by The new generation Suzuki Across is introduced in Europe
Suzuki has officially introduced the new generation of the Across crossover in Europe, which is a direct competitor to the Toyota RAV4. Interestingly, the new model can confidently claim equality with the original, as, like its predecessor, it is essentially a rebranded Toyota with a hybrid powertrain.
Here are the key facts about the car:
Exterior and kinship with Toyota
If the first generation Across had a slightly different front end, borrowed from the Chinese Toyota Wildlander, then the new model is an exact copy of the RAV4 Adventure. Suzuki chose this more rugged body variant because its more angular radiator grille became the only way to fit the Suzuki emblem without major design changes.
This means the Across did not receive the base Core and sporty GR Sport trims from the RAV4, as Suzuki preferred a more off-road-oriented body kit.
Such a high degree of unification also means that all accessories developed for the popular Toyota will be compatible with the Suzuki. The crossover’s length is 4600 mm, and it rides on 18-inch dark gray alloy wheels. The color palette is limited to four shades: Massive Gray, Ever Rest, Super White, and Attitude Black.
Interior technical equipment
The interior is completely borrowed from Toyota, with the only difference being the Suzuki emblem on the steering wheel. Standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, a 12.9-inch multimedia system screen, wireless charging, five USB-C ports, and a wide range of driver assistance systems.
Exclusively hybrid powertrain
The new Across is still offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain, skipping the conventional hybrid variant of the RAV4.
The system consists of a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors, which together produce 300 horsepower. The drive is all-wheel, via an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (E-CVT) and the E-Four system.
The driver has access to driving modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, and E-Four Trail. Official WLTP range data has not yet been announced, but the Euro-spec RAV4 PHEV can travel up to 100 km on a single charge of its 22.7 kWh battery. Interestingly, the claimed acceleration time for the Across to 100 km/h is 6.1 seconds, while the RAV4 manages it in 5.8 seconds.
Market launch and naming confusion
The new Suzuki Across was introduced in the Netherlands, but it is expected to appear in other European markets later this year. Prices will be announced separately. Among the crossover’s competitors, besides the RAV4, are the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan X-Trail, Peugeot 5008, Skoda Kodiaq, and Volkswagen Tayron.
It is worth noting that Suzuki recently introduced a completely different car with the same name, Across, in the Seychelles. That model is a rebranded Maruti Suzuki Victoris and, therefore, is smaller in size compared to the European Across based on the RAV4.
The emergence of such close cooperation between Suzuki and Toyota in Europe is a logical step in light of strict environmental requirements and the need to quickly expand electric vehicle lineups. For Suzuki, it is an opportunity to offer a competitive hybrid SUV without spending resources on a completely in-house development. For the buyer, it is essentially a Toyota RAV4 with an alternative emblem, which could be an interesting option depending on pricing policy and market availability. This “dual branding” strategy is becoming increasingly common in the automotive industry, allowing companies to optimize costs and fill niches in different regions.
