The Suzuki Kizashi 2010 marked Suzuki’s ambitious entry into the competitive sedan market. While Japanese automakers often downplay their origins in the US market, Suzuki boldly named this car “Kizashi,” meaning “something great is coming.” As experts at cardiagnosticnearme.com, we delve into this 2010 Suzuki Kizashi review, providing insights from a repair and diagnostic perspective, crucial for car owners and enthusiasts alike.
review 2010 suzuki kizashi
Design and Styling: Understated Elegance or Anonymous Appearance?
The exterior of the 2010 Kizashi doesn’t scream for attention. It adopts a somewhat generic sedan silhouette, perhaps aiming for broad appeal. While details like the Lexus-esque exhaust outlets and athletic proportions are commendable, the overall design lacks a distinctive Suzuki identity. For those seeking a stealthy, under-the-radar vehicle, this anonymity might be a plus. However, from a diagnostic perspective, the lack of visual flair is irrelevant; what matters is the build quality beneath the sheet metal. Panel gaps are consistent, suggesting decent manufacturing, but the overall design doesn’t immediately communicate the “something great” promised by its name. The front end, thankfully, avoids the polarizing design of the Suzuki XL7, settling for a more conventional, if unremarkable, look.
Interior Comfort and Features: A Pleasant Surprise
Stepping inside the Kizashi 2010 reveals a surprisingly well-appointed cabin, especially considering its mid-range price point. The interior quality punches above its weight class. The door pulls, often overlooked in even luxury vehicles, are fully upholstered, a testament to Suzuki’s attention to detail. Luxuriously upholstered upper door panels further enhance the premium feel. This focus on tactile quality suggests a manufacturer aiming to impress with materials and build rather than just flashy design.
review 2010 suzuki kizashi
The premium ambiance extends to the woven headliner and the refined switchgear, which feels a cut above the typical mid-20s price range sedan. Compartment lids operate with a dampened glide, and thorough red backlighting illuminates virtually every control, including often-missed areas like the hood release and shift paddles. This comprehensive backlighting, while aesthetically pleasing, could potentially present diagnostic challenges if individual LEDs fail over time, requiring careful troubleshooting of the electrical system. However, in the context of its era, the Kizashi’s interior lighting is a notable feature.
Despite the overall refinement, a few minor shortcomings exist. The instrument panel brightness adjustment uses a somewhat clunky rod, and the glove compartment latch exhibits a degree of sloppiness. More annoyingly, while instrument brightness is adjustable, the bright green indicator lights for cruise control and AWD engagement are not. This fixed brightness could be distracting for some drivers, and from a repair perspective, issues with these indicator lights would require investigation into the instrument cluster and related control modules.
Feature-wise, the Kizashi 2010 is generously equipped for its price. The inclusion of a 425-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system, keyless access and ignition, rain-sensing wipers, and rear air vents are particularly noteworthy at this price point. The Rockford Fosgate system is a significant upgrade over standard audio, and its complexity might require specialized diagnostic tools if audio issues arise. Keyless systems, while convenient, can sometimes be sources of electrical gremlins, requiring careful diagnosis of sensors and modules. Missing features include 8-way power adjustment for the passenger seat (only 4-way) and rear reading lamps. While these omissions are minor, they reflect areas where Suzuki opted for cost savings.
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Driver’s Car Aspirations with Engine Limitations
Suzuki marketed the Kizashi as a driver’s car, and the firm front bucket seats with substantial side bolsters certainly contribute to this sporty image. The seats provide good lateral support, enhancing the driving experience during spirited cornering. However, the driving position itself could be improved. The steering wheel needed to be fully extended and tilted upwards to achieve an optimal driving posture, potentially indicating a limited range of adjustment for drivers of varying sizes.
review 2010 suzuki kizashi
The Kizashi’s size falls between compact and midsize sedans, resulting in a rear seat that is adequate for average-sized adults but may feel cramped for taller passengers. Children might find the high beltline restrictive, limiting their outward visibility.
The “driver’s car” pitch, however, is not fully realized by the engine. The 180-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is adequate but not particularly inspiring in a sedan weighing nearly 3,500 pounds. While it might be more engaging with the six-speed manual and front-wheel drive configuration, the reviewed model with all-wheel drive and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) feels underpowered. The engine noise is also a point of concern. At idle, the 2.4-liter exhibits noticeable vibrations, and under load, it sounds more like a diesel engine than a refined gasoline unit, especially below 4,000 rpm. This lack of refinement could be a point of dissatisfaction for some owners, and unusual engine noises should always be investigated to rule out potential mechanical issues. Acceleration from a standstill is described as sluggish up to 20 mph, after which the engine finds its stride, only to be reined in by the CVT’s programming.
The CVT is clearly tuned for fuel efficiency. In normal city driving, it frequently shifts to low RPMs (around 1,500 rpm) even under acceleration, resulting in a lugging sensation and unpleasant engine noise. To mitigate this, manual gear selection via shift paddles is necessary to hold the transmission in one of its six pre-defined ratios. CVTs, while fuel-efficient, are known for their unique driving feel and, in some cases, reliability concerns. Long-term reliability of the Kizashi’s CVT would be a key consideration for potential owners, and any unusual CVT behavior, such as slipping or jerky transitions, should be promptly diagnosed.
Fuel economy figures from the original review are also somewhat underwhelming. Suburban driving yielded around 20.5 mpg, comparable to a much more powerful V8 Lexus. Highway fuel economy struggled to reach 26 mpg even with the AWD disengaged. Disabling AWD did not appear to significantly improve fuel economy, likely due to the added weight and mechanical drag of the AWD system. Furthermore, the trip computer’s fuel economy readings were found to be optimistic compared to manual calculations. Real-world fuel economy may vary based on driving style and conditions, but these figures suggest that the Kizashi 2010 is not a class leader in fuel efficiency.
Handling and Ride: German-Inspired Dynamics, But Lacking Precision
The Kizashi’s handling is where its “driver’s car” aspirations become more apparent. Its in-between size and low-profile 18-inch tires (on higher trim levels) contribute to a planted feel. In casual driving, the Kizashi exhibits a polished, well-damped ride reminiscent of German sport sedans, perhaps closer to Volkswagen than BMW in overall character. This initial impression of German-like composure is a positive attribute.
However, when pushed harder, the handling dynamics become less convincing. The steering and suspension, while initially feeling sporty, become vague and lack precision when needed most, such as during spirited driving on winding roads. The Kizashi doesn’t inspire the same level of confidence as true sport sedans in demanding driving situations. At higher speeds, the front end can feel floaty, steering feedback diminishes, and bumps can induce unwanted steering inputs. The ride quality also suffers somewhat, becoming jittery, especially for rear passengers, and failing to absorb larger impacts effectively. On smoother surfaces and under moderate driving conditions, however, the Kizashi’s cabin is commendably quiet.
All-Wheel Drive System: Versatility and Potential Diagnostic Points
The Kizashi’s all-wheel-drive system is unique in that it can be locked into front-wheel-drive mode, allowing drivers to experience the difference between FWD and AWD. In snowy conditions, engaging AWD provides noticeably improved traction, allowing for quicker cornering without triggering the traction control system. However, the traction control system, when engaged, is described as slow to restore power, which could be frustrating in slippery conditions.
Interestingly, with AWD engaged, the handling becomes less predictable and potentially less safe, exhibiting a tendency to oversteer. While this tail-happiness can be entertaining for experienced drivers, it’s not ideal for less experienced drivers seeking maximum stability. In front-wheel-drive mode, the handling is more predictable and stable on dry roads. The AWD system, while offering enhanced traction in adverse conditions, may also introduce additional complexity and potential diagnostic points. Sensors, actuators, and control modules associated with the AWD system could be potential sources of faults requiring specialized diagnostic tools and knowledge.
Is the 2010 Suzuki Kizashi a Good Choice? A Repair Expert’s Verdict
The 2010 Suzuki Kizashi presents a mixed bag. It boasts a surprisingly upscale interior, a comfortable ride in normal driving, and available all-wheel drive. However, it suffers from anonymous styling, an unrefined engine, a CVT transmission that prioritizes fuel economy over driving engagement, and handling that lacks ultimate precision.
From a repair expert’s perspective, the Kizashi presents both positives and potential challenges. The well-built interior suggests good overall build quality. However, the CVT transmission and AWD system are complex components that could require specialized diagnostic skills and tools if problems arise. Engine noise and vibration could also be points of concern for some owners.
Ultimately, while the Suzuki Kizashi 2010 has its strengths, particularly its interior and comfortable ride, it doesn’t quite achieve the “greatness” its name suggests. It’s a competent and well-equipped sedan, but lacks a distinct personality and falls short of being a truly exceptional vehicle in its class. For those considering a used Kizashi, a thorough pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the CVT and AWD system (if equipped), is highly recommended.
