SX4 Crossover vs Rogue

Unsure · 10-01-2008, 12:02 AM

Hi guys. I've been scanning this (and another Suzuki) forum for the last few days, but some of my questions are still unanswered, so I figured I'd register and ask them myself.
In December I'll be moving from the warm and sunny U.S. to Edmonton, Alberta, where the current rear wheel car I drive won't cut it.
I want an inexpensive vehicle that's AWD, good on gas, has a higher profile than a car and that I can pack full of my stuff when I move. So it's come down to a 2008 SX4 Crossover and the Nissan Rogue.
I like that Suzuki has a longer warranty and better rear visibility than the Rogue. Not to mention it's cheaper and gives more stuff standard... but the 143 HP concerns me for the move (which will be through the Rockies in Montana along the I-15). So...

1) Has anyone used their SX4 Crossover for moving? Or to carry anything heavy at all? How does it affect the Sx4's performance (and I mean more than just acceleration, which will obviously be slower than usual)?

2) How much storage space is in the back with the rear seats up? It doesn't look like much based on side-view exterior shots. Looks like the Rogue has more even before its back seats are lowered.

3) Will 143 HP versus the Rogue's 170 HP make that much of a difference?

4) How burdensome is the 11 gallon gas tank?

5) When you guys bought your SX4s, did the dealer allow you to mix and match options from the different packages?

6) For those of you who bought your SX4 and make monthly payments, has Suzuki locked you into what you pay by month, or is it flexible, allowing you to pay more if you can afford it in certain months (like Nissan)?

Sorry for the long post.

But any help is appreciated.

PaulD · 10-01-2008, 10:48 PM

The SX4 is smaller than the Rogue. There's about an 18" difference in overall length that must translate to interior capacity. Worry about the rest once you've thought about that.

Unsure · 10-02-2008, 01:40 PM

Thanks for the reply, but even with the difference in length, I can still justify getting the SX4 so long as my other concerns have answers that counter-balance the loss of interior size (I need the vehicle for more than just moving).

RGEISEL · 10-08-2008, 09:39 AM

I bought the wife an SX4 about a year and a half ago and it does not feel like it has 143 HP from the 0-60 range, I always tell her this thing can't get out of its own way. My old civic w/ just 107 hp felt more powerful. In fact I raced my friends 1998 civic w/ it and lost LOL... Safe race on private land just thought I would add that as I do not want to promote unsafe driving and I always follow the rules of the road

I have moved a few large items like an older heavy flat screen TV approx 200lbs w/ 3 passengers and it does just fine and no noticeable problems through the mountains of western PA. The 11 gallon tank makes it feel like it's not getting the good gas mileage it does. When we were looking for a new car for her AWD was a must and the SX4 had no competition when we bought it and I am happy the car over all.

2007 SX4 Sport
2008 Grand Vitara LUX

Unsure · 10-10-2008, 12:21 AM

Thanks, Rgeisel.
I was able to get into an SX4 Crossover for a test drive last weekend and I have to say I was more impressed with it than I thought I would be. In fact, I liked it over the Rogue, which really surprised me. Plus the acceleration wasn't bad at all.
I'm no racer, but I want to feel comfortable that I can drive up a hill when the vehicle's full and not have to get out and push. I'm not talking about moving furniture, but I have a lot of other misc. stuff... but I don't think that's an issue anymore.
I think the price and warranty, combined with features, mpg and AWD may have me sold (though I wasn't a fan of the distance between driver and windshield, but I can get used to it).
I think I'm going to look for a rental car place and see if I can rent one for a day or two and put it through its paces. A five minute trip around the block at 35/45 mph with a salesman talking in my ear isn't quite good enough, but it was a nice first taste.

RGEISEL · 10-11-2008, 10:18 AM

Yea you will get used to the odd windshield... I agree with you it is very difficult if not impossible to get a better vehicle in this class for the money that is why I bought it. Also if you do buy look into the extended warranty if you plan on keeping this vehicle. When I bought my Grand Vitara (GV) they offered bumper to bumper for 100K it was very cheep like 700 bucks over the course of the loan. I plan on keeping my GV so I bought it, just something to consider. In closing you will not be disappointed w/ this fun little versatile car we have put over 30K on it in under 2 yrs.

Oh 1 other thing the maintenance is awesome 7500 between oil chances ;-)

Good Luck

2007 SX4 Sport
2008 Grand Vitara LUX

mule · 10-11-2008, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unsure

A five minute trip around the block at 35/45 mph with a salesman talking in my ear isn't quite good enough, but it was a nice first taste.

nope, flog that dog. drive it like you would, you need to know what it will do.

my .02 cents

laurent · 10-19-2008, 10:37 AM

Regarding the 143hp engine, here's my take.

When I initially found about this car, there was an online reviewer who felt like the car was missing some "oomph", but he indicated he test-drove the automatic transmission, and felt that without a manual, he couldn't really know if the problem is in the engine or transmission.

I then went to the dealer and drove one with manual transmission. I always loved manuals. Much to my surprise, the car felt snappy to me. Yes there's not much low-end torque and nothing really happens before 2000-2500rpm, but that's easily circumvented by proper shifting.

I've been driving it for a month now, and I find it pretty peppy. Overtakes on the highway are quick, quickly pulling away from a stop is reasonably fast.

Sure it could be better, but with the manual transmission, I wouldn't say it's not enough either.

As a comparison, I used to drive a 2004 impreza (with 166hp) manual as well, and that car being slightly heavier, I wouldn't there's much of a difference overall between the two. Also note that I once drove an automatic impreza with the same 166hp engine, and boy it felt like I would NEVER reach cruising speed.

And by the way, yes you absolutely must not neglect on your test drive with the salesman. I took one to a nearby industrial area and told him "I'm going to be a bit hard now, like hard accelerations, braking full power from 100km/h to zero, and a few hard curves. Is that fine with you?" and he replied "Have fun, that's why we're here."

And then I bought it.

laurent · 10-19-2008, 10:41 AM

Oh and the small gas tank is a bit annoying. This has to be the car with the smallest gas tank I've ever had. Since fuel consumption isn't extremely low (like, say, a Corolla), then you don't get to fill up at the same frequency. You will have to stop by the stations a tad more frequently.

Also you mention comparing the SX4 AWD with Rogue. Have you checked the Matrix? It's pretty much the same as these two.