It’s a page that Suzuki is turning without regret. After an initial attempt at a compact SUV in partnership with Toyota, which was limited to rebadging a RAV4, the Japanese brand is taking back control. The future Across, expected in 2026, is no longer a clone: it’s a true in-house project, designed for daily use, without excessive ambition, but with the right amount of modernity. And above all, with real coherence for European market expectations.
No aggressive styling or 20-inch screens here. Suzuki is playing the smart sobriety card: clean design, functional cabin, and useful technologies — nothing more, nothing less. The central touchscreen sits alongside well-placed physical buttons, and the ergonomics seem designed for people who actually drive. Far from the tech overload of premium SUVs, the Across focuses on the essentials, with the goal of not overwhelming users with unnecessary menus.
Under the hood, no revolution, but well-targeted mechanics. A 1.5-liter gasoline micro-hybrid 12V engine, around 103 hp, in front-wheel drive. No rechargeable battery, no complex AWD, but a promise: consume little, drive stress-free, and keep maintenance costs contained. Enough to rediscover a certain automotive simplicity that some customers are calling for. And above all, to affirm that Suzuki can still make Suzuki vehicles — without the shadow of another badge.
A fresh start for the Across, away from Toyota
The first Suzuki Across, launched in 2020, was nothing more than a rebadged Toyota RAV4 PHEV. A quick solution for Suzuki, tied to a strategic partnership with Toyota. But in 2026, the next Across breaks with this approach. No more cloning: it’s time for internally developed design, based on in-house platforms. This change is significant: it marks the manufacturer’s desire to regain a clear, independent identity in the face of increasingly homogeneous competition.
With this new model, Suzuki intends to offer a lighter SUV, less expensive to produce, and better targeted for the European market. The 2026 Across will no longer play in the premium plug-in hybrid court, but rather in that of rational, simple, and reliable family SUVs. A category that remains in high demand, particularly in France, where customers expect a good compromise between size, cost of ownership, and versatility. This is the ground where the future Across intends to make a strong comeback.
This repositioning also responds to economic reality: to compete against segment giants (Peugeot 3008, Hyundai Tucson, Renault Austral…), Suzuki must focus on differentiation. By offering a compact SUV that’s not heavily electrified, but modern enough to meet standards, the brand is charting a realistic path for 2026 and beyond.
Modern design and simple ergonomics: the SUV to live with
Early glimpses of the future Across reveal a style that’s modern, but without excess styling or exuberance. Suzuki seems to want to stay true to its philosophy: clean lines, sober bodywork, generous glazed surfaces, and well-controlled dimensions. The size will remain close to that of an S-Cross, with more family positioning. No false sporty promises here, but an SUV designed to be used daily, in the city as well as in the suburbs.
The interior will follow the same logic: a large central screen (about 10 inches), compatible with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, will be integrated into a rather classic but well-arranged dashboard. Suzuki will make the choice – which has become rare – to keep physical controls for climate control, driving modes, or audio volume. Intuitive ergonomics, accessible to all, which will appeal to those who want a modern vehicle, but not entirely dependent on a touchscreen.
Habitability will logically be one of the model’s key arguments. The manufacturer is aiming for a comfortable rear bench, generous cargo space, and an easy-to-understand cabin environment. Without a “tech at all costs” effect, the future Across seeks to become a functional family SUV again, in the spirit of what the first RAV4 or SX4 S-Cross once offered.
A frugal and simple 1.5L micro-hybrid powertrain
Under the hood, Suzuki is betting on mechanical lightness. The future Across should be powered by a 1.5 Dualjet naturally aspirated gasoline engine, coupled with a 12V micro-hybrid system. The announced power is around 103 horsepower with 136 Nm of torque, all paired with a 5 or 6-speed manual transmission, or a CVT automatic depending on markets. This powertrain primarily targets energy efficiency, with reduced emissions and contained consumption.
No plug-in hybridization, nor all-wheel drive planned for now. Suzuki is choosing to not over-motorize its SUV, preferring to offer a simple, reliable, and affordable vehicle. A strategy that may seem modest on paper, but could appeal to customers concerned about limiting usage and maintenance costs.
This technical choice is also explained by the vehicle’s positioning. The future Across is not intended to compete with high-end electrified SUVs. It rather comes to fill the void left by simple gasoline SUVs, which are disappearing from the market. By offering a compromise between frugality, reliability, and sufficient equipment, Suzuki is targeting an increasingly abandoned niche: that of pragmatic users.
Strategic pricing positioning against low-cost compact SUVs
With this new Across, Suzuki intends to hit the mark on pricing. While high-end versions could approach $30,800, the entry-level trim is expected around $27,500, or even slightly below, depending on chosen equipment and potential government incentives. Enough to compete with the high-end Dacia Duster, the MG ZS, or even the Toyota Yaris Cross in base version.
Suzuki’s objective is clear: offer a well-equipped, affordable compact SUV without compromising on build quality. A model that can appeal to families as well as seniors or young professionals, especially those looking for a simple new vehicle, without the extra cost associated with complex hybrids or electric charging. A winning strategy if reliability and ease of maintenance remain on track.
Production of the model should begin in late 2025, for commercialization in Europe from the first half of 2026. By that date, the SUV market will have evolved further, but the future Across proposition could well represent a reassuring alternative in a segment where technical complexity is becoming the norm.
