Suzuki Across GL vs GLX: which one is worth your money?

Mbabane – Suzuki’s newest and largest SUV, the Across, has made a strong start on the South African market since its full sales launch in March, shifting 231 units in April alone compared to just 96 units for the older and smaller Grand Vitara it now sits above in the local lineup.

The Across arrives in two distinct trim levels, the entry-level GL priced at R349 900 and the flagship GLX at R464 900, and the differences between them go beyond price alone.

Before its arrival, the Across caused some confusion in South Africa because the name is shared with a European model that uses the Toyota RAV4 as its base. However, the version sold locally is the same model launched in India as the Victoris, an entirely Suzuki-developed product with no Toyota involvement whatsoever.

Based on the new Toyota RAV4, Europe’s second generation Across won’t be offered in South Africa anytime soon. Picture: Suzuki

The Across also marks the return of hybrid technology to the Suzuki range following the discontinuation of the self-charging hybrid Grand Vitara last year. The electrification is partial, using a 12-volt mild-hybrid system paired to a normally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 76kW and 137Nm.

On the outside, the two variants are easy to tell apart. The GLX rides on 17-inch alloy wheels while the GL gets painted steel covers of the same size. Both come with LED headlights, imitation skidplates front and rear, chunky black cladding around the wheel arches and door sills, and a distinctive thin LED light strip connecting the rear clusters. The GLX adds satin silver roof rails and the option of a dual-tone finish, with the test unit finished in a new colour called Mystic Green Pearl paired with a black roof.

Inside, both variants are well equipped for their respective price points. Standard across the range are climate control with rear vents, a hands-free electric tailgate, keyless entry, push-button start, front and rear armrests, USB type-A and type-C ports, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

[Top to bottom]: GL opens the Across the range while the GLX tops it. Picture: Charl Bosch

The GL gets a urethane steering wheel and cloth seats, while the GLX steps up to imitation leather with copper stitching, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, an eight-speaker Infinity sound system, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof. The GL makes do with an unbranded six-speaker setup and no sunroof.

Boot space stands at 347 litres on the GL, dropping slightly to 333 litres on the GLX due to the subwoofer. Suzuki has not quoted a figure for the boot space with the 60/40 split rear seats folded flat.

(L-R) GL rides on painted 17-inch steel wheels whereas the GLX has 17-inch diamond-cut alloys. Picture: Charl Bosch

Safety is comprehensive across both variants, with six airbags, rear parking sensors, Electronic Stability Programme and Hill Start Assist fitted as standard. The GLX adds a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, Lane Departure Warning, a Head-Up Display, Auto High Beam Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

The biggest difference between the two comes down to the gearbox. The GLX comes standard with a six-speed automatic, while the GL is paired with a five-speed manual. Buyers wanting the automatic on the GL can opt for it at R372 900.

On the road, the manual GL proved to be the more engaging drive, making better use of the engine’s free-revving nature. The six-speed automatic, while a significant improvement over the dated four-speed found in other Suzuki models, tends to rush toward sixth gear in the interest of efficiency, leaving the Across feeling underpowered at times. Opting for the paddle shifters helps, but the engine’s modest outputs could do with more grunt to better suit the automatic’s behaviour.

Regardless of trim level, all variants receive a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and Suzuki’s new 10.1-inch infotainment display. Picture: Charl Bosch

Interior of the GL appears similar to the GLX, but loses a few features. Picture: Charl Bosch

Fuel consumption on both variants came in at an identical 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, falling short of Suzuki’s claimed 5.3 litres per 100 kilometres but still respectable for an SUV of this size.

For Emaswati motorists and regional buyers keeping an eye on the South African market, the GL’s sub-R350 000 price tag makes it a compelling option, particularly when weighed against similarly priced Chinese SUVs that have yet to win universal acceptance among buyers in the region. The GLX, meanwhile, offers a genuinely premium feel for under R465 000, making the Across a strong proposition at both ends of its range.

Although improved from the old four-speed, the six-speed automatic transmission has its work cut out to make the most out of the engine’s low power and torque figures. Picture: Charl Bosch

Standard on the GL, the five-speed manual remains a Suzuki standout, though, a sixth ratio would have helped keep noise levels down at the national limit. Picture: Charl Bosch

Emaswati keen to experience the Across for themselves can book a test drive at Mbabane Motors, the flagship Suzuki dealership in the Kingdom of Eswatini, where the GL variant is currently available for evaluation. According to Majid Daude, Sales Manager at Mbabane Motors, the GLX model will not be available in Eswatini, Botswana, Lesotho, and Namibia (BLNS countries) for the foreseeable future, due to frequency compatibility differences in these regions. Suzuki has acknowledged the issue and is working on introducing a market-specific model tailored to BLNS countries, though no timeline has been confirmed yet.