Nissan Juke vs. Suzuki Vitara: Complete comparison 2026

The Nissan Juke, a pioneer of the small urban crossover segment, retains its typical, extravagant, and unmistakable design even in its current generation, aiming primarily at emotions and style. Standing against it is the Suzuki Vitara, also known as the Suzuki Escudo in some Asian markets, which instead bets on a more practical body concept and benefits from the brand's long tradition of producing reliable cars with proven all-wheel drive. Let's take a detailed look at how a direct comparison of these two different philosophies turns out and which of these popular cars makes more sense for your needs on the used car market.

When we place the Nissan Juke and Suzuki Vitara side by side, you'll notice a completely different approach to design and body proportions at first glance. While the Vitara bets on more traditional, slightly boxy shapes of a classic SUV, the Juke is a typical representative of dynamic city crossovers. If we focus on models available on the market as roughly four-year-old used cars, i.e., the current F16 generation Nissan Juke and the second-generation Suzuki Vitara after its facelift, the numbers speak clearly. With a length of 4210 mm, the Juke is 35 to 40 mm longer than the Vitara and 25 mm wider at the same time. On one hand, this difference means you'll have to be a bit more careful with the Nissan when parking in narrow garages, but in return, you get a more aggressive and stable stance on the road, giving the car a visually more mature character.

However, the most significant difference between these competitors can be found when looking at the wheelbase. The Nissan Juke offers a wheelbase of 2636 mm, which is a staggering 136 mm more than the Suzuki Vitara, which relies on a more modest value of 2500 mm. In practice, this means the Juke can offer better longitudinal space for passengers and an overall smoother, more settled ride over bumps, as its wheels are pushed further to the corners of the body. On the other hand, the significantly shorter wheelbase of the Vitara brings better maneuverability in tight spaces and a smaller turning radius. This makes the Suzuki Vitara an extremely agile and undemanding companion for daily weaving through a busy city, while the Juke better masks its small-car origins on open roads and highways.

The Nissan Juke measures roughly 1595 mm in height, while the Vitara ranges between 1595 and 1610 mm depending on the specific version and equipment. Both models thus provide the much-desired elevated driving position and a satisfactory view of what's happening in front of the car. However, the Vitara's taller build relative to its slightly shorter overall length contributes to a feel of a more airy and practical interior, with valuable centimeters of headroom, especially for rear-seat passengers. When deciding, it primarily depends on what you prefer in your car: the Juke is the clear choice for those interested in style and better longitudinal comfort, while the Vitara will appeal to those looking for maximum agility and pragmatic use of interior space.

When choosing a compact city crossover, the trunk volume often plays a decisive role, especially if the car is to serve as the main family vehicle. Although the Nissan Juke and Suzuki Vitara target a similar audience and their domain is primarily cities or suburban areas, their approach to interior layout differs quite significantly. The shape and volume of the trunk itself determine whether the car can easily accommodate just a weekend shopping trip or if it can satisfy the needs of packing for a longer family holiday.

If we compare the standard internal combustion and mild-hybrid versions of both models typical for the market of roughly four-year-old used cars, the Nissan representative (F16 generation) offers surprisingly more competitive parameters. The basic trunk volume of the Juke model is a solid 422 liters, which in practice means space for several extra suitcases and much less stress when folding a stroller. After folding the rear seats, the usable space increases to a generous 1305 liters. In contrast, the Suzuki Vitara (second generation) offers a slightly more modest 375 liters in the standard version, and its maximum transport capacity ends at 1120 liters.

Buyers should be very careful when choosing full hybrid variants, where batteries usually take a toll on interior space. In the Nissan Juke (1.6 Hybrid), the trunk volume drops to 354 liters (with a maximum of 1237 liters), a reduction that is still relatively easy to accept in everyday use. However, the Suzuki Vitara (1.5 Dualjet Hybrid) suffers much more from the presence of larger traction batteries – its basic trunk space shrinks to a below-average 289 liters (1046 liters after folding), which can already be a significantly limiting factor for family use and weekend travel.

If you plan to regularly tow a trailer behind your car, you will find quite significant differences among roughly four-year-old representatives of both models on the used car market. The Suzuki Vitara (2nd generation) is noticeably more capable in this regard and offers better usability for heavier loads, while the Nissan Juke (F16 generation) is more suitable for lighter tasks. The standard and also maximum value for the petrol Nissan Juke in the 1.0 DIG-T version is 1250 kg for a braked trailer. In contrast, while the Suzuki Vitara offers 1200 kg as its base for the 1.5 Dualjet Hybrid variant, its maximum towing capacity reaches a generous 1500 kg in the 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid version. Full hybrid models deserve special attention, as their towing capacity is often reduced for technical reasons. While for the aforementioned Vitara it drops to a still very respectable 1200 kg, the Nissan Juke 1.6 Hybrid can tow a braked trailer with a maximum weight of 750 kg. In practice, this means that with the Suzuki Vitara, you can head off on holiday without worry, as it offers ideal towing power for a smaller caravan or a heavier utility trailer with wood. In contrast, the Juke in its hybrid version will serve at most for a small trailer – while this is perfectly sufficient for a weekend trip to a DIY store or hauling garden waste, you will quickly reach its limits for more demanding use. If a tow bar and working with a trailer are important to you, the Suzuki Vitara serves as a much more versatile and logical choice.

The engine range of both cars shows a different approach by Japanese automakers, which plays a crucial role when choosing a used car. The Nissan Juke bets on a simplified range, where the vast majority of the market is covered by an agile one-liter three-cylinder turbo engine, later joined by a sophisticated full hybrid system. Its disadvantage for the SUV category, however, is the absence of all-wheel drive. Conversely, the Suzuki Vitara is renowned for its robustness and practicality, as evidenced by its excellent 4x4 system (AllGrip), which is an increasing rarity in this B-SUV segment. While older pure petrol and diesel versions of the Suzuki are no longer found on the market for roughly four-year-old used cars, they have been replaced by very successful mild-hybrid and full-hybrid four-cylinders. These excel in reliability and real-world fuel savings. For budget-oriented drivers with a predominance of city driving, the Juke with its three-cylinder has strong arguments, but for more versatile use and poor traction, the engine range of the Vitara is clearly superior.

Under the hood of the current generation Nissan Juke, you will find a 1.0 DIG-T turbocharged petrol three-cylinder in the vast majority of cases among approximately four-year-old used cars. At the start of production (until the end of 2020), this unit was tuned to 86 kW (117 hp), but in newer cars, it settled at 84 kW (114 hp) with a peak torque of 200 Nm due to emission standards. It is available with either a precise six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT). For drivers requiring the lowest possible fuel consumption in city traffic, Nissan introduced the 1.6 Hybrid full hybrid powertrain in 2022. This system combines a naturally aspirated four-cylinder with an electric motor, with a total system output of a solid 105 kW (143 hp). Power is transmitted to the front wheels here via a specific multi-mode automatic transmission with four gears for the internal combustion engine and two for the electric motor.

The Suzuki Vitara underwent a major technological transformation at the beginning of 2020, completely abandoning pure internal combustion engines (including the earlier 1.0 Boosterjet engine) and the 1.6 DDiS diesel unit. Thus, electrification exclusively rules the market for roughly four-year-old used cars. The most widespread and also the most recommended safe bet is the successful 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid turbocharged four-cylinder with 48V mild-hybrid technology. It has an output of 95 kW (129 hp), offers a great torque of 235 Nm, and drivers praise it for its linear pull and high reliability. In the spring of 2022, the 1.5 Dualjet Hybrid full hybrid with a combined output of 85 kW (115 hp), focused on maximum savings, enriched the range. However, it is paired exclusively with an AGS automated manual transmission, which does not shift as smoothly compared to conventional automatics. A huge and indisputable advantage of both modern Suzuki powertrains is the option of the advanced AllGrip all-wheel drive.

Choosing the right engine is absolutely crucial for long-term satisfaction with the car, which is why the following recommendations are based on real performance, actual fuel consumption, owner feedback, and long-term mechanical reliability. Looking at roughly four-year-old used cars, both manufacturers take a completely different approach. While the Nissan Juke makes do with a minimalist range dominated by a small-displacement three-cylinder engine ideal for city traffic, the Suzuki Vitara holds a strong trump card in the form of a mature four-cylinder. An interesting historical fact about these generations is that while the Juke relies exclusively on front-wheel drive and a stylish body, the Vitara has retained an honest ALLGRIP all-wheel drive system even today, which is becoming increasingly rare in the compact city crossover segment.

For the Nissan Juke, we recommend: 1.0 DIG-T (84 kW / 114 hp)

This turbocharged one-litre three-cylinder (specifically the 84 kW version, which replaced the original 86 kW variant at the end of 2020) represents the best and most sensible choice for the current generation Juke (F16), and it overwhelmingly dominates the market for roughly four-year-old used cars. Its main technical advantage is a very decent torque curve set up to make the car feel as lively as possible in city and suburban traffic, with real combined fuel consumption around a solid 6 litres per 100 km during normal driving. Among the known risks to consider when buying a used car is the susceptibility to carbon deposit build-up on the intake valves – a typical ailment of small direct-injection engines if used exclusively for short, cold trips. This problem can be easily and effectively prevented by regularly filling up with premium petrol containing cleaning additives and occasionally warming up the car on a longer motorway route. In terms of overall longevity, the six-speed manual transmission is a safe bet; the DCT dual-clutch automatic may require more expensive servicing at higher mileages. The engine is best suited for daily commuting, city users, and drivers with a normal driving style who don't need to regularly load the car to the roof for long motorway holidays.

For the Suzuki Vitara, we recommend: 1.4 Boosterjet Hybrid (95 kW / 129 hp)

The 1.4 Boosterjet four-cylinder unit, complemented by a 48V mild-hybrid system available since early 2020, is an absolute gem and one of the most reliable engines on the market. The main technical strength of this engine is its exemplary flexibility at low revs – the small electric motor effectively fills the "turbo lag" before the turbocharger kicks in, so the car feels very dynamic, with real fuel consumption that commonly falls below the 6 l/100 km mark. Unlike the newer and more expensive full-hybrid (1.5 Dualjet), which is paired with the often-criticised and jerky AGS automated manual transmission, the 1.4 Boosterjet remains faithful to a precise manual or a classic torque-converter automatic and can be had with the excellent ALLGRIP four-wheel drive. Possible weak points for this mechanically robust engine essentially do not exist, but it is absolutely necessary to check the service history – look for units where the owner changed the oil at most every 15,000 km or once a year. Extending intervals leads to premature wear of the timing chain and turbocharger. The engine is the ideal choice for versatile drivers, families looking for absolute peace of mind, and those who occasionally head to the mountains or light terrain where they can fully exploit the benefits of four-wheel drive.

When choosing a used car, it is important to realize that official fuel consumption figures provided by manufacturers often differ significantly from everyday reality. To get the most accurate picture of the operating costs of both cars, we rely on real-world data directly from owners. For this, we used the well-known community portal Spritmonitor.de, which collects long-term records from thousands of motorists. To make the comparison perfectly relevant for the used car market, we focused exclusively on generations and engine versions that correspond to cars roughly four years old. For the Nissan Juke, we are talking about the current generation (F16), while for the Suzuki Vitara, it is the second generation after the facelift, with both models in these years already focusing exclusively on gasoline and hybrid units.

When interpreting the table, one major shift is obvious at first glance: you won't find classic, albeit very economical, diesel engines (like the 1.5 dCi in earlier Nissans or the 1.6 DDiS in older Vitaras) in cars roughly four years old. Electrification has definitively taken over their role. A direct comparison of full hybrid versions shows that Japanese carmakers tune these systems very effectively – the more complex 1.6 Hybrid system in the Nissan actually achieves an average of 5.2 liters per 100 kilometers, slightly beating the 1.5 Dualjet Hybrid from Suzuki. If we look at the base engines, we find that the small turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0 DIG-T in the Nissan does not save as much as might be expected. The result of 6.0 l/100 km is solid, but the larger-displacement and more powerful four-cylinder with mild-hybrid technology, the 1.4 Boosterjet in the Vitara, consumes only less than three deciliters more fuel, for which drivers are rewarded with significantly better refinement and overall dynamics.

For the average user, these data lead to fairly clear recommendations. If you spend most of your time in city traffic or suburban traffic jams, the full hybrid versions of both models will bring you the greatest savings. The system in the Juke can operate very efficiently on pure electricity at low speeds and saves your wallet best in the city. Conversely, for drivers who often commute on country roads or drive longer distances, the more conventional internal combustion versions make more sense. The Suzuki Vitara with the 1.4 Boosterjet engine excels in this role – the four-cylinder unit does not struggle as much at higher speeds, and its consumption on the highway does not rise as steeply as that of the one-liter three-cylinder in the Nissan.

In conclusion, although fuel consumption is important for many buyers, it should not be the only determining factor in this direct duel. The differences between comparable engine versions of both models are in the range of just tenths of a liter. This does not play such a dramatic role in monthly fuel expenses. The decision should be based more on your driving profile and personal preferences between a three-cylinder and a four-cylinder, or perhaps a preference for the behavior of specific hybrid transmissions. Both carmakers have done a great deal of work in reducing fuel consumption between generations and offer very competitive values within four-year-old used cars.

Used Car Market Prices: Who Holds Their Value Better?

When looking at the market for roughly four-year-old used cars (2021 and 2022 models), you will find a very diverse range for both models. Both Japanese SUVs hold their residual value surprisingly well; however, pricing in dealerships is influenced by slightly different factors. For the Nissan, customers pay extra for style and modern technology, while for the Suzuki, the main argument and price driver is proven technology and the availability of all-wheel drive.

Nissan Juke (2nd Generation)

The price range for the second-generation Nissan Juke from 2021 to 2022 currently ranges from approximately €14,000 to €20,000. The used car market is clearly dominated by the 1.0 DIG-T three-cylinder engine. If you are looking for an attractive and well-maintained piece with a mileage of up to 40,000 km and decent equipment (often the mid-level Acenta or N-Connecta trims), expect an amount oscillating around €16,000.

Occasionally, cheaper cars under €14,000 appear on the market, but the lower price is usually offset by significantly higher mileage or just poorer basic equipment. Conversely, top models in the N-Design edition with striking two-tone paint or the richest Tekna equipment reliably attack the upper price limit.

Suzuki Vitara

The Suzuki Vitara is one of the most sought-after family crossovers in the Czech Republic, and you certainly won't find it in the bargain basement of used car lots. Used cars from 2021 and 2022, relying mainly on the reliable 1.4 BoosterJet turbocharged four-cylinder (very often already in combination with mild-hybrid technology), are generally offered on the market in the range of €14,000 to €19,000.

A key price factor for the Vitara is the presence of the AllGrip all-wheel-drive system. While well-maintained front-wheel-drive models start at around €14,000, the highly desirable 4x4 versions stay much higher. In combination with the Elegance or Premium trim levels, expect that all-wheel-drive models usually start safely above the €16,000 mark and maintain their price on the secondary market with only a very gradual decline.

Indicative Price Comparison (2021–2022 Models)

Both models boast a maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, which is great news for used car buyers. However, it is essential to consider the context and the year the tests were conducted. Euro NCAP methodology and protocols evolve and tighten over time, meaning percentage scores from different years cannot be directly compared. A five-star result from earlier years thus does not carry quite the same weight as certification according to newer and more demanding standards.

The second-generation Nissan Juke underwent Euro NCAP tests in 2019 and achieved a full five stars under much stricter criteria. At that time, these already included, for example, cyclist detection testing and advanced automatic emergency braking tests. The car demonstrated exceptional structural strength with an excellent score of 94% for adult protection and 85% for child protection. The 73% score in the safety assist category reflects the presence of modern active safety features that help actively prevent collisions.

The Suzuki Vitara earned its five-star rating back in 2015. At the time, it was a pioneer in its segment, demonstrating an excellent level of occupant protection with a result of 89% for adults and an identical 85% for children. Its score of 75% for assistance systems was admirable for the time; however, it must be kept in mind that the 2015 test scenarios were nowhere near as demanding regarding complex assistant reactions at intersections or towards vulnerable road users as the newer ones. Furthermore, given the age of the original test, the formal validity of the Euro NCAP certification for the Vitara has now expired, although it naturally remains a structurally very safe car.

Overall, both models offer a very safe environment for travel. However, the Nissan Juke represents a significantly more modern safety package. Its results were achieved according to the much tougher 2019 standards, meaning that both its passive strength and its range of modern active assistants simply correspond much better to current road safety requirements.

In addition to standard equipment, each model offers several unique features that can be decisive for the customer, with both cars approaching added value and technological innovation in a very distinctive way. While Nissan focuses on style and digitalization, Suzuki bets on honest mechanics and off-road capabilities.

Nissan Juke: Extravagant style and a tailored audio experience

• Infotainment and audio: The most prominent optional feature is the Bose Personal Plus premium audio system. It uses speakers integrated directly into the front seat headrests (UltraNearfield system), creating a unique 360° sound experience for the driver and passenger, which is rare in the small SUV segment.
• Advanced assistance systems: Higher trim levels can be equipped with Nissan ProPILOT technology. This advanced highway driving assistant can automatically keep the car in the center of the lane, react smoothly to surrounding traffic, and independently stop and restart in traffic jams.
• Design and personalization: The Juke retains its iconic hidden rear door handles in the C-pillar, enhancing its coupe profile. In the N-Design version, it offers extensive personalization options, including striking two-tone paintwork and the possibility to trim the dashboard or door panels in contrasting Alcantara or orange eco-leather.
• Connectivity and innovation: As part of NissanConnect Services, the car supports full remote access via a mobile app. The driver can remotely check the locking status, turn on the lights to find the car more easily in a parking lot, or send a destination directly to the car's navigation in advance.
• Powertrains and transmissions: The range is based on the agile 1.0 DIG-T three-cylinder engine, but for modern-minded drivers, the Juke also offers an advanced multi-mode hybrid powertrain that can operate purely on electricity for a significant portion of the time in urban environments.

Suzuki Vitara: Traditional reliability and an uncompromising 4x4

• All-wheel drive and chassis: The Vitara's biggest trump card is the ALLGRIP Select all-wheel-drive system. In the small city crossover category, this is a complete rarity. The system offers four driving modes (Auto, Sport, Snow, and Lock) controlled by a rotary selector on the center console, giving the car real capabilities in winter conditions and light off-road terrain.
• Powertrains and electrification: The Vitara relies on reliable and proven four-cylinder engines. The core of four-year-old used cars is the popular 1.4 BoosterJet engine equipped with 48V mild-hybrid technology, which significantly aids acceleration from low revs and smooths out engine operation. An alternative is the full-hybrid system labeled Strong Hybrid with an AGS automated manual transmission.
• Smart and iconic design: In the center of the dashboard, between the air vents, sits a traditional analog clock. This elegant and classic detail is characteristic of the Vitara and pleasantly breaks up the otherwise austere and strictly functional interior.
• Safety electronics: Suzuki prides itself on the availability of safety features. The comprehensive Suzuki Safety Support package, including the Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS), blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), is often included even in lower trim levels.
• Practicality for everyday use: The body with its taller build and straighter roofline ensures excellent visibility in all directions and makes parking easier. Another advantage is the generous headroom for rear passengers, where the Juke suffers due to its sloping roofline.

The second-generation Nissan Juke is ideal for drivers looking for a stylish city crossover with an emotive design and confident handling. It targets primarily couples or small families who don't mind the limited engine range but will appreciate the high-quality, modern interior and agility in city traffic.

The Suzuki Vitara is considered an exceptionally practical and indestructible workhorse that appeals to pragmatic buyers or cottage owners who will fully utilize the optional 4x4 drive. Although it doesn't dazzle inside with luxury materials or the latest displays, it scores uncompromisingly with low operating costs, robust technology, and great reliability.

Based on our own CarAudit inspections, long-term reliability statistics, and owners' service experiences, we have compiled a detailed overview of the most common problems that used car buyers should watch out for.

Nissan Juke (F16 generation, from 2019)

The second generation of the Nissan Juke is a significantly more mature and reliable car compared to its predecessor. However, in roughly four-year-old used cars, several specific ailments recur that are worth checking before purchase.

• Transmission (DCT): With the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is often paired with the 1.0 DIG-T engine, owners complain of jerking and hesitation. Unpleasant jolts occur especially during cold starts or when crawling in traffic jams. In many cases, a transmission software update at an authorized service center helps.
• Electronics and Infotainment: The most common minor faults include freezing of the center display and spontaneous disconnection of the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto interface. The manufacturer tried to gradually address these teething problems with newer software versions.
• Engine and Hybrid System: The three-cylinder 1.0 DIG-T engine is mechanically very robust, but occasionally the turbocharger wastegate rod resonates, which manifests as an audible rattle. The more complex 1.6 Hybrid has been on the market for a relatively short time, but there are complaints about unrefined and noisy switching between electric and combustion power.
• Chassis and Interior: Due to the stiffer suspension tuning and frequent use of large 19-inch wheels, the car suffers from faster wear of the silentblocks on local roads. Furthermore, hard impacts cause creaks and noises from the plastics inside the dashboard in higher-mileage units.

Suzuki Vitara (LY generation after facelift, mild-hybrid version)

The Suzuki Vitara is among the most reliable cars in its category, yet like any car, it has several factory weaknesses and compromises that often only a thorough physical inspection of a used car will reveal.

• Engine (1.4 BoosterJet): This turbo engine with a mild-hybrid system is considered one of the most durable units on the market. Only at higher mileages approaching the 100,000 km mark can problems with a noisier timing chain or carbon buildup on the injectors exceptionally appear, especially if the car was driven exclusively on short city routes.
• Bodywork and Anti-corrosion Protection: The Vitara's paint is relatively thin and very susceptible to stone chips on the hood. In cars that owners also used off-road, surface corrosion of the exhaust system and chassis components also appears earlier.
• Interior and Soundproofing: In an effort to achieve low weight and an affordable price, Suzuki used harder plastics in the cabin, which are prone to scratching and tend to creak. The overall soundproofing of the cabin is poorer; at highway speeds, owners commonly report penetrating aerodynamic noise around the door seals.
• Transmissions and Clutch: Manual transmissions work without problems, though a slightly stiffer action can occasionally be noticed when shifting from first to second gear. If you are buying the rarer full-hybrid version (1.5 DualJet) supplied since 2022 with the AGS automated manual transmission, be prepared for very sluggish and jerky shifting.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key. Even though both models are among the most sought-after city SUVs, they have their own specifics and weak points that are worth focusing on during an inspection. Any thorough independent technical inspection of the car's condition should reliably reveal these ailments, but you can test many things yourself during the first drive.

When choosing a Nissan Juke:

• Dual-clutch transmission (DCT) jerking: For models equipped with the seven-speed automatic, focus on pulling away and stop-and-go traffic during the test drive. The transmission should shift smoothly. If it jerks significantly at low speeds, hesitates, or holds unnecessarily high revs, it may signal worn clutches or a missing software calibration.
• Cold start performance of the 1.0-liter three-cylinder (1.0 DIG-T): Insist that the engine is cold when you arrive. After starting, watch for any RPM fluctuations or excessive vibrations, which could indicate ignition problems, a failing lambda sensor, or advanced carbon buildup in the engine.
• Stability of the NissanConnect infotainment system: During the inspection, test the responsiveness of the touchscreen. Older software versions in this generation sometimes tend to freeze or restart spontaneously. Connect your phone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and verify that the connection does not drop during the drive.
• Functionality of assistance systems: Check that the cameras and radars (often grouped under the ProPILOT system) are working correctly. Test the lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. A dirty or poorly sealed front grille/windshield from the factory can cause system errors, the repair of which requires expensive recalibration at a service center.
• Interior build quality: While driving on uneven surfaces, listen for noises in the cabin. Although the second-generation Juke is of higher quality, the harder plastics in the door panels and around the center tunnel can creak unpleasantly in higher-mileage units.

When choosing a Suzuki Vitara:

• Thinner paint and corrosion check: Suzuki vehicles are known for using relatively thin paint, which is prone to stone chips. A detailed physical inspection of the car should include a careful check of the hood, bumper, wheel arches, and the underbody for signs of beginning surface corrosion.
• Performance of the mild-hybrid system (1.4 BoosterJet): Monitor the smoothness of the integrated starter-generator and the Start-Stop system. After stopping at an intersection, the engine should restart instantly and completely without jerking. If the car starts reluctantly or any warning light is on, an aging 48V battery may be to blame.
• Condition of the AllGrip all-wheel-drive system: If you are buying a 4WD version, test the car while driving slowly at full lock (e.g., in a parking lot). No inappropriate metallic sounds, differential humming, or vibrations should be heard from under the car. Also, test the functionality of the rotary mode selector near the gear lever.
• Stiffness of the manual transmission when cold: For models with a manual gearbox, notice the transition between first and second gear when the engine is cold. Shifting in the Vitara is often stiff and requires a bit more force. This is a common occurrence for this model, but under no circumstances should you hear the "grinding" of worn synchronizers.
• Leaks and aerodynamic noise: In Vitaras, the seals around the doors and windows occasionally cause trouble. During the test drive, accelerate to highway speeds (around 130 km/h) and listen for significant air whistling into the cabin. During the inspection, also try closing all doors and the trunk – due to the specifics of the cabin's airtightness, they often require a slightly firmer slam.

Sources: ADAC, novinky.cz, lidovky.cz, auto-mania.cz, autoexpress.cz, racinglife.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.