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Suzuki’s Jimny is the compact vehicle that has proven itself.
The arrival of the three-door model in 2019 caused quite a stir, with demand consistently high since then. Late in 2023, the five-door Jimny XL joined the lineup, attracting significant attention though not as frenzy-inducing as its smaller sibling.
Why all the excitement? On paper, it may seem puzzling.
In person, it appears diminutive, simplistic within, and operates on a non-turbocharged 1.5-liter engine with modest performance, surpassing other compact SUVs mainly in its off-road capabilities, a lesser concern for typical small SUV buyers.
However, dismissing the Suzuki Jimny solely based on paper specs misses the point entirely. Despite its drawbacks, the Jimny stands out as a delightful departure from the homogeneity of contemporary automobiles.
When considering a Jimny, make sure you are aligned with its essence.
How does the Suzuki Jimny compare?
Discover a comprehensive comparison between the Suzuki Jimny and similarly sized models.
Suzuki
Jimny
How much will the Suzuki Jimny cost you?
The prices for the Jimny lineup commence around $30,000 before additional charges. Among the models available, the XL with automatic transmission, currently under review, holds the top price spot.
Use our comparison tool to gauge the Jimny XL against competitors.
Around how does the interior of the Suzuki Jimny appear?
The emphasis here is on simplicity.
Featuring a vertical dashboard, basic gauge cluster, and plenty of sturdy materials, this is not a luxurious vehicle.
Nonetheless, that isn’t its purpose. Suzuki has pursued a rugged and classic vibe from behind the steering wheel, and the Jimny meets those expectations.
The sight over the short front hood is commanding, and all essential controls are easily accessible.
If you’re tall, it may be a bit snug squeezing below the steering column, but there is actually a surprising amount of space once seated. It would be nice if the steering column adjusted for reach, not just up and down.
Entertainment is provided by a 9.0-inch touchscreen that looks aftermarket, integrated into the top of the dashboard. Despite its tuner appearance, it is functional and responsive while on the go, reliably connecting to wireless smartphone mirroring.
The reverse camera quality is subpar, but given the compact size and nearly vertical rear, maneuvering in tight spots is still manageable.
There is limited storage up front. Besides two cupholders between the seats and a smartphone-sized slot under the dash, there are slim door pockets. Additional space can be found in front of the passenger or in the small glove compartment.
Rear seating space is a bit of a mixed bag. On the positive side, an adult can sit behind a moderately sized adult in the front without much difficulty. Unlike in the two-door variant, you won’t have to contort to access the back seats.
While not overly spacious, it is suitable for transporting kids or providing rides to friends, as long as there are three passengers alongside the driver rather than four.
Rear passengers lack air vents or USB ports, as well as a fold-down armrest. Both rear seats feature top tether and ISOFIX child seat anchors, and the square rear door opening makes it easier to load small children.
With the rear seats up, there is a claimed 211 litres of trunk space, which expands to 1113 litres when folded down. Loading bulky items is made simpler by the side-opening tailgate, though the space in the rear is not enormous.
For activities like weekend camping, folding the back seats is advisable, but the raised edge between the boot floor and the seats may complicate loading.
| Dimensions | Suzuki Jimny XL |
|---|---|
| Length | 3820mm |
| Width | 1645mm |
| Height | 1720mm |
| Wheelbase | 2590mm |
| Cargo capacity | 211 litres (5 seats) 1113 litres (2 seats) |
For a comparison against other vehicles, utilize our comparison tool.
What’s beneath the hood?
This vehicle isn’t a speed demon in linear acceleration, with two additional doors and an extra 100kg to carry compared to the two-door Jimny sharing the same engine.
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Shown here are models from abroad
This car has a straightforward drive – press the accelerator and it moves… gradually, unless you push down hard. It’s no surprise that a 130Nm engine with tall gear ratios doesn’t result in high-speed performance. Nevertheless, speed is not the main objective here.
Despite being a bit underpowered, driving the Jimny is enjoyable in urban settings. Its small size allows you to navigate tight spaces and small parking spots with ease, minimizing the risk of damaging your wheels or bumpers unless you’re extremely careless.
You have good visibility of the corners of the hood, and the vertical rear design minimizes blind spots compared to vehicles with sleek coupe-style designs and massive pillars.
The steering response is slow, and the wheel doesn’t return to center as swiftly as expected. Consequently, you’ll find yourself more engaged while driving the Jimny compared to most compact SUVs, although even a cautious driver could reverse park with ease.
Compared to its shorter two-door version, the Jimny XL with a longer wheelbase offers a more comfortable driving experience.
It handles bumpy urban roads better and feels more stable at higher speeds. Instead of being pushed around by crosswinds and constantly adjusting to stay in the lane, the XL remains composed.
At 100km/h, the engine is working hard, and the slim body, tall structure, and upright sides demand constant attention when driving on highways.
During cruising, the engine maintains a steady RPM just below 3000 with overdrive engaged. As soon as you encounter an incline, the transmission downshifts for increased revs and power. The automatic Jimny, with adaptive cruise control, holds an advantage over its manual counterpart. It effectively maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, easing the burden in moderate-speed traffic.
When it comes to off-road capabilities, the Jimny excels in this area.
Transitioning from 2H to high-range 4WD or low-range 4WD using the manual lever near the driver’s left knee is effortless, and the increased length of the Jimny XL hasn’t compromised its inherent ruggedness.
With reliable approach, departure, and ramp-over angles, along with a mix of mechanical and electronic aids like hill descent control, the Jimny’s light and compact nature gives it a natural advantage.
Larger, pricier LandCruisers and Patrols often struggle on narrow off-road trails, limiting your options in navigating challenging obstacles. The Jimny, on the other hand, provides flexibility.
Moreover, an expanding aftermarket industry allows owners to enhance the already capable off-road performance of the Jimny, transforming it into an even more hardcore machine.
| Off-road specifications | Suzuki Jimny XL automatic |
|---|---|
| Track front and rear | 1395mm + 1405mm |
| Ground clearance | 210mm (unladen) |
| Approach angle | 36 degrees |
| Departure angle | 47 degrees |
| Ramp breakover angle | 24 degrees |
| Wading depth | 800mm |
What are the inclusions?
The Jimny XL offers a single trim level with a choice between a manual or automatic gearbox.
The standard features of Jimny XL are:
- Seating for 4
- Automatic LED headlights
- Using projector technology
- Manual adjustment
- Front fog lamps
- Shaded windows
- Assistance for hill descent
- 15-inch alloy rims
- Additional 15-inch alloy spare wheel
- Steering wheel wrapped in leather
- Infotainment system with a 9.0-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Wired Android Auto
- DAB digital radio
- Cruise control
- 1 USB port
- 2 12V outlets
- Cloth seats
- 2 attached anchor points for child seats
- 2 ISOFIX anchorage points for child seats
Colors available are:
- Arctic White Pearl
- Chiffon Ivory Metallic
- Bluish Black Pearl
- Granite Grey Metallic
- Sizzling Red Metallic
- Jungle Green
The Sizzling Red and Chiffon Ivory variants can be ordered with a Bluish Black Pearl roof.
Is the Suzuki Jimny secure?
Neither ANCAP nor Euro NCAP has subjected the Suzuki Jimny XL to crash tests.
The three-door edition acquired a three-star rating from a 2018 evaluation, but it is produced in Japan as opposed to the XL, which is manufactured in India.
Despite the absence of a five-star safety rating, demand for the two-door variant remains high. This is not anticipated to impact the XL model negatively.
Safety features included are:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane departure warning (activated above 60 km/h)
- Front, front-side, and curtain airbags
- Reverse camera
- Rear parking sensors
The automatic version includes adaptive cruise control operational between speeds of 40 km/h and 130 km/h.
How expensive is the upkeep for a Suzuki Jimny?
The Suzuki Jimny XL comes with a five-year, unlimited-kilometer guarantee similar to other models in the Suzuki lineup.
| Operational expenses | Suzuki Jimny XL automatic |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometers |
| Roadside aid | Up to 5 years (service initiated) |
| Maintenance intervals | 12 months or 20,000 kilometers |
| Fixed price maintenance | 5 years |
| Complete fixed price service expense | $2265 |
CarExpert’s Perspective on the Suzuki Jimny
The Jimny XL doesn’t revolutionize the approach established by the two-door model, yet it simplifies the inclusion of companions on the journey.
It still lacks power in a linear direction, and it doesn’t possess the refinement of its more car-like competitors if you seek hassle-free commuting for daily routines… but that’s not the focal point.
Not solely is it a skilled off-road vehicle, the Jimny carries a stylish appeal that no other model in the same price bracket can imitate. It brings joy in a manner a Toyota Yaris Cross or Mazda CX-30 simply can’t, and that holds significance.
The XL isn’t substantially pricier than the two-door, and the extra bulk doesn’t considerably hamper its performance as one might envision. It was sluggish previously, and it remains so even now.
If feasible, we advocate for selecting the manual option. It excels in a linear path, performs better on highways, and is more enjoyable to drive in line with the Jimny’s character.
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