Should you buy one?

The tricky bit here is figuring out whether it’s worth buying the Suzuki Across when you could simply choose the Toyota RAV4 it’s based on instead. The Suzuki’s singular spec and limited options doesn’t give you very much choice, but the Suzuki dealer network has a great reputation, especially if you value personal relationships and the kind of customer service that entails.

As such, if you can get a good deal on an Across, there’s also no reason not to choose it over the Toyota. It will certainly be worth getting some quotes from both brands before you commit. The Toyota ultimately has a longer warranty, but that may matter less if you aren’t planning to keep the car for more than the seven years of cover Suzuki offers.

The Across is not the most exciting family SUV around – taking a broad look at the whole sector, the Mercedes GLB is more desirable, the Ford Kuga better to drive and the Skoda Karoq (which lacks any kind of hybrid engine) will be cheaper. But the Suzuki does offer impressive real-world fuel economy with little effort, is very comfortable, has plenty of safety equipment, and is reasonably quick. We like it, but we don’t love it.

What we like

The Across is fuel efficient, tax efficient, quiet and comfortable. It has a good turn of speed, few annoying traits and there’s plenty of space for passengers inside. The boot is practical, too.

What we don’t like

The Toyota RAV4 is the same car but with greater choice and a longer warranty offering. The Across only comes in one trim and powertrain variant. The interior feels a little dated, and it doesn’t excite us in any way.