Likes
- Very capable off-road.
- Dripping in character.
- Comes standard with plenty of modern safety features.
- Perfect one-car garage.
Used Suzuki Jimny review
2018 - 2023
Dislikes
- Thanks to demand, probably a bit overpriced.
- Only received a 3-star ANCAP rating.
- Back seat is almost pointless.
- Automatic gearbox does not get the most out of the small engine.
Stuff you should know
The Suzuki Jimny is a compact SUV that has a reputation for being a highly capable off-roader. The JL Suzuki Jimny is the latest iteration of this model, which was released in 2018. It features a distinctive boxy design that is reminiscent of the earlier Jimny models, with a modern twist.
Under the hood, the JL Suzuki Jimny is powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine. It comes with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, depending on the trim level. While the small engine might lack for power on paper, the Jimny’s small size and light weight mean that it can still handle tough terrain and steep inclines with ease.
One of the key features of the JL Suzuki Jimny is its four-wheel drive system, which allows it to tackle off-road trails and rough terrain. It has a low-range transfer case, which provides additional torque for climbing over obstacles, and high ground clearance, which helps it clear rocks and other obstacles. Additionally, it has a rigid body-on-frame chassis, which provides strength and stability when navigating challenging terrain.
It can seat up to four passengers, but back seat passengers may not have the most enjoyable time, some owners even go far as removing the rear seats to increase the size and versatility of the boot area.
In terms of features, the JL Suzuki Jimny comes with a modern infotainment system that includes a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration. Despite having modern safety features, the Jimny only received a 3-star ANCAP rating in 2018.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
As far as the exterior goes, it’s so far, so good, we couldn’t find any common issues with the exterior.
The only problems we could find were down to dodgy accessories being attached incorrectly, some wheel alignment issues when all terrain tyres are fitted, or the Jimny itself had been driven extremely hard, basically they’d been abused.
Interior:
Ok inside, unfortunately, there are some issues. Firstly infotainment system complaints, the larger systems Suzuki are fitting on more recent models are copping loads of hate from owners and even the factory fitted items have reports of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto not functioning properly, the display screen going black or even bluetooth connections being a nightmare.
Also, many owners are very critical of Suzuki, or their Suzuki dealerships for not coming up with a worthy solution, just make sure the infotainment system in the one you’re looking at actually works.
Also, but this is very sporadic at most, there are the occasional reports of some minor electrical gremlins, switches playing up a little, not major issues, just annoyances.
Mechanically:
The 1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol in these is (so far) very reliable, which is typical for Suzuki engines.
A few complaints about increased oil consumption. I’d recommend services every 10,000km instead of the scheduled 15,000km would definitely help with that. Other than that, there’s no one big issue with these things.
They have a 5 year warranty here in Australia and of the ones we’ve seen in the workshop for servicing, we haven’t seen anything yet that would be considered a warranty repair.
There are some reports of transmission and driveline problems, particularly the transfer case. A few reports there of transfer case renewal or repair under warranty. And a few that weren’t covered under warranty because what the owner was doing with it or how it was modified.
There’s always a grey area there with what the car has been designed for and how its being used. Its safe to say though, that if you’ve been crossing a bunch of creeks and there’s water in the transmission or diff oils, a subsequent failure is not going to be covered by warranty. Pro tip, change your driveline oils after that type of off roading. And the same with lift kits and bigger wheel and tyres. Mods like that put a lot of extra strain on the driveline and will definitely void your warranty.
Even though most of these that are modified are just used for extreme off-road grocery getting, if you’re looking to buy one just make sure all those mods have been done properly and keep in mind that if its still under warranty those mods might void it.
Recalls:
Exterior:
As far as the exterior goes, it’s so far, so good, we couldn’t find any common issues with the exterior.
The only problems we could find were down to dodgy accessories being attached incorrectly, some wheel alignment issues when all terrain tyres are fitted, or the Jimny itself had been driven extremely hard, basically they’d been abused.
Interior:
Ok inside, unfortunately, there are some issues. Firstly infotainment system complaints, the larger systems Suzuki are fitting on more recent models are copping loads of hate from owners and even the factory fitted items have reports of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto not functioning properly, the display screen going black or even bluetooth connections being a nightmare.
Also, many owners are very critical of Suzuki, or their Suzuki dealerships for not coming up with a worthy solution, just make sure the infotainment system in the one you’re looking at actually works.
Also, but this is very sporadic at most, there are the occasional reports of some minor electrical gremlins, switches playing up a little, not major issues, just annoyances.
Mechanically:
The 1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol in these is (so far) very reliable, which is typical for Suzuki engines.
A few complaints about increased oil consumption. I’d recommend services every 10,000km instead of the scheduled 15,000km would definitely help with that. Other than that, there’s no one big issue with these things.
They have a 5 year warranty here in Australia and of the ones we’ve seen in the workshop for servicing, we haven’t seen anything yet that would be considered a warranty repair.
There are some reports of transmission and driveline problems, particularly the transfer case. A few reports there of transfer case renewal or repair under warranty. And a few that weren’t covered under warranty because what the owner was doing with it or how it was modified.
There’s always a grey area there with what the car has been designed for and how its being used. Its safe to say though, that if you’ve been crossing a bunch of creeks and there’s water in the transmission or diff oils, a subsequent failure is not going to be covered by warranty. Pro tip, change your driveline oils after that type of off roading. And the same with lift kits and bigger wheel and tyres. Mods like that put a lot of extra strain on the driveline and will definitely void your warranty.
Even though most of these that are modified are just used for extreme off-road grocery getting, if you’re looking to buy one just make sure all those mods have been done properly and keep in mind that if its still under warranty those mods might void it.
Recalls:
- 26 May 2021 – Bond primer applied to the windshield glass and the rear door window glass may have been incorrectly applied. 12 Jimnys were affected built between 2020 and 2021.
- 10 June 2021 – Door harness wires on both the driver and passenger doors could be damaged by repeatedly opening or closing the doors. 2,806 Jimnys built from 2019 – 2020 were affected
- 20 June 2021 – Door harness wires on both the driver and passenger doors could be damaged by repeatedly opening or closing the doors. 1231 Jimnys were affected, built from 2018 – 2020
- 21 June 2021 – A component within the fuel pump could swell, causing the fuel pump to not operate properly. This affected 166 Jimnys built in 2018
- 15 September 2021 – Improper assembly of an oil seal in the automatic transmission, fluid may leak from the transmission. This affected 27 Jimnys built in 2021.
Exterior:
As far as the exterior goes, it’s so far, so good, we couldn’t find any common issues with the exterior.
The only problems we could find were down to dodgy accessories being attached incorrectly, some wheel alignment issues when all terrain tyres are fitted, or the Jimny itself had been driven extremely hard, basically they’d been abused.
Interior:
Ok inside, unfortunately, there are some issues. Firstly infotainment system complaints, the larger systems Suzuki are fitting on more recent models are copping loads of hate from owners and even the factory fitted items have reports of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto not functioning properly, the display screen going black or even bluetooth connections being a nightmare.
Also, many owners are very critical of Suzuki, or their Suzuki dealerships for not coming up with a worthy solution, just make sure the infotainment system in the one you’re looking at actually works.
Also, but this is very sporadic at most, there are the occasional reports of some minor electrical gremlins, switches playing up a little, not major issues, just annoyances.
Mechanically:
The 1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol in these is (so far) very reliable, which is typical for Suzuki engines.
A few complaints about increased oil consumption. I’d recommend services every 10,000km instead of the scheduled 15,000km would definitely help with that. Other than that, there’s no one big issue with these things.
They have a 5 year warranty here in Australia and of the ones we’ve seen in the workshop for servicing, we haven’t seen anything yet that would be considered a warranty repair.
There are some reports of transmission and driveline problems, particularly the transfer case. A few reports there of transfer case renewal or repair under warranty. And a few that weren’t covered under warranty because what the owner was doing with it or how it was modified.
There’s always a grey area there with what the car has been designed for and how its being used. Its safe to say though, that if you’ve been crossing a bunch of creeks and there’s water in the transmission or diff oils, a subsequent failure is not going to be covered by warranty. Pro tip, change your driveline oils after that type of off roading. And the same with lift kits and bigger wheel and tyres. Mods like that put a lot of extra strain on the driveline and will definitely void your warranty.
Even though most of these that are modified are just used for extreme off-road grocery getting, if you’re looking to buy one just make sure all those mods have been done properly and keep in mind that if its still under warranty those mods might void it.
Recalls:
- 26 May 2021 – Bond primer applied to the windshield glass and the rear door window glass may have been incorrectly applied. 12 Jimnys were affected built between 2020 and 2021.
- 10 June 2021 – Door harness wires on both the driver and passenger doors could be damaged by repeatedly opening or closing the doors. 2,806 Jimnys built from 2019 – 2020 were affected
- 20 June 2021 – Door harness wires on both the driver and passenger doors could be damaged by repeatedly opening or closing the doors. 1231 Jimnys were affected, built from 2018 – 2020
- 21 June 2021 – A component within the fuel pump could swell, causing the fuel pump to not operate properly. This affected 166 Jimnys built in 2018
- 15 September 2021 – Improper assembly of an oil seal in the automatic transmission, fluid may leak from the transmission. This affected 27 Jimnys built in 2021.
Should you buy it?
Should you buy one? No, stop buying them because you’re making it harder for me to buy one.
Seriously though, there are very few legitimate reasons why you should buy a Jimny
They aren’t all that safe, almost every other small SUV blows them out of the water for driving refinement on-road, they’re not all that practical, the interior is utilitarian at best, and they’re underpowered and can be terrifying if it gets windy.
Sure they can be awesome off-road and they’re a breeze to park but the Jimny’s skill set is incredibly limited.
But you know what, none of that matters, no matter how flawed or how illogical, of course, you should buy a Jimny.
In a world drowning in sensible and mostly boring cars, the Jimny is like a stand-up comedian in a conference full of tax accountants and it reminds you just how fun cars can be.
Should you buy one? No, stop buying them because you’re making it harder for me to buy one.
Seriously though, there are very few legitimate reasons why you should buy a Jimny
They aren’t all that safe, almost every other small SUV blows them out of the water for driving refinement on-road, they’re not all that practical, the interior is utilitarian at best, and they’re underpowered and can be terrifying if it gets windy.
Sure they can be awesome off-road and they’re a breeze to park but the Jimny’s skill set is incredibly limited.
But you know what, none of that matters, no matter how flawed or how illogical, of course, you should buy a Jimny.
In a world drowning in sensible and mostly boring cars, the Jimny is like a stand-up comedian in a conference full of tax accountants and it reminds you just how fun cars can be.
Should you buy it?
Should you buy one? No, stop buying them because you’re making it harder for me to buy one.
Seriously though, there are very few legitimate reasons why you should buy a Jimny
They aren’t all that safe, almost every other small SUV blows them out of the water for driving refinement on-road, they’re not all that practical, the interior is utilitarian at best, and they’re underpowered and can be terrifying if it gets windy.
Sure they can be awesome off-road and they’re a breeze to park but the Jimny’s skill set is incredibly limited.
But you know what, none of that matters, no matter how flawed or how illogical, of course, you should buy a Jimny.
In a world drowning in sensible and mostly boring cars, the Jimny is like a stand-up comedian in a conference full of tax accountants and it reminds you just how fun cars can be.
Need help with finance?
Powered by
Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Style:
3-door SUV
Engines:
1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power:
75kW – 1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol
Torque:
130Nm – 1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol
Transmission & Drivetrains:
5-speed manual, four-wheel drive (4×4) – Lite, Jimny
4-speed automatic, four-wheel drive (4×4) – Jimny
Fuel Consumption:
6.4 – 6.9L/100km
Length:
3645mm
Width:
1645mm
Height:
1725mm
Kerb weight:
1095 – 1110kg
Towing (braked/unbraked):
1300/350kg
Body Style:
3-door SUV
Engines:
1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power:
75kW – 1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol
Torque:
130Nm – 1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol
Transmission & Drivetrains:
5-speed manual, four-wheel drive (4×4) – Lite, Jimny
4-speed automatic, four-wheel drive (4×4) – Jimny
Fuel Consumption:
6.4 – 6.9L/100km
Length:
3645mm
Width:
1645mm
Height:
1725mm
Kerb weight:
1095 – 1110kg
Towing (braked/unbraked):
1300/350kg
Body Style:
3-door SUV
Engines:
1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power:
75kW – 1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol
Torque:
130Nm – 1.5 litre 4-cylinder petrol
Transmission & Drivetrains:
5-speed manual, four-wheel drive (4×4) – Lite, Jimny
4-speed automatic, four-wheel drive (4×4) – Jimny
Fuel Consumption:
6.4 – 6.9L/100km
Length:
3645mm
Width:
1645mm
Height:
1725mm
Kerb weight:
1095 – 1110kg
Towing (braked/unbraked):
1300/350kg
Warranty & servicing
Warranty:
3 years/100,000kms
5 years/unlimited kms (from October 2019)
Servicing:
12 months/15,000kms
Buying a used car? Buy a PPSR report first.
Have ultimate peace of mind when buying a used car by purchasing an official PPSR report.
In the market?
Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of February 24, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
Read our full terms and conditions here.
