Japanese automaker Suzuki confirmed on Wednesday that its first fully electric vehicle (EV), the e Vitara, would be making its way to Australia in the first quarter of 2026.
The arrival, announced with two upcoming hybrid SUVs, comes less than a year after the e Vitara was unveiled in November 2024 at an event in Milan. The company is still light on specifics, though assures customers that it will capture the “essence” of the “Emotional Versatile Cruiser” thanks to its sleek design.
Featuring an electric powertrain that boasts a highly efficient eAxle, integrating both the motor and the inverter, the e Vitara will be powered by lithium iron-phosphate batteries and deliver an electric four-wheel-drive system designed to provide both off-road capability and powerful performance.
“The e Vitara is our bold step into the future of mobility,” said Michael Pachota, general manager for the automotive division of Suzuki Australia.
“It delivers on everything Suzuki drivers expect including reliability, capability and value, and now zero-emissions performance. It’s a proud moment as we take our first leap into the electric space.”
When first announced, the e Vitara was said to measure 4,275mm in length, with an overall width of 1,800mm and height of 1,635mm.
Capable of seating 5, the new Suzuki SUV would come in three variants – a two-wheel-drive with a 49kWh battery capacity putting out 106kW from a front motor and maximum torque of 189Nm, and a slightly more powerful two-wheel-drive version with a 61kWh battery capacity, putting out 128kW from the front motor.
A 61kWh four-wheel-drive model serves as the top-of-the-line model, with front and rear motors putting out a combined 135kW of power and a maximum torque of 300Nm.
No official word has yet been given on the range for these variants, though several outlets have predicted that the base model will manage around 400 kilometres.
Suzuki Australia gave a nod to the lack of detail, explaining that features, specifications, and an official release date for the Australian market would be given at a later date. As such, there is no indication what the e Vitara will cost.
However, just last week Suzuki announces UK pricing for the e Vitara, which will be priced from £29,999 for 49kWh Motion 2WD model, which currently converts to around $A63,000, and up to £37,799 ($A79,000) for the top-of-the-line model. These numbers represent only a basic conversion and rarely line up to reality when an official launch is made.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.