The new Suzuki eVitara isn’t out to reinvent transport, it isn’t chasing Nürburgring lap times or pretending to be a luxury lounge on wheels. Instead, Suzuki has taken the formula that made the Vitara such a global success (compact dimensions, rugged charm, practicality and affordability) and translated it into an electric SUV designed for real life.
And after spending time behind the wheel of both the 2WD and AllGrip-e AWD, I’ve concluded that its down to earth simplicity might make it one of the smartest EVs in New Zealand.
Tough, tidy and unapologetically SUV-ish
The first thing that strikes you about the eVitara is how normal it looks. That’s not an insult. While many EV manufacturers seem obsessed with creating melted jellybean shapes in the name of aerodynamics, Suzuki has wisely remembered that SUV buyers still want their vehicle to look like an SUV. The eVitara retains the upright stance and compact proportions that made earlier Vitaras so likeable, but wraps them in sharper, more contemporary styling.
There’s even a subtle nod to the original 1980s Vitara in the boxy silhouette and chunky detailing. It has a slightly retro, utilitarian feel that gives it genuine personality without becoming cartoonish.
The front end is clean and modern, featuring slim Y-shaped LED daytime running lights that double as indicators, connected by a gloss-black panel that helps visually widen the nose. Beneath that sits a more rugged lower bumper design with angular surfacing and heavy cladding that gives the eVitara a tougher look than many compact EV rivals.
The squared-off bonnet, upright glasshouse and chunky wheel arches create a proper SUV aesthetic rather than a hatchback pretending to be adventurous. Around town, it looks purposeful and tidy without screaming for attention.
There’s practicality built into the styling too. At around 1.8 metres wide, the eVitara hits a sweet spot for urban use. It’s compact enough to squeeze into tight Auckland parking buildings and supermarket spaces, yet wide enough inside to avoid feeling cramped. The upright seating position and generous glass area also provide excellent visibility, something many modern EVs seem to have forgotten entirely.
Suzuki has also incorporated pedestrian injury mitigation structures into the front-end design, helping improve safety in busy urban environments where cyclists, pedestrians and distracted shoppers appear from nowhere with terrifying frequency.
The available 360-degree camera system is another genuinely useful addition. Rather than existing purely as a tech-box tick, it makes tight manoeuvres genuinely easier, especially in city environments where kerbed alloys and narrow parking spaces become daily hazards.
Sure, some people may find the heavy black plastic cladding a little excessive, and details like the slightly hidden boot release remind you Suzuki prioritised utility over glamour, but that honesty feels strangely refreshing. The eVitara doesn’t pretend to be premium, it simply tries to be useful.
Clever packaging and refreshingly logical
Inside, the eVitara continues Suzuki’s sensible approach. The cabin immediately feels more mature than previous Suzuki interiors, with cleaner design lines, improved materials and a layout that prioritises usability over gimmicks. Unlike some EVs that bury every function inside endless touchscreen menus, the eVitara still feels designed by people who have probably driven one or two.
The dashboard adopts a horizontal layout that visually widens the cabin, while the floating centre console adds a touch of modernity without becoming intrusive. There’s a mix of soft-touch materials, synthetic leather and textured fabric finishes that provide a surprisingly pleasant atmosphere for a compact SUV.
Suzuki has done an excellent job maximising cabin space within relatively compact external dimensions. Rear-seat legroom is genuinely impressive for the segment, and the sliding rear bench allows owners to prioritise either passenger comfort or luggage space depending on the situation.
That flexibility matters in the real world, school runs, grocery trips, airport pickups and weekend escapes all demand different things from a family SUV, and the eVitara adapts surprisingly well.
There are thoughtful touches throughout the rear cabin too, including USB and USB-C charging ports, a centre armrest with cupholders and practical small-item storage areas. However, taller adults may find rear headroom slightly tight, especially with the higher floor height created by the battery pack underneath.
Now although three adults across the back is also possible it’s only in the loosest interpretation of the word “comfortable”. Still, for most Kiwi families, it’ll work perfectly well.
Boot space is one area where compromise appears. Standard capacity sits at 244 litres, expanding to 310 litres with seat adjustments and 562 litres with the rear seats folded. That’s adequate rather than class-leading, so basically it’s more passenger space over outright cargo volume.
Underfloor storage compartments are thoughtfully integrated too, housing charging cables and other essentials neatly out of sight. The only real annoyance inside is the high-gloss piano black trim. Like virtually every other car manufacturer on Earth, Suzuki still seems convinced people enjoy fingerprint-covered surfaces that scratch if you look at them too aggressively.
Modern enough without becoming annoying
Historically, Suzuki infotainment systems have fallen somewhere between “perfectly acceptable” and “a bit 2014”, the eVitara changes that.
The new infotainment system feels noticeably more polished, with sharper graphics, quicker responses and a cleaner interface layout. The central touchscreen is modern without becoming comically oversized, while the digital driver display presents EV information clearly and logically.
Battery status, energy flow, charging information and navigation prompts are all easy to understand at a glance, which becomes increasingly important in everyday EV ownership.
Thankfully, Suzuki still understands the value of physical controls too. Climate functions remain straightforward to operate, key shortcuts are easily accessible and you don’t need a software engineering qualification just to adjust the fan speed.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are expected on higher trims, alongside Bluetooth connectivity, navigation and over-the-air software updates. The interface itself feels intuitive rather than overly flashy, which perfectly suits the car’s personality.
There’s a practical honesty to it all, even the floating centre console shelf, while shallow, proves genuinely useful for everyday items provided you don’t launch your belongings into orbit under heavy braking.
Electric efficiency meets Suzuki practicality
Underneath, the eVitara introduces Suzuki’s new electric platform and either the ALLGRIP-e 4WD dual-motor drivetrain or 2WD variants, both come with a 61kWh battery.
The 2WD provides 128kW of power and 193Nm of torque, not earth shattering figures but as mentioned before, this is not out to shatter ‘ring records. On the upside, while consuming energy at 15.1kWh/100km, Suzuki claim it will give you upto 426km range (WLTP) and when DC charging at 65kW, you can go from 10-80% in just over 30 mins (however, my experience was somewhat slower). Speaking of speed, its 8.7 seconds 0-100km/h it’s ok off the line (although thrillseekers may argue that point). You get four driving modes to play with (Normal, Eco, Sport and Snow) and ‘easy pedal’ regen braking.
Then there’s the AWD model. While many compact EVs remain firmly urban-only machines, the AllGrip-e system gives the eVitara a broader sense of capability. Dual electric motors provide all-wheel-drive traction, meaning the eVitara feels a little more confident on gravel roads, wet highways and rougher backroads.
In addition to Eco and Sport, the AWD drive modes offers up NORMAL which controls automatically the front and rear wheel torque delivery for excellent manoeuvrability and stability. And TRAIL, which helps when exiting muddy or slippery surfaces by braking or sending power to the wheels that need it most.
Being an EV, Electric torque delivery is immediate and smooth, making the eVitara feel a little more brisk around town (7.4 seconds 0-100km/k) without becoming unnecessarily aggressive. But in fairness, the single-speed electric drive transmission does give it a CVT style delivery, which lacks a bit of punch but you’re unwittingly at triple digit speed before you know it.
Increased power and torque figures (135kW/307Nm), faster sprint speed, and hungrier energy consumption (16.6kW/100km) does take its toll though, with Suzuki’s claimed WLTP range dropping to 395km.
On that, the charging port placement is also sensibly designed and easy to access, one of those small details that quickly becomes important when you live with an EV full-time.
Honest, easy and surprisingly refined
The biggest surprise of the eVitara isn’t its technology, it’s how natural it feels to drive. Some EVs try too hard to feel futuristic. Others chase sportiness so aggressively they become exhausting in everyday traffic. The eVitara avoids both traps beautifully.
Instead, it simply feels comfortable, predictable and easy. The elevated ride height gives excellent visibility, the compact dimensions make urban driving stress-free and the 360-degree camera removes much of the anxiety from tight parking situations. Around town, it feels nimble enough and confidence-inspiring in exactly the way a compact SUV should.
Ride quality is particularly impressive. New Zealand roads are rarely kind to suspension systems, yet the eVitara absorbs rough surfaces, potholes and broken tarmac with admirable composure. The low-mounted battery helps lower the centre of gravity, reducing body roll and giving the SUV a more planted feel through corners than its upright stance might suggest.
Steering remains light enough for city use while still offering reasonable feedback, and the regenerative braking calibration is smooth and progressive rather than abrupt and head-snapping like some EVs.
It’s also pleasantly refined, with minimal ADAS nagging. At lower speeds, the cabin remains impressively quiet, while motorway cruising introduces only moderate wind and tyre noise. Conversations remain easy, and the overall experience feels more mature than many people may expect from Suzuki.
Tarmac Takeaway — The EV for people who still live in the real world
Suzuki has successfully taken the practicality, usability and approachable nature that defined the Vitara for decades and translated it into an EV that still feels grounded in reality. It’s compact enough for urban life, practical enough for families and capable enough for weekend adventures.
Sure, the boot isn’t enormous, rear headroom could be better for taller passengers and the glossy interior trim will become a fingerprint museum within minutes. But those compromises feel minor against the bigger picture.
The eVitara feels approachable and not a technology experiment. It feels like a Suzuki. And in today’s increasingly complicated automotive world, that might be exactly what many buyers are searching for.
