The Suzuki Jimny is one of the most popular Suzuki models on the market. This compact SUV is great for off-roading as it comes with a robust ladder frame, three ample body angles, and a 4X4 system. But is the Suzuki Jimny a good car?
It depends on what you’re looking for. The Suzuki Jimny is a wonderful car for those searching for a great compact SUV for off-road driving. It is also good for those who want a reliable, durable, economical, and practical small SUV. On the flip side, it is not ideal for those who desire a luxurious, spacious, high-performance, advanced, and safe SUV.
History of the Suzuki Jimny
The Suzuki Jimny is a series of four-wheel drive off-road mini-SUVs made and marketed by Japanese automaker, Suzuki. This car has been in production from 1970 to date. The car comes in different body configurations, including a 3 or 5-door wagon, a 3-door van, a 2-door convertible, and a 2-door pickup truck.
This compact SUV is related to the Suzuki Vitara and Marut Gypsy. Besides, it is worth noting that the Suzuki Jimny was Suzuki’s first global success, giving it name recognition and a foothold in markets worldwide. Currently, the Suzuki Jimny is in the fourth generation, which spans from 2018 to date.
Features of the Suzuki Jimny
Appearance
The Suzuki Jimny looks spectacular. Its box design is unique and appealing. The interior also looks good but some cars in the class have more sophisticated and luxurious interiors than the Jimny. Some of the features that stand out are 15-inch steel/alloy wheels, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, auto light-sensing, cloth fabric, tilt adjustable steering wheel, touchscreen infotainment, and much more.
Performance
The performance of the Suzuki Jimny varies according to the model year and trim options. The most recent models feature better engines and they perform way better than the older models. For instance, the 2020 Suzuki Jimny has a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine that delivers up to 100 bhp and 130Nm of torque. It also has a top speed of 90 mph.
Comfort and cargo space
The Suzuki Jimny may be a fantastic off-road SUV, but its compact design doesn’t offer a lot of comfort. The front seats are okay, but the rear seats are quite cramped. So, if you’re traveling far or using the rear seats daily, adults will find them uncomfortable. On the contrary, this car can carry up to four people.
It also comes with a decent cargo space of 85 liters, but this can be increased to 377 liters with the rear seats folded.
Fuel efficiency
Unlike most of its rivals, the Suzuki Jimny is a considerably efficient car. This is because it comes with a fuel-efficient rating of between 32.1 mpg to 35.8 mpg. Thanks to its lightweight and compact design, the Suzuki Jimny is not as heavy as most of its rivals. So, the owner will spend less on fuel.
Safety
Most off-road SUVs are not very safe compared to on-road cars. Nonetheless, the Suzuki Jimny comes with several exceptional safety features. On top of that, most of them are basic, including an electronic stability program, lane departure warning, cruise control, dual sensor brake support, weaving alert, speed limiter, collapsible steering column, side impact beams, and brake and clutch decoupling system.
Additionally, this car also boasts brake assist, hill hold control, hill descent control, brake override system, and shift lock and key interlock.
Price
The Suzuki Jimny may be one of the nicest compact SUVs on the market, but it is cheaper than most of its rivals. This car has a base price of around $20,280. However, this varies according to model and trim options. Some models go for as much as $23,000. This is cheaper than its rivals Jeep, Audi, and BMW.
FAQ
Is it worth buying the Suzuki Jimny?
Yes, it is worth buying the Suzuki Jimny if you’re in the market for a compact and durable SUV. This car is also ideal for those looking for an excellent off-roader with a few issues. On the other hand, it is not suitable for people looking for luxury, performance, spaciousness, and safety.
What are the common problems with Suzuki Jimny?
Suzuki Jimny is one of the best compact SUVs for off-roading activities. However, this car also comes with a ton of problems that users should know about. Some of the common problems with the Suzuki Jimny are a faulty fuel pump, damaged wires in the door harness, faulty ABS, death wobble vibrations, and a vacuum leak. It also experiences gearbox failure, worn-out king pin bearing, and constant velocity joint wear out.
What is the high mileage for Suzuki Jimny?
Suzuki Jimny may be a reliable car with a few problems, but it is vital to be careful when buying a used Jimny. Start by checking the car’s history and maintenance. Next, you should check how many miles the car has put on. High mileage on the Suzuki Jimny is usually around 120,000 miles. Such a car is likely to start developing serious and costly problems.
Is Suzuki Jimny a good daily driver?
Yes, the Suzuki Jimny is a good daily driver. This is because, unlike most SUVs, it is compact, reliable, and quite fuel efficient. So, you won’t have most of the challenges that the bigger SUVs experience in the city. On top of that, it can be used for long journeys and off-road. However, if you intend to use the rear seats often, this won’t be a good idea as they are quite cramped.
Which cars are like Suzuki Jimny?
Suzuki Jimny may be an outstanding compact off-road car with great build quality and performance, but it also faces stiff competition from the market. Some of its closest rivals are the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, Mitsubishi Pajero Mini, Audi Q3, BMW X1, Ssangyong Tivoli, and Subaru Outback.
Bottom line
The Suzuki Jimny is one of the best compact off-roaders on the market. This car is durable, reliable, efficient, and practical. On top of that, it is attractive, functional, and can be used daily. However, it also comes with multiple issues that owners need to address in time for it to last for more than 12 years or over 200k miles.