Top 5 similar cars to the Suzuki Across

But before we start looking at the alternatives, let's just say that the Suzuki Across (from R349 900) is a car that offers you plenty of bang for your buck, making it the ideal family car for everyday. 

Here are your other options, though, in no specific order.

1. Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos is one of the larger compact SUVs in the segment.

The Kia Seltos (from R379 995) has proven itself to the team over the years, and previous-gen models like the ones we took on this Karoo road trip are just as good. The latest models won't disappoint either:

The (2024) Kia Seltos is a fantastic buy and will retain its value long after the first two years have passed. It is jam-packed with features and delivers an outstanding drive that serves the school run and life in the urban jungle equally well. - Lawrence Minnie, read his review. 

2. Suzuki Fronx

The Fronx may not be quite as sophisticated as the Across inside, but it's still a great little car to own.

Do you like the brand, but do not need the Suzuki Across’s extra height? Maybe the Fronx (fro R303 900) has your name on it.

Fuel economy came to an impressive 6.5 litres per 100 km, and you’ll be able to squeeze around 500 km from its little 37-litre fuel tank. (Me, Ané Albertse, in my 2023 Fronx review.)

3. Haval Jolion

The Jolion is one of the bigger compact SUVs in SA; seen here is the HEV.

If cabin space beats fuel slips in your world, the Jolion (from R348 950) is the family pick with a big‑car feel for small‑car money.

Choose the Haval Jolion if: Interior space and cabin width are your top priorities, and you don't mind the higher fuel consumption. — Sean Nurse, Suzuki Across vs Lepas L4 vs Nissan Magnite vs Haval Jolion: Which one wins?

4. Lepas L4

There's something about the grille on the L4 that we love!

New badge, strong spec sheet, and the most shove here if you want easy overtakes without wrecking the budget. The Lepas 1.5 Amur starts off at R299 900! Lawrence Minnie attended the L4 launch.

Choose the Lepas L4 if: You want maximum power and big‑car features like ventilated seats for a budget price.— Sean Nurse, comparison feature above

5. Toyota Urban Cruiser

The Urban Cruiser up front with the near-identical Suzuki Grand Vitara in the background.

Prefer Toyota’s unfussy recipe in the same compact‑SUV lane? Simple to live with, sensible to own, backed by the network you know. The Urban Cruiser 1.5 XS starts from R342 700.

The Urban Cruiser offers what you need out of a B‑SUV at a very keen price. — Lawrence Minnie, Toyota Urban Cruiser (2023) First Drive Review

Want a head‑to‑head shootout that includes two of these with the Across? Read our full Suzuki Across vs Lepas L4 vs Nissan Magnite vs Haval Jolion comparison here to see how they stack up. Also consider the Suzuki Grand Vitara, its mechanical twin.

Bonus model: Citroën Basalt

The Citroën Basalt is a left-field option, but it's worth considering.

If you want something a little different, the latest SUV or 'Sports Activity Coupe'-lookalike from Citroën looks expensive, but it's very affordable (from R354 900), drives like a dream, and, for the most part, the infotainment is very logical. Don't expect a luxurious interior, but ergonomically, it's great. The French have always been good at designing practical interiors; it's as though there are enough women on the design team ;-). And you won't lose it in the parking lot. Here's our first Basalt drive review. 

The final say

The Suzuki Across is a pretty solid buy: it looks good, is packed with features, and if you're itching for something new and fresh, we can't find much fault with it. The Seltos is also a firm favourite. But Stellantis also makes a strong point with its cost-effective Basalt.

My personal choice? 

I do love the Kia Seltos. It's just lekker. Consider buying a lightly used diesel model if you can't afford a new one.