan direction, heated seats, or the heated steering wheel requires diving into the touchscreen. I counted seven taps and roughly 20 seconds just to switch on the heated seat from the Android Auto interface. On a freezing morning, that feels absurd. It’s similar for disabling annoying driver assistance features too.
Storage and boot space
Space is good. Adults can sit comfortably in both rows with decent headroom and legroom, making it perfectly usable as a family car. Boot space, however, is less impressive. It’s among the smallest in its class at 238 litres, though the sliding rear seats can push this to 306 litres, or 562 litres with them folded. Still, I managed two large suitcases for an airport run.
| Minimum Luggage Capacity | 238 Litres |
| Rear seats folded | 562 Litres |
How does the electric Suzuki Vitara drive?
The e-Vitara feels predictable, stable and secure at motorway speeds. You’ll reach 60 MPH from a standstill in a steady 8.7 seconds, it tracks straight, wind noise is well controlled, and there’s nothing especially stressful about covering long distances, but it’s not engaging either. Ride quality, however, is a major weakness. The suspension is oddly stiff, to the point that I initially wondered whether transport blocks had been left in place. Even small bumps send shockwaves through the cabin, tossing you around far more than a family SUV should.
Suzuki e-Vitara performance
| Battery | 61 kWh |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Horsepower | 174 HP |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Driving range | 264 Miles |
| Miles/kWh (Combined) | 4.2 |
| 0-62 MPH | 8.7 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 93 MPH |
What about efficiency, range and charging?
Cold weather didn’t help, with snow and temperatures well below zero throughout my test. The efficiency figure of 2.2 miles per kWh was disappointing compared with the official claim of up to 4.2 miles per kWh (264 miles WLTP range). Then again, it matches the pricier Ford Explorer.
Charging performance also feels behind the curve. A 10–80% rapid charge takes around 45 minutes, which is slow by current standards. Suzuki says future software updates may improve this, but right now it’s a clear disadvantage against rivals.
| Combined | |
| WLTP: | 4.2 miles/kWh |
| Energy consumption as tested: | 2.2 miles/kWh |
Suzuki e-Vitara Safety
Should you buy an electric Vitara?
The e-Vitara isn’t a terrible car. It’s spacious enough, well equipped, and the interior quality marks a genuine step forward for Suzuki. For buyers loyal to the brand, that alone may be enough.
But this was an opportunity to make a statement, especially after waiting in anticipation. Instead, the result feels cautious and unfinished. The harsh ride, clunky infotainment, slow charging, and merely average efficiency all chip away at what could have been something great.
If this is the foundation for Suzuki’s electric future, there’s potential. Right now, though, it feels like a first draft rather than a polished final product.
2026 Suzuki e-Vitara Price
Prices for the electric Vitara start from £26,249 (including a £3,750 Suzuki customer saving). Of all the options, my recommendation would be the mid-range 61 kWh Motion trim. It gives you everything you need, with slightly more range and power while staying under the £30,000 mark.
While there is a four-wheel drive choice, it’s hardly as capable as the Suzuki Jimny system. It’s only worth the upgrade if you live in a particularly challenging landscape, or see a lot of snow.
| Battery/Trim | Motion | Ultra |
| 49 kWh front-wheel drive | £26,249 | N/A |
| 61 kWh front-wheel drive | £29,249 | £32,049 |
| 61 kWh four-wheel drive | £31,249 | £34,049 |
FAQs
How much range does the Suzuki Vitara EV have?
Suzuki claims up to 264 miles from a single charge, but, like fuel efficiency, this varies with driving style and conditions.
How much does the Suzuki e-Vitara cost UK?
The Suzuki e-vitara price starts from £26,249 for the 49kWh motion, with ‘Suzuki Granted’ discount applied.
Is the electric Suzuki Vitara four wheel drive?
Four-wheel drive is available on the Suzuki e-Vitara, but it is front-wheel drive as standard.
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