Suzuki has released the pricing and features for its new (almost) midsize Kizashi sedan, and I rushed them into TrueDelta’s database to see how the car stacks up. Suzuki is marketing the car as offering more features and premium materials for the same or less money. But does it really?
Compared to a Chevrolet Malibu LS (with optional spare tire and Bluetooth), the base trim Kizashi S lists for $1,526 less, and adjusting for feature differences widens the gap to about $2,100. Comparing loaded cars, the Kizashi SLS lists for $2,041 less than a Malibu LTZ (with optional spare tire and sunroof). Feature levels when both are loaded are about the same.
The Kizashi is offered with AWD. In this case, the Subaru Legacy might be its closest competitor. Comparing base trims, the Legacy 2.5i is $794 less. Adjusting for feature differences (again the Suzuki has a higher level of standard equipment) narrows the gap to about $200. Load up both cars an the MSRP difference remains about $800 in the Subaru’s favor, but the two are nearly the same after adjusting for feature differences. Features like keyless access and ignition, rear obstacle detection, rear air vents, rear side airbags, and memory for the driver’s seat are standard on the Kizashi SLS, but aren’t available at all on the Subaru.
Note that the Suzuki is a shorter car than the Chevrolet and the Subaru, and offers two inches less rear legroom than either.
Given the Kizashi’s size, it might make sense to compare it to a semi-premium compact, VW’s Jetta. As pricey as the Jetta seems when compared to other compacts, it does list for $1,280 less than the Kizashi S even with the optional rear side airbags and iPod connection (both are standard on the Suzuki). Adjusting for feature differences only narrows the gap to about $950, still in the VW’s favor. Loading up the cars only widens the gaps by a few hundred dollars.
Suzuki would prefer a comparison to the Acura TSX, a premium compact. The Kizashi SLS lists for $3,886 less, and adjusting for feature differences only reduces the gap by about $175–the Suzuki is equipped similarly to the Acura.
The key question, then, is whether the Suzuki Kizashi is worthy of being compared to the Acura. Suzuki claims that the Kizashi’s interior is a cut or two above mainstream fare, so perhaps. I’ll be sure to check this out when I drive one. But the badge will be hard to overcome even if the interior warrants a premium designation.
And if it doesn’t? Then the price isn’t anything special, and the lack of rear legroom could hurt.
To further compare the Kizashi’s features and pricing: