Ford Puma Vs Suzuki Vitara Comparison

Suzuki Vitara
Suzuki Vitara
VS

Ford Puma
Ford Puma

Welcome to the Ford Puma vs Suzuki Vitara comparison for 2021. The Ford Puma comparison series is working out well so far. As a car marketed as an SUV it is so far a decent but not exceptional addition to the class. So we decided to compare it with one of the oldest models in the smallish SUV class the Suzuki Vitara. Is the Suzuki Vitara worth buying over the latest Ford Puma?

Ford Puma vs Suzuki Vitara exterior: The Vitara hasn’t changed since 2015 although there has been a couple visual updates and equipment changes over the years. It’s lines are conservative and it’s angular appearance dates the side and rear profile but the redesigned front is completely in line with contemporary SUVs and it is visually the opposite of the Puma. The Vitara represents the traditional approach to SUV more than just a  high rise hatchback. In comparison the Puma is a good looking small SUV and its lines are more modern we think. It’s like a shrunken down larger wagon based SUV.

Ford Puma vs Suzuki Vitara interior: The Vitara has an interior fitting its age and class positioning. It’s a decent place to be in 2021 but the hard plastics are more obvious than in others like the CX-3 and indeed the Puma. It’s a traditionally more high end commercial grade in 2021 or early  2010’s in terms of materials.  The Puma has the more modern interior design and material but the Vitara feels more spacious. We like the Puma interior better.

Ford Puma vs Suzuki Vitara engine and technology: The Vitara has great under the skin tech that means it’s over 250Kg lighter than the Puma despite being similar in size. If you get a Vitara with the turb0 1.4 engine you’ll be more than happy with the performance. The Puma is helped by tuning but it’s a heavy and shows. The Vitara doesn’t have as many safety systems as standard but move up the range and its pretty much equal with the newer Puma.

Ford Puma vs Suzuki Vitara road test: N/A

The winner of the Ford Puma vs Suzuki Vitara a draw. The Puma wins on presentation, it’s car like and modern with the digital dash distracting you from the generally conservative interior (mid-range model rare onwards). The Vitara is old but it’s wide price range and spec means you can customise it, our pick is the cheapest model with the turbo engine and auto emergency brakes. The Puma may be stylish to look at but the Vitara interior is more practical. We wished that Suzuki give the Vitara a new interior because it’ll be a bit of a sleeper especially with the JDM crowd.

Suzuki Vitara Ford Puma
Engines
4 Cylinder petrol (K14C)
1.4 Litre (1373cc)
Turbo DOHC VVT EFI
Claimed 103Kw @ 5500 RPM
Claimed 220Nm @ 1500 RPM
3 Cylinder petrol (95 Octane)
1.0 Litre (999cc)
Turbo DOHC VVT DI EFI
Claimed 92Kw @ 6000RPM
Claimed 170Nm @ 1500RPM
4 Cylinder petrol (M16A)
1.6 Litre (1586cc) 91 Octane
DOHC VVT EFI
Claimed 86Kw @ 6000 RPM
Claimed 156Nm @ 4400 RPM
Weight
From Approx Kerb weight 1075 Kg
Towing capacity up to 1200kg
Kerb weight 1291 Kg
Towing capacity up to 750kg
Fuel capacity & consumption
Up to 47 litres
IL4 1.6 Petrol 5.8 litres per 100km AVG
IL4 1.4 Petrol turbo 5.9 litres per 100km AVG
Up to 42 litres
IL3 1.0 Petrol 5.3 litres per 100km
Other specifications
5 or 6 speed Auto 5 speed Manual
Overall height/width 1610/1775
Overall length/wheelbase 4175/2500
4WD system: None AWD or 2WD
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Tyre size:
7 speed DCT Auto
Overall height/width 1548/1805
Overall length/Wheelbase 4207/2588
4WD system: 2WD or AWD
ANCAP Safety: 5/5
Capability
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) 185mm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Angle of: (degrees)
Approach xx Departure xx Breakover xx
Ground clearance (unloaded) xxmm
Water Fording depth xxmm Max
Performance
Pricing
2020 $22,990 – 34,490 AUD
2016 $21,990 – 35,990 AUD
2021 $29,990 – 35,540 AUD
*Specs change due to model grade and configuration. Always check with the dealer for up to date pricing, specifications, on-road costs, accessories and specials etc.. everything as usual is subject to change!