- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Fr
Suzuki Across SUV. Plug-in hybrid clone of the Toyota RAV4
The Suzuki Across PHEV is a compact SUV by Suzuki (Japan), which is a redesigned copy of the Toyota RAV4 PHEV or, as they say now, the result of rebadging. The vehicle arrived on the European market in October 2020, starting from the UK. The Suzuki SUV will be produced at the same Toyota plant in Japan, where the RAV4 itself is made.
Suzuki is one of the most popular compact SUV brands. The most famous models are the Jimny and Grand Vitara, which are still popular all over the world. Therefore, the release of the new Suzuki Across, intended exclusively for the European market, is logical and reasonable. Moreover, the Across will be not only the largest, but also the most expensive Suzuki vehicle. Interestingly, this model is very similar to the new Toyota RAV4 and you can easily confuse it with the original model, as it only has a different front end and some decorative elements. It seems that the manufacturer simply decided not to waste time and copied the RAV4, replacing only certain parts. But it is not entirely true. The new Suzuki model is based on the Toyota RAV4, but on the Toyota Wildlander SUV, originally made for the Chinese market. Its exterior is distinguished by original headlights and body parts, and Suzuki designers only changed the shape of the radiator grille. As a result, the RAV4 and Across will not look like twins on European roads.
Exterior
As we’ve already mentioned above, the new Suzuki Across is almost identical to the Toyota Wildlander, the Chinese twin of the RAV4. But it has a different radiator grille. The SUV is 4,635 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,690 mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,690 mm, whereas the Toyota model is 4,600 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,650 mm high, and has the same wheelbase. Standard size of the Across tires: 235/55 R19. The trunk volume reaches 490/1,168/1,604 liters. There are six body colors: white, black, gray, silver, red, blue.
Interior and equipment
Suzuki and Toyota have identical interiors, with the only difference being another logo on the steering wheel. Even the entry-level version of the 2021 Suzuki Across PHEV is richly equipped: leather trimmed interior, dual-zone climate control, 9-inch media system touchscreen display (the RAV4 offers 7- or 8-inch displays). The SUV has a heated steering wheel and heated seats, as well as an electric trunk. There is a Trail Mode for off-road driving. Safety is ensured by a rich set of advanced systems: ‘smart’ cruise control, automatic braking system and much more.
Engines and chassis
The 2021/2022 Suzuki Across features a Toyota hybrid system consisting of a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with 177 hp and 219 Nm and a pair of electric motors. The unit located on the front axle produces 182 hp and 270 Nm, whereas the rear one produces 54 hp and 121 Nm. The peak output of the powertrain is 306 hp. The lithium-ion battery has the same capacity as the hybrid RAV4 (18.1 kWh), which, according to Suzuki’s official figures, should be enough for 75 kilometers in pure electric mode. Interestingly, a similar Toyota model has a driving range of 95 km. Due to the presence of several electric motors, the vehicle is four-wheel drive E-Four (hello from Toyota). A weak rear electric motor helps at the start and on difficult surfaces. The TNGA GA-K platform comprises the McPherson strut suspension at the front and multi-link suspension at the rear. All disc brakes are ventilated.
