The first fruit to stem from the Toyota-Suzuki partnership struck a while back is called the Across and wears the Suzuki badge, although it’s pretty clear that the outer shell is nothing else but a slightly tweaked Toyota RAV4 body.

That aside, the Across features an interesting plug-in hybrid powertrain that mixes a 2.5-liter internal combustion engine with two electric motors, one for each axle. Here’s all you need to know about the new Suzuki Across.

2021 Suzuki Across

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2021 Suzuki Across
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Suzuki Across - Powertrain

- Front-axle electric motor - 134 kW and 270 Nm of torque - 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline-powered ICE - 181 hp and 227 Nm of torque - Rear-axle electric motor - 40 kW and 121 Nm of torque - 18.1-kWh (50.9 Ah) Li-ion battery pack - Four PHEV modes - E-Four electronic 4x4 - E-CVT gearbox

The gas engine is, in fact, Toyota’s A25A-FXS Dynamic Force engine found inside the likes of Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid, Avalon Hybrid, and Camry. It also acts as a generator that juices up the 18.1-kWh battery pack once it depletes. What’s more, the Across can travel for 75 kilometers (roughly 47 miles) relying solely on electricity. Top speed is rated at 180 kph (112 mph).

This setup is complemented by a second e-motor place on the rear axle, where it produces 40 kilowatts (54 horsepower) and 121 Newton-meters (90 pound-feet) of twist, giving the Across all-wheel-drive capabilities - or in Suzuki’s own literature, E-Four electronic 4x4. In all fairness, the system can vary torque between the front and rear tires from 100% front to 20% front and 80% rear.

Suzuki Across - Exterior

- new wheel designs - different grille and bumpers - retains the boxy RAV4 body - six body colors on choice

Honestly, not much to write home about. Other than the Suzuki badge, the wheel design, the larger, gaping front grille, and the subtly revised front/rear bumpers, the Across adopts the RAV4’s muscular body as it is.

Suzuki also mentions six body colors are available at launch:

-* White Pearl Crystal Shine

-* Silver Metallic

-* Attitude Black Mica

-* Sensual Red Mica

-* Grey Metallic

-* Dark Blue Mica

Suzuki Across - Interior

- 490-liter trunk - 9-inch touchscreen - Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility - redesigned center console - Suzuki-specific steering wheel

Suzuki likes its interiors durable and practical. Fanciness is not something the carmaker pushes on with. The same goes for the Across. Then again, it’s not that much different from the RAV4’s, except for the steering wheel and the center console design.

Expect a fair share of plastics inside, but Suzuki does promise “well-crafted quality upholstery and accents throughout the vehicle” as well as “soft padding on the dashboard and doors.”

The 490-liter cargo space (VDA measured) is a neat feature on the practicality front, though, as is the nine-inch central touchscreen that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also, the cabin should be roomy enough for four (maybe even five) passengers to travel in above-decent conditions even on longer trips.

Suzuki Across - Dimensions and weight

Length

4,635 mm

Width

1,855 mm

Height

1,690 mm

Wheelbase

2,690 mm

Turning radius

5.7 m

Ground clearance

190 mm

Kerb weight

1,940 kg

Gross weight

2,510 kg