2023 Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip (Prestige) Review

Introducing the “all-new” 2023 Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip Prestige, a fresh take on the popular crossover, now equipped with Suzuki’s "AllGrip" All-Wheel-Drive system for improved handling and performance. While we think the updated model boasts a significantly more attractive exterior design, it also comes with a much heftier price tag, being over $10,000 more expensive than its predecessor. While many drivers will appreciate the new look and added capability, some may be puzzled by the absence of certain interior features one would expect at this price point. In this comprehensive review, we will be giving it the Sauce by testing the 0-100km launch and taking an in-depth look at all the interior and exterior features, to help you determine if the 2023 Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip Prestige is the right choice for you.

How much does the 2023 Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip Prestige cost?

Kicking off the range is the 2023 Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip, starting at $40,490 plus on-roads, with the “Prestige” spec demanding a $4000 premium, at $44,490 plus on-roads.

While both new models possess a new All-Wheel-Drive system with different Terrain Driving Modes, improving over the old Front-Wheel-Drive, as well as some interior and exterior updates; this still represents a $10,000 and $12,500 price jump over the outgoing models, respectively. Here at CarSauce we understand the effects of inflation like everybody else, but this frankly had us scratching our heads, considering that under the skin, it largely remains the same.

The premium “Prestige” trim does come with some extra goodies, like a larger 9-inch infotainment display, and awesome Panoramic Sunroof.

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What do we think of the exterior looks of the 2023 Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip Prestige?

The updated exterior design of the 2023 Suzuki S-Cross had Matt and I split on our opinions, though one thing that we could both agree on is it is definitely nicer than the previous generation S-Cross. The boxy look with sharp drop-offs will definitely appeal to some drivers, while it personally wasn’t to my taste. I will say that the new black grille is a step-up over the old “toothy” design, and I am a fan of the larger “S” for Suzuki logo, it fits nicely with the chrome strip connecting the headlights. I also like the look of the triple LED headlights and daytime running lights, which are automatic as standard, and also come with high-beam assist.

In typical crossover design, we have a matte black plastic bumper with fog lights, and grey plastic along the bottom. It is a very square look from the front, and clearly Suzuki are leaning into that “rugged, capable off-roader”, while still remaining elegant enough to take you around the City. One think you’ll notice on the side mirrors of the Prestige is the presence of a 360-degree camera system, which is a first for Suzuki, and a great inclusion though it is definitely not the most high-quality system in the segment. The mirrors also have blind-spot monitoring, more on that in the interior and safety sections.

Standard across the range is rear privacy (tinted) glass, which is normal for the segment, and we also get keyless entry and go. Adding onto the range’s 17-inch alloy wheels, the Prestige gets upgraded 17-inch polished alloys, so if you opt for the premium option, watch out for kerb rash!

They’ve improved the rear design significantly over the previous generation, with a new clear tail-light design that integrates nicely with the rest of the hatch. I do find the rear to be quite crowded, with four badges in addition to the Suzuki logo, and the same black and grey cladding as up front, though these are all aspects that have been carried over from the previous generation S-Cross.

What’s the interior and connectivity like of the 2023 Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip Prestige?

In the Prestige trim, you'll find a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity, a panoramic sunroof, leather and cloth seats, and a 360-degree camera. This is adding onto the inclusions of the standard trim, which is still adequately equipped, providing a 7.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, a reversing camera, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and dual-zone digital climate control. 

Though there are some desirable features, the interior materials are a mix of mostly hard, scratchy plastics and a few soft-touch leather-wrapped areas. The seats combine a grippy cloth material with leather side bolsters, and although they offer manual adjustment, no lumbar adjustment is available. Thankfully, they do have heating which is a nice inclusion. The steering wheel and gauge cluster appear largely unchanged, with the latter featuring a small digital screen that offers some appealing animations when changing drive and terrain modes. 

The automatic gear shifter remains the same, and while wireless Apple CarPlay is a welcome addition to the Prestige, the lack of a wireless charger is a surprising omission. Connectivity options are somewhat limited, with only a single USB-A port and a 12V socket up front. Storage is adequate, featuring an adjustable armrest with some storage space, a couple of square cupholders, and a decent-sized glovebox. One of the standout features is the panoramic sunroof, which adds an impressive touch to the overall experience in the cabin and makes the interior feel a lot more airy and spacious. 

Overall, the interior is not quite what we expected for a “new generation” Suzuki crossover at this price point, especially considering the stiff competition that is available.

What about the Back seats of the 2023 Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip Prestige?

As far as updates go, it seems Suzuki kind of stopped at the front seats. We still get that archaic middle seatbelt buckle that requires a key to open, and comfort and technology are all very limited as well. While the front seat occupants can enjoy dual-zone climate control, the rear passengers are left without any air vents, and no connectivity to charge their devices. Again, very limited.

Leg and toe room are quite good, much like many in the segment, however, the S-Cross does fall down in the way of headroom, even as fairly average-height men, we found ourselves brushing our hair on the roof. This is definitely aided somewhat by the sunroof, but I still can’t help but feel a little claustrophobic in the rear of this car.

The seats are again quite a grippy cloth material with leather sides, and the headrests are really soft and comfortable. Overall, I’d much rather spend time in the front seats of this car.

How much can you fit in the boot of the 2023 Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip Prestige?

Despite being slightly smaller than competitors such as the Kia Seltos, boot capacity is decent at 430L, which can be expanded to 1230L by folding down the rear seats, which to Suzuki’s credit, is quite a seamless process and the seats fold pretty much flat.

We also get some under-floor storage, as well as a 12V socket, a light, and a curry hook. So in terms of practicality, the Suzuki S-Cross is pretty well equipped, though at this price and for this segment we should expect that.

What’s under the bonnet of the 2023 Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip Prestige?

The powertrain is another aspect that Suzuki has elected to carry over completely from the previous iteration of the S-Cross; we have a 1.4 litre 4 cylinder “BoosterJet” turbo petrol engine, that outputs 103kW of power and 220Nm of torque.

This power is sent to all four wheels via Suzuki’s “AllGrip” All-Wheel-Drive system, which is new for S-Cross in the Australian market, and is capable of sending power in a 50:50 front and rear axle split, though it is Front-Wheel-Drive biased on road. 

The S-Cross is only available with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

How does the 2023 Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip Prestige drive?

While AWD cars are typically less fuel efficient than 2WD, this car has remarkable fuel efficiency at a claimed consumption of 6.2L/100km, which I found to be quite replicable in the real world. 

At 103kW/220Nm, this doesn’t have the most impressive specs, but when we tested it out we found that it shifts decently well due to being pretty light, though it definitely won’t blow your mind with its straight-line performance. We tested its 0-100km/h sprint which came at 9.21 seconds. Like it said, far from mind-melting stuff.

I do like the driving characteristics around the corners, the AWD grip is certainly noticeable and the suspension has a pretty sporty tune, which helps eliminate a lot of body roll. This does lend itself to an overall harsher ride, and combined with the lack of lumbar support, longer journeys can be a bit of a chore in the S-Cross. The throttle response is decent and improves in Sport mode, and I did find that the acceleration out of corners was surprisingly good due to the increased traction from that “AllGrip” system, as we found out while taking it around our favourite double hairpin - Saucy corner. The steering is actually pretty well weighted as well, so the car definitely can be used on the back roads, and you can definitely have some fun with it as well!

My main gripe with this car - given that it is designed to be a practical, family-oriented car - is that it is lacking in many safety assistance features that we have come to expect from brand-new cars. It does have adaptive cruise control, which is good, but it is lacking in any lane-centering assistance, the lane departure warning is also mediocre, with only a text pop-up on the tiny digital screen in the instrument cluster.

During filming, we also noticed that road noise was quite substantial, this could be due to the lightweight construction, as well as the plethora of hard plastic surfaces inside the interior, which vibrate while driving and increase the noise floor within the cabin. This is why we always harp on about soft-touch materials, it genuinely makes a difference!

Overall, the driving dynamics were pretty decent, with decent acceleration from the 1.4L turbo petrol engine, good handling with sporty suspension, and a nice weighted steering tune. Where this car falls down is the daily driving conveniences and safety technology - which, unfortunately, the competitors just do better.

Is the 2023 Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip Prestige Safe?

The 2023 Suzuki S-Cross is yet to receive it’s ANCAP safety certification.

It comes with the following safety features as standard:

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• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear Cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Reverse + 360-degree camera 
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Lane departure warning
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• 6 airbags

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How much does the 2023 Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip Prestige cost to service?

The Suzuki S-Cross range is covered by a 5-year, unlimited km warranty, with included roadside assistance.

It also has capped-price servicing at yearly intervals or every 10,000km, whichever comes first. The total advertised price for the first 5 services is $1945.

Final thoughts - should you buy a 2023 Suzuki S-Cross AllGrip Prestige?

I think it’s pretty clear that we were a little bit disappointed with the “all-new” Suzuki S-Cross. In what is probably one of the most hotly contested segments in the car industry right now, at this price point, having glaring omissions in what is supposed to be a new-generation car is quite hard to look past.

The interior quality is mostly okay, with a decent infotainment system with wireless Apple Carplay, and wired Android Auto, but then no wireless charger on the premium “Prestige” spec, as well as no connectivity in the rear. It drives pretty well, though with a significant lack of safety technology relative to the competition, as well as a lot of road noise, it definitely wouldn’t be my choice for a long road trip any time soon.

Overall, if you are a fan of Suzuki products, you will find in the Suzuki S-Cross a familiar product that has been tastefully refreshed when it comes to exterior appearances, but I hazard to say you may be a little surprised at the lack of innovation in terms of interior features.