A Closer Look at Suzuki’s New Flagship SUV
Suzuki has built its South African reputation on affordable, frugal, easy-to-own vehicles. The Across, which went on sale locally in March 2026, aims to carry that formula into the compact SUV space as the brand's new local flagship.
We first told you the Across was on its way in our piece on Suzuki's new compact SUV set to launch in 2026. Now that it is on sale, here is a closer look at what it offers, based on the local launch specifications and early reviews. If you are comparing it with a smaller Suzuki, our earlier look at the Suzuki Fronx is a useful reference point.
If you know the name from Europe, forget the connection. According to Cars.co.za's launch review, the local Across is not the Toyota RAV4-based model sold overseas. It is assembled in India as the Maruti Suzuki Victoris and exported to South Africa under the Across name.
It rides on the same Global C platform as the Grand Vitara, with a 2,600 mm wheelbase and a length of roughly 4,360 mm. Cars.co.za likens it to a more polished take on the Grand Vitara, which tells you where Suzuki has positioned it in the range: as the new flagship, slotting in above the Fronx.
At launch the Across is offered in two trim levels, GL and GLX, with a single mild-hybrid petrol engine.
Launch pricing was:
● Across 1.5 Mild-hybrid GL 5MT: R349,900
● Across 1.5 Mild-hybrid GL 6AT: R372,900
● Across 1.5 Mild-hybrid GLX 6AT: R464,900
Every model comes with a four-year/60,000 km Service Plan and a five-year/200,000 km promotional Warranty, and AutoTrader notes that two-tone paint on the GLX costs an extra R4,500.
These are March 2026 launch prices, so confirm current pricing with a Suzuki dealer before you buy. Suzuki's own pricing announcement has the official breakdown.
Even the GL is generously equipped for the price. Standard equipment includes:
● LED headlights and LED daytime running lights.
● A 10.1-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
● A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.
● USB-C ports front and rear, plus a wireless charging pad.
● Keyless entry, button start, automatic climate control and a powered tailgate.
● A rear camera and six airbags.
Step up to the GLX and the list grows considerably:
● Machined 17-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof.
● Synthetic leather seats with ventilation, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat.
● A 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors and a head-up display.
● An Infinity 8-speaker audio system.
● A full driver-assist package with autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning and high-beam assist.
Power comes from Suzuki's familiar 1.5-litre K15C four-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance, producing 76 kW and roughly 137 Nm to the front wheels. Buyers can choose a five-speed manual or a new six-speed automatic with gearshift paddles.
The mild-hybrid system uses a small integrated starter generator that recovers energy while coasting and gives a brief boost, alongside a relatively unobtrusive start-stop setup. Owners do not need to do anything to make it work.
Cars.co.za reports a claimed fuel consumption of 5.3 L/100 km, and an indicated 6.3 L/100 km on its launch drive around Cape Point, which is a respectable real-world figure for a vehicle of this size.
The trade-off is performance. The launch review describes it as adequate rather than energetic, and says overtaking will need some planning, particularly with four adults on board at altitude on the Highveld. An All Grip four-wheel-drive option exists in some markets, but it was not offered in South Africa at launch.
This is where the Across earns some of its praise. Early reviews describe low road noise and a suspension that absorbs bumps well, giving it slightly more premium driving manners than you might expect below R500,000. The steering is light and a little vague, but for a family SUV that makes parking and city driving easy.
The GLX driver-assist systems were also described as well calibrated, in contrast to the over-sensitive setups found on some rivals. You can switch off the more intrusive features such as lane-keeping assist, but the reviewers advise leaving forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking on.
The obvious question is how the Across sits alongside the Grand Vitara. At launch, AutoTrader pointed out that the Across GL undercut the Grand Vitara's starting price of R359,900, while the GLX sat close to it. Cars.co.za expects the Across to sell at the expense of the Grand Vitara, and Suzuki's own answer to the overlap was simply to let the customer choose.
For most buyers the newer Across offers a bigger screen, a digital cluster and a fresher design for similar money, which makes it a hard car to ignore.
Cars.co.za reckons the GL automatic is the pick of the range for value, unless you specifically want the panoramic sunroof and the additional safety technology that comes with the GLX.If you are still working out which type of vehicle suits your needs, our guide on what car to buy to fit your lifestyle can help you narrow it down.
Who Should Buy the Suzuki Across?
● Families who want a long features list and a big screen without stretching past R500,000.
● Commuters who value low fuel consumption and easy city driving.
● Buyers who like the security of a long promotional Warranty and a Service Plan included in the price.
It is probably not the right fit for drivers who want punchy performance, or for anyone who needs all wheel drive.
The four-year/60,000 km Service Plan is a real selling point, but high-mileage drivers can reach 60,000 km well before the four years are up. It is worth knowing your options early, and our guide on what to do when your Service Plan expires covers how to keep your servicing costs predictable once the included cover ends. Suzuki is also a consistent performer in the sales charts, as our look at the top 10 best-selling car brands in South Africa shows.
The Bottom Line
The Suzuki Across is a sensible, well-equipped and competitively priced compact SUV. It will not thrill anyone with its performance, but it gets the everyday things right: comfort, efficiency, technology and value.
For buyers in the sub-R500,000 SUV market, that combination makes it one of the most compelling new options Suzuki has offered in South Africa. Test drive the GL automatic first, and only step up to the GLX if you genuinely want the extra safety technology and luxuries.
Sources & Further Reading:
How to Jumpstart Your Car Safely (Without Damaging the Battery)
Can You Transfer a Service Plan When You Sell Your Car?
