2026 Suzuki Vitara Hybrid arrives

The 2026 Suzuki Vitara Hybrid is ready to enter Aussie showrooms, priced from $39,990 drive-away in its most basic form, and $45,990 drive-away for the better-equipped all-wheel drive (AWD).

Don’t be fooled by the nameplate, the new Vitara Hybrid is only a mild-hybrid – as opposed to full-fat plugless drive system as seen in the Toyota Corolla Cross and Hyundai Kona – and can’t propel itself on electric power alone.

Instead, the compact electric motor is there to aid the internal combustion engine during take-off and acceleration, supported by the 48-volt battery that beefs up the stop-start system – the engine can stay off for longer and not impact standard 12-volt unit.

Maximum power and torque are rated at 81kW/235Nm.

With that clarification out of the way, the base Vitara Turbo Hybrid and flagship Allgrip version are split primarily by the latter’s inclusion of an AWD system and some subtle spec difference.

Headline kit on the base model includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlamps and DRLs, rear privacy glass, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather-wrapped steering wheel, climate control, a four speaker-speaker sound system, reversing camera, 7.0-inch infotainment unit, cloth upholstery and adaptive cruise control.

The Vitara Turbo Hybrid Allgrip builds on this with a panoramic sunroof, ‘premium’ design elements, six speakers, a bigger 9.0-inch screen, four drive modes, synthetic leather upholstery and of course AWD.

Safety highlights across the two-pronged range comprise autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

Service intervals are set at 10,000km or every 12 months (whichever comes first).

The 2026 Suzuki Vitara Hybrid joins the existing Swift and Fronx Hybrids several months ahead of the battery-electric eVitara’s local introduction.

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