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eVitara Test Drive Review – How Good is Suzuki’s Electric SUV for India and Europe?

July 22, 2025

First Look: How Was the eVitara Test Drive?

Suzuki’s first all-electric SUV, the eVitara, is now undergoing final testing and is expected to launch in both India and Europe. Based on the Toyota Urban Cruiser platform, the eVitara will compete with Tata Curvv EV, Hyundai Creta EV, and Mahindra XUV.e8 in India, while going up against Jeep Avenger, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Ford Puma in Europe.

Dimensions, Design & Ground Clearance

The eVitara measures approximately 4.3 meters in length, making it a solid fit in the compact electric SUV segment.
Ground clearance is rated at 185mm, which is more than the Ford Puma but slightly less than the Jeep Avenger.
The SUV is offered in both FWD and AWD drivetrain configurations.

Battery, Power & Performance

Battery	Drivetrain	Power (bhp)	Range (WLTP)	0–100 km/h
49 kWh	FWD	142 bhp	~344 km	~9.6 seconds
61 kWh	FWD	172 bhp	~397 km	~9.6 seconds
61 kWh	AWD	181 bhp	~396 km	7.4 seconds

Efficiency:
- AWD: ~6.0 km/kWh
- FWD: ~6.7 km/kWh
Charging Time:
- DC fast charger: 15% to 70% in just 30 minutes
- Suzuki claims a peak charging rate of 150 kW, though real-world speeds may vary.

Driving Experience

Ride Quality

Road noise inside the cabin is more noticeable than expected.
The steering feels light and slightly vague, requiring more input during tight turns.
Body roll is apparent while cornering, reducing confidence at higher speeds.

Off-Road Handling

The available Trail Mode helps manage snow, gravel, and mild off-road terrain.
The AWD version performs better on slippery surfaces.

Drive Modes

Four drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, and Trail.
Trail mode is specially designed for traction in rough terrain.

Regenerative Braking

Three levels: Low, Medium, High
High mode supports one-pedal driving.
Note: Regenerative settings can only be adjusted when the vehicle is stationary using the infotainment system.

Interior and Features

Layout and Design

The 10.25-inch touchscreen felt slightly laggy and unresponsive in the prototype model.
The digital instrument cluster is separated by a glass bar, creating an odd visual gap.
The dashboard layout is asymmetrical and looks slightly unbalanced.
Physical buttons are provided for climate and media controls, which is convenient.
The glossy black finish tends to show fingerprints easily.

Comfort

The front seats are comfortable, though the material doesn’t feel premium.
Tall passengers (up to 6’3″) can sit comfortably in the rear.
The rear floor is slightly raised, leading to a knees-up seating position.
USB and USB-C ports are available for rear passengers.
The rear center armrest does not fold down—it only opens for boot access.

Boot Space

Seat Position	Boot Volume
Seats back	238 litres
Seats forward	306 litres

Smaller than the Ford Puma (574L including underfloor) but more than the Jeep Avenger.
No frunk (front storage) – Suzuki says it’s unnecessary.
Underfloor storage is available for charging cables.

Price and Warranty

In India, the eVitara is expected to be priced between ₹20 lakh and ₹30 lakh.
In Europe, it will likely range from £20,000 to just over £30,000.
Suzuki is offering a 10-year warranty, not just on the battery but on the entire car.
To maintain the warranty, servicing must be done at authorized Suzuki service centers.

Pros and Cons

Pros

AWD version makes it capable for light off-roading.
One-pedal driving works well.
Physical buttons and vertical air vents are user-friendly.
Long warranty offers peace of mind.
Comfortable for tall passengers.
Trail Mode is helpful for rough terrain.

Cons

Interior materials feel cheap and inconsistent.
Infotainment system is slow and laggy.
Dashboard design feels visually unbalanced.
No frunk or sunroof.
Boot access via armrest feels awkward.
Excessive road noise inside cabin.
Drive lacks sporty engagement.
Regenerative braking levels can be adjusted only when stationary.

Final Verdict – Is eVitara Suitable for Both India and Europe?

Based on our eVitara Test Drive experience, we’d say this EV SUV is decent – not extraordinary, but not bad either. If priced between ₹20–₹25 lakh in India, it could be a smart and economical electric SUV option.
However, if the price exceeds ₹30 lakh, buyers may prefer Hyundai Creta EV or Tata Curvv EV in India, and in Europe, the Ford Puma or Jeep Avenger may offer better overall value.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions – eVitara Test Drive

Q1: What is the expected price of Suzuki eVitara in India?

A: The eVitara is expected to be priced between ₹20 lakh to ₹30 lakh in India, depending on the battery and drivetrain options.

Q2: What is the driving range of the eVitara?

A: The eVitara offers a driving range of approximately 344 km to 397 km (WLTP), based on the battery and drivetrain configuration.

Q3: Is the eVitara available with AWD?

A: Yes, the 61 kWh variant of the eVitara is available with an AWD option, delivering better performance on slippery or off-road terrain.

Q4: What are the key rivals of eVitara in India and Europe?

A: In India, it competes with Tata Curvv EV, Hyundai Creta EV, and Mahindra XUV.e8. In Europe, its rivals include Jeep Avenger, Ford Puma, and Hyundai Kona Electric.

Q5: Does the eVitara support fast charging?

A: Yes, it supports DC fast charging from 15% to 70% in just 30 minutes with a claimed peak rate of 150 kW.

Q6: What type of warranty does Suzuki offer on the eVitara?

A: Suzuki offers a 10-year warranty on the entire vehicle, not just the battery, provided it's serviced at authorized Suzuki service centers.