Review - 2023 Suzuki Jimny

In 2023, the Jimny lineup remains relatively unchanged, with the company sticking to its guns on the Jimny’s current packaging, which offers a stripped-out base model and a comparatively more premium variant in the GLX range.

Just how good is the Suzuki Jimny, then, and which is the best variant to buy? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

Suzuki Jimny Competition

Starting Price: $30,490

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How Much Does It Cost?

The MY23 Suzuki Jimny range is priced from $30,490 for the entry-level Jimny Lite manual, while stepping up to the Jimny GLX manual brings the price up to $31,990.

The range-topping Jimny GLX automatic is priced at $33,490.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

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Suzuki Jimny (GLX) Specifications

What Features Does the Suzuki Jimny Have?

Suzuki’s stripped-out, entry-level Jimny Lite comes riding on a set of 15-inch steel wheels, and picks up cruise control, halogen headlights, hill descent control, a radio and CD player with Bluetooth and USB inputs, electric windows, cloth upholstery, autonomous braking, weaving alerts and lane departure alerts.

Step up to the Jimny GLX and you’re treated to a set of 15-inch alloy wheels and receive LED headlights, climate control, a rear-view camera, fog lights and a 9.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto paired with a two-speaker sound system.

Range Features:

• 15-inch steel wheels 

• Halogen headlights

• Cloth upholstery  

• Cruise control 

• Hill descent control 

• Radio/CD Player with Bluetooth & USB inputs 

• Autonomous braking, weave & lane departure alerts 

• 15-inch alloy wheels (GLX)

• LED headlights (GLX)

• Rear-view camera (GLX)

• Climate control (GLX)

• Fog lights (GLX)

• 9.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto  (GLX)

Is the Suzuki Jimny Comfortable Around Town?

While it’s primarily designed to tackle off-road terrain, the Suzuki Jimny is surprisingly user-friendly for those looking for a charming and versatile platform that remains at home in the urban jungle.

Around town, the Jimny’s stout wheelbase means that it feels agile on the road, happy to dart through traffic and squeeze into the smallest of vacant car spaces without a problem.

On a similar note, the relatively light steering rack makes town driving, parking and low-speed maneuvers a simple task, making for a far more approachable package than your typical off-roader.

Power for the Jimny range comes supplied by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol producing a 75kW of power and 130Nm of torque, which is paired with your choice of a four-speed automatic or a five-speed automatic and a part-time 4WD system.

On the road, that’s not a heap of power, though the lightweight platform makes the Jimny feel eager to pick up speed in a particularly charming fashion, though the Jimny does feel a little out of its depth at highway speeds where the engine is working particularly hard to keep you at speed.

The ride quality is firm due to the ladder frame platform and the suspension package, though not uncomfortable on a mix of Australian road conditions.

Overall, the Jimny’s off-road nature is somewhat hidden behind a user-friendly driving dynamic around town, though the high speed driving experience and slightly firm ride means that it’s not a thoroughbred all-rounder.

Is the Suzuki Jimny Tough Off-Road?

While it forgoes a locking differential that many hardcore off-roaders pick up, the Jimny performs remarkably well when pushed off-road thanks to its lightweight platform, short wheelbase and impressive dimensions that offer the following off-road abilities:

• Approach Angle: 37 degrees 

• Departure Angle: 49 degrees 

• Breakover Angle: 28 degrees

• Ground Clearance: 210mm 

• Wading Depth: 300mm 

As standard, the Jimny picks up a hill descent control system, a low-range transfer case and an off-road traction control system for the 4WD platform that helps it conquer tough terrain, and while the engine doesn’t produce a heap of power, its featherweight stature means it’s ready to climb.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Fuel economy figures for the Jimny range stand at 6.4L/100km in the entry-level Jimny Lite and Jimny GLX manual, while the Jimny GLX automatic is rated at 6.9L/100km on a combined cycle.

This makes the Jimny impressively fuel-efficient for the segment thanks to its small capacity engine and its lightweight platform. 

Is it Practical and Spacious?

The Jimny’s charming pint-sized proportions means that space and practicality aren’t its defining features, though for certain types of buyers, it’s a great little package.

Up front, there’s a decent amount of headroom, even for tall drivers, though the cabin isn’t super wide which means it does feel noticeably more constrained in its size, space and comfort levels - though it’s doable for most shapes and sizes. 

Opt for the entry-level Jimny Lite and there’s an old-school media package smack-bang in the middle of the dashboard, while the GLX picks up a more modern 7.0-inch infotainment display. 

The interior styling package is restrained, while forward and side visibility is excellent thanks to the large windows and lofty seating position. 

Practical touches in the front of the Jimny’s cabin include a pair of cup holders, two storage options in front of the front passenger and some compact door bins for loose items. 

Move to the second row and yes, it is indeed possible to squeeze two adults in the back, with limited head and legroom on offer, though the rear seats offer ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts for child seats.

Finally, the Jimny has a boot measuring in at just 85L with the seats standing, expanding to 377L with the third row folded, meaning that practicality isn’t the Jimny’s strongest selling point, though it does its best with limited proportions.

Is it Safe?

Safety is a mixed bag in the latest Jimny range, which has picked up a three-star ANCAP safety rating.

Standard safety equipment for the entry-level Jimny Lite includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure alerts and six airbags in the cabin, while the GLX picks up lane departure alerts and lane-keep assist, a rear-view camera and parking sensors. 

Unfortunately, features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alerts are yet to make their way to the Suzuki Jimny’s safety equipment list.

Our Verdict: Is the Suzuki Jimny Worth it?

As a versatile, purpose built off-roader that doesn’t mind a trip around the urban jungle, the Suzuki Jimny is a fantastic package that charms after just a few minutes behind the wheel.

It remains user-friendly on a daily drive while becoming a front-runner on off-road trails, and while it’s not the most refined package at highway speeds, the sheer value proposition and go-anywhere capability makes it more than worthy for a spot on your shortlist. 

If you’re shopping around for a new car, be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best possible price.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty

2. 1.5-litre four-cylinder 75kW/130Nm paired with 4WD system

3. 6.4 - 6.9L/100km fuel economy

4. Three-star ANCAP safety rating

5. 85L boot space