Feature

Suzuki e-Vitara long-term test

Can you get it right first time? To find out, our content editor is running his first electric car, and he's chosen the first Suzuki EV for the task

Suzuki e Vitara LT with Jack Mortimer

The car Suzuki e-Vitara Ultra Run by Jack Mortimer, content editor

Why it’s here To see whether Suzuki’s first electric car serves as an all-rounder for a first-time electric car owner

Needs to be Easy and enjoyable to use in the city, comfortable and efficient on lengthy motorway trips

scroll for more

Mileage 5997 List price £32,049 Best price £20,999 Price as tested £32,999 Official range 264 miles Test range 185 miles

5 November 2026 – Room for some more

One of the main reasons why an increasing number of new car buyers are swapping their conventional small cars for small SUVs is because of the perceived increase in practicality. However, having been fortunate enough to try a number of small SUVs, I know that’s not always the case; some leave you to decide whether you’d rather have your head pressed against the ceiling or your knees buried into the seatback in front.

Jack Mortimer

Updated: 5 November 2026

Car reviews

Suzuki eVitara driving front right

Suzuki e-Vitara

Star Rating Red Star Rating Grey

View all new car reviews

Fortunately, that can’t be said of my Suzuki e-Vitara, thanks in part to its sliding rear seats. That’s an uncommon feature for cars of this size, and the rivals that do have it, such as the Smart #1, are more expensive.

Suzuki e-Vitara LT adjusting seat

It’s a feature I’ve found is genuinely useful; particularly when I recently gave a few workmates a lift. One colleague is 6ft2 and, with the seats slid all the way back, had enough leg and head room to feel comfortable during the journey.

scroll for more

Better yet, the e-Vitara provided just enough width for three adults to sit abreast. Alright, there wasn’t masses of shoulder room for everyone left over, but that’s par for the course for cars of this size. What isn’t always the case, however, is that the e-Vitara’s middle seat isn’t much higher than the outer two, meaning whoever sits there gets as much head room as their neighbours, and there’s no hump in the floor to straddle. In short, I didn’t hear any complaints from behind me during our trip.

Suzuki e-Vitara LT carrying passengers

Since I’m more likely to carry people in the back than fill the boot full of luggage, I typically keep these seats in that position. However, having the option to increase my e-Vitara’s boot at the pull of a lever does come in handy. On a couple of occasions it’s given me just enough space to fit some awkwardly-sized items.

The rear seats slide in a 60/40 configuration, which means one or two rear passengers don’t have to sacrifice leg room every time you have something big in the boot.

scroll for more

Suzuki e-Vitara LT reclining seatback

Moreover, the rear seatbacks recline, albeit not so that rear passengers can lie back and get some shuteye on the motorway. Instead, they recline further upright, which can further increase the size of the boot, and give it a squarer shape. It all helps the e-Vitara fulfil the 'utility' part of an SUV that some of its rivals forget.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here