Suzuki's design department chose the name "Hustler" to promote the car's lively and rough riding image.

The name was used by Suzuki in the past as the nickname of a two-stroke, dual-sport motorcycle, the Hustler TS50.

[3] The first generation Hustler went on sale in January 2014, along with Mazda's Flair Crossover rebadge.

The second generation Hustler was first shown in concept form at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show, October through November 2019.

[6] In December 2023, Suzuki set monthly sales target at 5,000 units.