Suzuki Jimny 2026 Review

The updated three-door Suzuki Jimny range starts from $31,990 excluding on-road costs for the Jimny Lite, rising to $33,990 for the standard Jimny manual and $36,490 for the automatic.

Both variants use Suzuki’s naturally aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 75kW/130Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels through Suzuki’s ALLGRIP Pro part-time four-wheel-drive system, paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption is rated at 6.4L/100km for the manual and 6.9L/100km for the automatic on the combined cycle.

The Jimny Lite that kicks off the range is a bare-bones offering, with 15-inch steel wheels, just two speakers, halogen headlights and black plastic side mirrors (available only with manual transmission).

But, in good news, the Lite is now a little less light on specification.

Inside, the Jimny Lite gains a 7.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the Jimny upgrades to a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen with the same smartphone connectivity. Both variants also receive front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention, and Suzuki’s updated autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system.

The Jimny also gets satellite navigation to the software system, along with creature comforts such as privacy glass, heated door mirrors, climate control air conditioning and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Previously, the Jimny held a three-star ANCAP safety rating, though that result has now expired under the organisation’s six-year validity period.

In terms of colours, buyers can choose from several exterior finishes including white, green, grey and yellow, with some metallic and two-tone options available depending on the variant.

Suzuki backs the Jimny with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, while servicing is required every 12 months or 10,000km.

While this review focuses on the traditional three-door model, buyers needing more space can also opt for the five-door 2026 Suzuki Jimny XL, which starts from $34,990 before on-road costs.

Let’s call a spade a spade here: this is one of the coolest-looking cars on our roads. It has the same effect as those tiny Kellogg’s cereal boxes that make you go, “oh, that’s cute”. The Jimny’s boxy proportions, round headlights and upright stance give it instant character. It’s one of those rare cars where the design alone gives it real street credentials, and that’s not the only reason why it has developed icon status.

The Jimny isn’t just about looks. Once off the beaten path, it quickly proves why it has built such a loyal following. During our time tackling steep hills and uneven terrain, the compact 4x4 climbed confidently without scraping its approach angles, and ground clearance felt surprisingly generous for such a small vehicle.

Its petite dimensions also meant the SUV could slot into tight spaces with ease, helped by its impressively tight turning circle.

Interestingly, Suzuki’s typical simple interior design suits the Jimny perfectly. In many of the brand’s road cars the cabin can feel a little basic, but in a rugged little off-roader that straightforward layout suddenly makes sense. The chunky switches and no-nonsense dashboard feel appropriate for a vehicle designed to get dirty.

There’s also plenty of scope for personalisation, which many buyers will pursue. The Jimny is available in a wide range of colours, allowing buyers to lean into the car’s playful personality. While the entry-level Lite is limited to white or green, the latter – Jungle Green – would easily be my pick regardless of the variant.

And in a world where manual gearboxes are rapidly disappearing, it’s great to see Suzuki still offering one here. Unfortunately, we weren’t given the opportunity to drive the manual on this launch, with only the automatic available and mostly at low speeds, but the option alone will likely appeal to enthusiasts who want a more involved driving experience.

The Jimny’s simplicity is part of its charm, but it can also feel extremely bare bones at times. I can’t even imagine how the Jimny Lite felt prior to this update.

As a daily driver, especially if you’re not regularly heading off-road, the cabin will feel sparse. At one point I even found myself oddly grateful for the presence of two centre cup holders – such is the minimalism of the interior.

With front parking sensors now included, it does raise the question of why. In a car designed to tackle obstacles head-on, it’s likely to get quite close to things – as we experienced on our short drive – which means a fair bit of beeping. Thankfully, the system can be turned off, if it becomes annoying. And if you opt for the Jimny XL, you won’t have this problem at all, as it doesn’t get the front sensors in the first place.

Out on rougher sections, the Jimny’s lightweight nature also becomes apparent. At just over a tonne, it can feel tall and narrow, with moments where the body leaned and swayed enough to make you wonder just how stable things were. It never actually felt unsafe, but it doesn’t inspire the same planted confidence as larger, heavier off-roaders – though those typically cost two or three times as much.

The Suzuki Jimny remains exactly what it has always been: a small, capable and genuinely fun off-roader offered at a relatively accessible price point.

The latest update adds a handful of technology and safety upgrades, but the overall formula hasn’t really changed. It’s still a lightweight, ladder-frame 4x4 built more for tackling trails than cruising highways.

Our drive was limited to a closed course and low speeds, meaning we didn’t get the chance to properly assess how the Jimny behaves on open roads. That may not be a coincidence either, as previous carsales reviews have pointed out the cars significant shortcomings when it comes to on-road refinement.

If you’re looking for an affordable off-roader with real character and genuine icon status, the Jimny remains a strong option. But if you’re planning to use it as a daily commuter as well, it’s probably worth taking one for a proper road test first.

That said, I’ll admit it: after finally getting behind the wheel, I’ve developed a bit of a crush on the Jimny myself.

2026 Suzuki Jimny at a glance:
Price: $31,990 drive-away
Available: Now
Powertrain: 1.5-litre four-cylinder
Output: 75kW/130Nm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.4L/100km ADR Combined
CO2: 146g/km ADR Combined
Safety rating: Unrated

* International model shown. Australian specifications and features may differ

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