Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Suzuki Jimny SUV (2018-2020)

There are few compact, lightweight 4x4s around, so if you need a small car that's also a very capable off-roader, the Suzuki Jimny is well worth considering

Carbuyer Rating

2.3 out of 5

Owners Rating

5.0 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Retro styling
  • Compact size
  • Off-road ability

Cons

  • Lack of interior space
  • Only one engine choice
  • Underwhelming economy

The Suzuki Jimny has been around since 1970. It's seen surprisingly few big changes in all that time and the previous generation was on sale for almost twenty years. It's hard to imagine today's fourth incarnation of the Jimny lasting quite so long, but it is a car without any true rivals.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There aren’t that many small, lightweight 4x4s around. If you want an inexpensive, fun car with off-road credentials, the Fiat Panda 4x4 and Dacia Duster meet those criteria, while those in search of a workhorse might find that an older, used Mercedes G-Class or Toyota Land Cruiser fits the bill. As a 'serious off-roader', the Jimny is unlikely to be matched until the next Land Rover Defender arrives.

Carbuyer's best 4x4s and SUVs

While some will choose the Jimny for its off-road capabilities, many will buy one for its charm and character. While not radically different to its predecessor, its squared-off looks resemble a scaled-down G-Class. It looks more timeless than 'retro', as if it was designed to fulfil a certain purpose, and there's no unnecessary ornamentation to be seen. More than anything, it's the Jimny's extremely compact size that will cause many to see it as 'cute'.

The latest model has swapped the previous 1.3-litre petrol engine for a new 1.5-litre unit. It produces 101bhp and, while it doesn’t provide blistering pace (0-62mph takes 12 seconds) or impressive fuel economy (35.8mpg is claimed), it does supply adequate power for how most buyers will use the car. The suspension setup and the body’s increased rigidity makes the latest Jimny more comfortable on the road, but compact SUV rivals are smoother riding and less prone to body lean in corners.

The Jimny’s size means versatility is not a strong point; the two rear seats are more of a gesture than a genuine place for adults to travel and the boot is very small with them in place. It’s better to think of the Jimny as a two-seat off-roader with a rear shelf in the shape of seats, rather than a car that can be relied on to carry more than two adults very far very often.

Equipment levels are reasonable for a car at the Jimny’s place on the price spectrum, with the higher-spec of the two trim levels coming with all the kit you really need, including alloy wheels, sat nav, heated front seats and climate control.

There's a lot to like about the Jimny, not least its simple style, refreshing honesty and single-minded nature. Many will find it just that bit too uncompromising, though – if you don't need to go off-road, almost any compact SUV will suit you better. The SEAT Arona, for instance, is more versatile, more car-like to drive and a lot more economical.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

2025 Skoda Enyaq: first official look at updated family EV
2025 Skoda Enyaq Coupe sketch
News
17 Dec 2024

2025 Skoda Enyaq: first official look at updated family EV

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
20 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

New BYD Atto 2 electric SUV to hit the UK, rivalling the Vauxhall Frontera
BYD Atto 2 front quarter
News
19 Dec 2024

New BYD Atto 2 electric SUV to hit the UK, rivalling the Vauxhall Frontera

More on Jimny

Show me:
New Suzuki Jimny 2019: prices, specs and release date
News
19 Nov 2018

New Suzuki Jimny 2019: prices, specs and release date

All-new Suzuki Jimny prices announced; SZ4 model to start at £15,499
Suzuki Jimny scores just three stars in Euro NCAP test
News
19 Sep 2018

Suzuki Jimny scores just three stars in Euro NCAP test

Euro NCAP announces poor Jimny safety rating as Audi A6 and VW Touareg get five stars
Suzuki Jimny SUV (1998-2018)
In-depth reviews
27 Feb 2018

Suzuki Jimny SUV (1998-2018)

"Cheap, cheerful and tough, the Suzuki Jimny is one of the smallest 4x4s you can buy – but also one of the most capable"
Top 10: Britain’s slowest cars
News
21 Mar 2016

Top 10: Britain’s slowest cars

If you thought the days of pedestrian acceleration times were over, think again. Here’s our list of the 10 slowest cars available today.

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024