Suzuki Jimny

Overview

The Suzuki Jimny is a compact, hardcore off-road 4x4 from Suzuki and stands as one of the world's smallest mass-produced four-wheel-drive off-roaders. The Jimny lineage traces back to 1970 with the first-generation LJ10, which was the only four-wheel-drive model in Japan's Kei car segment at the time. Over more than half a century of evolution, the Jimny has progressed to its fourth generation (codenamed JB74 / JB64), registering cumulative global sales of 2.85 million units across 194 countries as of September 2018. The fourth-generation Jimny made its global debut in Japan in July 2018. As of June 2026, the core lineup on sale comprises the 2026 Jimny (available in both 3-door and 5-door guise), carrying overseas starting prices equivalent to around RM130,000 to RM150,000. In the Chinese market, the Jimny is sold predominantly via parallel import channels, with port prices for the 3-door variant hovering between RM300,000 and RM350,000, while the 5-door variant commands pre-sale bookings at approximately RM320,000.

Design Language

In terms of exterior styling, the fourth-generation Jimny returns to the upright, angular silhouette of the second-generation model while blending retro front fascia cues from the original LJ80. Its iconic boxy profile retains signature design hallmarks, including the clamshell bonnet, round headlamps, and side-hinged tailgate. The 3-door variant measures 3,480 mm in length, 1,645 mm in width, and 1,725 mm in height, with a 2,250 mm wheelbase. Meanwhile, the 5-door Jimny Nomade stretches to 3,985 mm in length with a 2,590 mm wheelbase—an increase of 340 mm over the 3-door model. Inside, the 2026 Jimny's central infotainment touchscreen is upgraded from 7 inches to 9 inches (10.25 inches in selected markets), supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Seat padding has been bolstered to offer better support on long journeys. The Rhino Special Edition sports an exclusive Dynamic Yellow paintwork matched with a contrasting black roof and bespoke body decals.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the bonnet, the entire 2026 Jimny range is powered by a 1.5-litre K15B naturally aspirated inline-four petrol engine, delivering a maximum output of 75 kW (approx. 102 PS / 102 hp) and 130 Nm of peak torque. Select special editions (such as the Australian-market Rhino edition) feature a 48V mild-hybrid system, bumping output to 105 hp and peak torque to 134 Nm. Transmission options remain a choice between a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The WLTC combined fuel consumption is rated at approximately 6.4 L/100 km, which, paired with a 40-litre fuel tank, yields a theoretical cruising range of around 625 km. All variants come standard with the AllGrip Pro part-time 4WD system, offering 2H (2WD High), 4H (4WD High), and 4L (4WD Low) modes, with the low-range transfer case providing a 2.5 to 2.6 times torque multiplication in 4L mode.

Chassis & Handling

The chassis forms the core of the Jimny's true off-road pedigree, built on a robust ladder-frame chassis (body-on-frame construction). It retains a 3-link rigid axle coil spring live axle setup at both the front and rear. In critical load-bearing sections, the fourth-generation model adopts 590 MPa high-tensile steel, marking a substantial upgrade from the 270 MPa steel used in its predecessor. When it comes to off-road geometry, the 3-door variant boasts 210 mm of minimum ground clearance, an approach angle of 37°, a departure angle of 49°, and a ramp breakover angle of 28°. Owing to its longer wheelbase, the 5-door variant sees its ramp breakover angle reduced to 24°. These figures far surpass conventional urban SUVs and even outperform several full-sized hardcore off-roaders. Notably, select 5-door variants swap the front live axle for a MacPherson strut setup, bringing ground clearance down to 200 mm.

Cabin & Equipment

The Jimny is configured in either a 3-door 4-seater or a 5-door 5-seater layout. Rear seat space in the 3-door model is notably snug—often jokingly dubbed 'pet seats' by owners—whereas the 5-door model adds 50 mm of rear legroom, vastly improving daily practicality. In terms of luggage capacity, the 3-door model offers a modest 85 litres in its standard boot configuration, while the 5-door variant expands boot volume by 30% over the 3-door. The 2026 update brings an upgraded 9-inch central infotainment touchscreen. On the equipment front, higher-grade trims offer essentials such as automatic climate control, power windows, and a multifunction steering wheel. The Rhino Special Edition steps up the cabin with black leather wrapping on the steering wheel and grab handles, alongside a 4-speaker Pioneer audio system and bespoke Rhino badging.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety marks a major highlight of the 2026 Jimny's upgrades. The updated model gains full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Dual Sensor Brake Support II (DSBS II, incorporating Autonomous Emergency Braking), Lane Departure Warning and Assist, and Reverse False Start Prevention. The instrument cluster's central multi-info display has also been upgraded to illustrate ADAS operational status. Passive safety continues with standard dual front airbags and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Externally, the 2026 Jimny adds front parking sensors and a centrally mounted radar sensor integrated into the front bumper.

Market Performance & Reception

Globally, the Jimny displays a distinctly polarised market reception. In Japan, order books for the 5-door Jimny Nomade surpassed 50,000 units within just four days of opening in early 2025—vastly outstripping the monthly production capacity of 1,200 units and prompting Suzuki to halt bookings. Even after order books reopened on 30 January 2026, allocations still had to be decided via a lottery balloting system. In Australia, Jimny registrations stood at 9,697 units in 2024 before easing to 7,027 units in 2025.

In China, following Suzuki's exit from the passenger car market in 2018, the Jimny is available exclusively via parallel import channels. Port prices for the parallel-imported 3-door model range between RM300,000 and RM350,000, while the 5-door model is quoted at around RM320,000 during pre-sales—representing a steep mark-up of over 100% against its domestic Japanese retail price (approx. RM131,000). Should the 2026 model arrive locally, retail pricing is expected to top RM350,000. The Jimny commands an ardent following among off-road enthusiasts as the 'smallest bona fide hardcore 4x4'. While its ladder-frame chassis, part-time 4WD, and extreme terrain clearances form its winning formula, its utilitarian cabin, tight interior quarters, and hefty grey-import price tags also render it a polarising 'enthusiast-driven purchase'. In its class, the Jimny stands virtually without direct rivals—it is at once the most capable compact vehicle off-road and the most pint-sized hardcore 4x4, a unique positioning that explains its enduring appeal across more than half a century.