Overview

The Suzuki Across might look familiar to you. That’s because it’s a badge-engineered version of the Toyota RAV4 – meaning the Across is literally a RAV4 with Suzuki badging. A large, five-seater family SUV, the Across is intended to compete with the likes of the Ford Kuga, Skoda Karoq and Honda CR-V.

But unlike the RAV4, which is available with a self-charging hybrid powertrain (one that doesn’t need to be plugged in), the Across is only offered as a plug-in hybrid. Suzuki doesn’t have technology of this type of its own, hence hooking-up with Toyota.

We can understand the strategy, and having driven both cars extensively – including a long-term test of the Across, exploring what it’s like to live with – we can also say they both represent a solid choice in a competitive marketplace. ‘The Across has wormed its way into my affections, mostly because of its comfort and economy,’ concluded custodian, Murray Scullion. Find out more about how we test cars on our dedicated explainer page.

Under the bonnet, there’s a 2.5-litre petrol engine, which can either power the wheels directly or work as a generator to power the electric motors or recharge the car’s 18.1kWh battery pack when you can’t charge it at the mains. There’s a motor on each axle, which gives the Across four-wheel drive – and, with a full battery, it claims to be able to cover up to 46 miles on electric power alone. It may actually do more than this around town in the real world, which is impressive.

There are very few differences between the Across and RAV4. Suzuki has restyled the car’s radiator grille and headlights, but the remainder of the car appears identical, right down to the alloy wheels.

However, if you choose the Suzuki Across over the Toyota RAV4, you’ll lose three obvious items and one not-so obvious benefit. The Suzuki isn’t available with a wireless smartphone charging pad, its infotainment system lacks satnav, and you can’t have it with a two-tone roof. These are minor sacrifices, really. More significanty, you also potentially lose three years of warranty cover – for while Suzuki offers seven years of cover, Toyota gives you up to 10.

What’s more, the Across is only available in one specification. If you’re prepared to overlook the missing items above, this does include a lot of equipment – but then so it should, given the asking price. You get LED headlights, heated front and rear seats, lashings of driver assistance technology and a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Even metallic paint is included as standard, with options being limited to just a few decorative accessories, a roof rack and towing kit.

Read on to find out what we make of the Suzuki Across’s interior, practicality, engines and driving experience. Then, in our verdict page we’ll tell you whether we think you should spend your money on one or not.