300 horsepower and a 0-100 time of around six seconds. These are values that belonged to true sports enthusiasts not so long ago, but are now also assigned to ordinary family SUVs. An unexpected newcomer to this playing field is the Suzuki Across.
The fact that those appealing specifications now belong to a medium-sized SUV is one thing, but the fact that there is also ‘Suzuki’ on that SUV makes it extra special. The Japanese manufacturer has enough experience with SUVs, but prefers to concentrate on the smaller models. With the Ignis, it claims to have even the smallest SUV at home, while the S-Cross and especially the Vitara have been fixed values in the compact segment for years. Thanks to mild-hybrid technology, the current models from Suzuki are also nice and economical, but unfortunately it is not enough. Without EV or at least a plug-in hybrid in the program, it has become almost impossible for Suzuki to meet the strict European CO2 requirements. With the Across, the brand is getting a relatively easy solution. It makes no sense to be around it any longer: of course the Across is just a Toyota RAV4 with a different nose. More specifically, it is a Toyota RAV4 PHEV with a different nose, but in our country the Suzuki variant arrives earlier than the Toyota plug-in. Those who are not yet convinced that we live in special times should let this affect themselves: the largest, heaviest and most powerful Suzuki ever came to reduce the average emissions of the brand.
Stubborn
The Suzuki Across is a four-wheel drive SUV that in theory should be able to travel a considerable distance on electricity. With a battery of 18.1 kWh and an efficient powertrain, the Japanese keeps the electric 67 km without using the combustion engine, at a manufacturer’s specification of 75 km. You can choose to save the remaining power or even actively charge the battery with the petrol engine, although the latter is not recommended for those who want to drive economically. Driving fully on power is sometimes a bit difficult with the Suzuki, which quite quickly tends to turn on the petrol engine stubbornly. On power, the Japanese is sufficiently smooth, because insertion is no problem at all.
Once the power is up, the Suzuki has an economical and refined powertrain. In addition to the larger battery pack and the stronger electric motors, this power source combination is basically the same as in the regular RAV4 Hybrid AWD. That is good news. You hardly notice that the combustion engine is switched on and off and the stepless transmission delivers a smooth, shock-free driving experience. In the interior of the Suzuki we find large, clear buttons for frequently used functions, including temperature management. The infotainment system also works fine, but it is striking that navigation software is lacking at Suzuki. For users of the standard Android Auto or Apple CarPlay that is not such an issue, but in a car in this price segment you can still expect a built-in navigation system. This is about the only difference between the interior of the Across and that of the RAV4, which of course does have navigation. The dashboard of the Suzuki is well put together and is qualitatively and ergonomically strong. With its high seat, the Suzuki emphatically offers the SUV factor. The driver is equally at a pleasant distance from the steering wheel and pedals, but the passenger seat is surprisingly not adjustable in height. It is quite high, which not every passenger experiences as pleasant.
No loose options
In the back, the Across is definitely a spacious car. Leg and head room are plentiful here. The luggage compartment is also convincing with a volume of 490 liters. The Suzuki has no less than 90 liters less on offer than a RAV4. This is not due to the extra batteries, but because Suzuki chooses to provide the Across with a spare wheel as standard. The standard equipment of the most expensive Suzuki ever is well done in other areas as well. The only available version includes seat, steering and rear seat heating, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, keyless opening and starting, partial leatherette upholstery, 19-inch light alloy, LED lighting all around and a whole range of driver aids and safety systems. Even four of the six available colors do not require an extra penny. Nothing to complain about, but the downside is that there are simply no separate options. For example, anyone who wants a panoramic roof or a different upholstery color is out of luck.