Suzuki introduces mild hybrid technology to the Vitara SUV

Australians purchased a record number of hybrid-powered vehicles in 2025 with the strong consumer uptake encouraging Suzuki to add the technology to its Vitara SUV.

Aussies bought 199,133 new hybrid vehicles in 2025, an increase of 15.3% compared to the previous year, with that figure swelling by a further 53,484 when you add in plug-in-hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

Clearly, Aussies are very comfortable with hybrid technology, thanks in no small part to the ongoing efforts of Toyota which sold its first hybrid Prius here in 2001 and which last year had the top three best-selling hybrid models with the RAV4, Corolla and Corolla Cross.

Suzuki’s slow but steady hybrid rollout

Like most other car makers, Suzuki was slower to the hybrid party than Toyota, launching its first mild-hybrid equipped model the Swift hatch in 2024, and following that with the Fronx SUV in 2025.

Now, with the Federal Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) adding pressure on car makers to further reduce their emissions, Suzuki Australia is expanding its electrified vehicle offering with the introduction of the Suzuki Vitara Hybrid.

What’s new in the Vitara hybrid?

Promising enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced tailpipe emissions, the hybrid Vitara is not an all-new model but a heavily updated version of the current generation vehicle which has been sold here since 2015.

The new hybrid variants will be accompanied by an all-new, all-electric version — the e Vitara — in June this year, but for now the updated Vitara range consists of the new Vitara Turbo Hybrid priced from $39,990 (driveaway) and the all-wheel drive Vitara Turbo Hybrid Allgrip priced from $45,990 driveaway.

Absent from the new Vitara lineup is the former entry-level 1.6-litre non-turbocharged four-cylinder petrol model, which was available from $29,490 (driveaway), meaning entry to the Vitara range is now a hefty $10,500 more expensive.

Mild hybrid powertrain explained

Both new Vitara variants are equipped with so-called ‘mild-hybrid’ technology, which entails a 48 volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator attached to a 1.4 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

The system provides a modest power boost under acceleration, enables smoother stop start functionality, and harvests energy during deceleration, delivering an overall reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, according to Suzuki.

Power and torque outputs for both variants are 81kW/235Nm, with claimed combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.8L/100km for the front-wheel-drive model and 5.9L/100km for the all-wheel-drive. Both variants require more expensive 95 RON fuel or better.

Exterior and interior updates

Exterior design changes are limited to a new front bumper, redesigned grille, gloss black body highlights and a redesigned lighting signature.

Inside, both variants boast a central touchscreen infotainment system supporting smartphone connectivity, with the Allgrip adopting a larger 9.0 inch touchscreen.

Safety Features

Now, as before, the Vitara does not have an ANCAP safety rating but its standard safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), and six airbags.

Standard equipment by variant

Vitara Turbo Hybrid standard features include:

• 17 inch alloy wheels
• Automatic LED headlamps and DRLs
• Rear privacy glass
• Auto dimming rear view mirror
• Leather wrapped steering wheel
• Automatic air conditioning
• Four speaker audio
• 7.0 inch infotainment system
• Rear-view camera
• Fabric upholstery.

Vitara Turbo Hybrid Allgrip adds or upgrades:

• Synthetic leather upholstery
• Panoramic sunroof
• Premium design elements
• Six-speaker audio
• 9.0 inch infotainment system
• Front and rear parking sensors
• All-wheel drive with four selectable modes (Auto, Sport, Snow, Lock).