Suzuki knows how to amass a cult following. The success of its small, two-door 4×4 Jimny comes down to being purely focussed on raw off-road performance, not being influenced by current trends, and clinging onto that nostalgic retro design that has lasted since the ’70s.
The current generation Japanese-built Jimny was introduced in Australia in 2019, where it has struggled to keep up with popular demand. To build on its success, Suzuki released a five-door version in 2024 called the XL. This variant is sourced from Suzuki’s assembly plant in Gurugram Haryana, India.
Some strict followers might say this strays away from true Jimny form. But Suzuki has been careful to keep the formula the same, including design, underbody make-up, and powertrain. We have just spent a week with the Jimny XL and are keen to give you the run-through.
2024 Suzuki Jimny XL: Specifications
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 75kW@6000rpm / 130Nm@4000rpm
Gearbox: Five-speed manual
Drive type: RWD/4WD
Wheels: F & R: 15×5.5, 195/80
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1177kg
Power-to-weight: 15.69:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 6.4L/100km
Our consumption: 6.8L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 40L/91 RONPower efficiency: 11.71kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 5.83 seconds*
0-100km/h: 13.12 seconds*
60-110km/h: 9.82 seconds*
1/4 mile: 19.02 seconds at 118.5km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.649g*
100-0km/h braking: 46.16m in 3.57 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.116g*
Decibel at idle: 39*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 87*
Starting price: $34,990
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 Suzuki Jimny XL: How much does it cost?
You can pick up a Jimny XL with a five-speed manual gearbox from $34,990 or a four-speed auto from $36,490. The cheapest two-door Jimny Lite retails from $30,490 (manual only), and the two-door GLX sells from $31,990 in manual, and $33,490 in auto (all prices exclude on-road costs).
There are no true competitors with the same hardcore off-road capabilities as the Jimny. Only the Jeep Wrangler comes close, but its retail price is more than double the Jimny’s; starting from $76k. So, we can’t argue on its price.
All Suzukis come with the industry average five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, with five years free roadside assistance. Servicing is required every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first. If performed at a Suzuki dealer, the first seven services are reasonably priced, costing $449, $429, $589, $449, $349, $849, then $349.
2024 Suzuki Jimny XL: Interior & packaging
There are no changes to interior design for the XL. It remains a primitive space with strong materials and a basic, easy to navigate layout. As such, there are still not many hidey-holes to store your items. The gearstick has no console around it, and the door pockets are too slim for bottle holders.
Switches, analogue gauges, key hole start, and a mechanical hand brake all contribute to a raw and rugged feel. The only digital aspect is a new 9.0-inch multimedia touch-screen with digital radio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, upgraded from the three-door model. Additionally, there is an extra two speakers for the rear.
Also specific to the XL, it gains rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control for the automatic, rear power windows for the extra two doors, a grey metallic painted front grille with a chrome accent, and a new generation dual camera brake support system. But it oddly loses high beam assist.
Even though the three-door Jimny only scored a three-star ANCAP safety rating, it still comes with most of the important safety features; front, side and curtain airbags, ABS brakes, vehicle stability and traction control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure alert, and weaving alert.
The overall length of the Jimny XL grows 320mm, from 3645mm to 3965mm. This also contributes to a bigger boot, increasing from a tiny 85 litres to 211L. You can now fit a medium suitcase flat on the floor. Space in the rear grows, with easier entry/exit from having the extra doors.
If you plan on carrying more than two passengers regularly, it unquestionably increases practicality. It still remains a four-seater, so space breadthwise is reasonable. Rear legroom is comfortable provided you’re under roughly 180cm tall, or if there is a shorter passenger in the front.
In terms of external appearance, the XL still retains the iconic boxy look. Only, it resembles more of a rectangle than a cube. Upright A-pillars, a flat clamshell bonnet, roof edge drip rails, flared wheel arches, and funky single and dual exterior colours remain; Arctic White Pearl, Bluish Black Pearl, Chiffon Ivory, Jungle Green, Granite Grey, and the Sizzling Red we have here.
2024 Suzuki Jimny XL: Powertrain & handling
One single engine fits all Jimnys. A 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol chugs along with just 75kW of power and 130Nm of torque. It lacks power purposely, as it is focused on crawling over rough terrain rather than bitumen. It absolutely will not suit some drivers, as it has you working hard on the gears up hills.
To others, this keeps it uniquely fun and down to earth. The best it can do to get from 0-100km/h is 13.12 seconds according to our Vbox. The best we’ve achieved in the three-door manual is 12.02 seconds, potentially due to it being about 82kg lighter.
That pint-sized engine results in frugal fuel consumption. Just 6.4L/100km is a low average figure for a non-hybrid. Our average reading, which involved higher speed driving on the freeway, was also decent, at just 6.8L/100km. It can also run on the cheapest 91 RON and E10 petrol.
Generously, the XL can be ordered with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission that connects to part-time rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, and a low-range transfer case. The five-speed manual is easy to operate, even with its long-throw gear shifter.
Gearing is appropriately low to help with articulating across hairy terrains, and to assist with getting up to speed with that limited amount of power. Inevitably, this means it screams high in the rev range when travelling above 100km/h – around 3000rpm. If you plan on doing lots of freeway driving, maybe consider a second car for that.
Higher speeds also have the Jimny XL feeling wobbly in the lane. It’s high centre of gravity, ladder-frame chassis with live axle suspension front and rear, rear drum brakes, and slow-reacting steering means it’s a star performer off the bitumen, but not on. So, let’s talk about its off-road credits instead. The three-link rigid axle suspension with coil springs is set up to be soft and spongey; helping it to flex over uneven ground and obstacles.
The XL is also shaped with minimal body overhang to allow for better clearance angles. Compared with the three-door, the approach angle decreases from 37 degrees to 36 degrees, the departure angle from 49 degrees to 47 degrees, and, due to the extra length between the front and rear wheels, the ramp break-over angle suffers a drop from 28 degrees to 24 degrees.
This means the three-door struts better serious off-road cred’. Though, the XL can certainly tackle sudden gradient changes and dirt mounds better than its peers. These angles are also very impressive against pretty much all of its competitors. An unchanged 210mm of ground clearance and a slim 1645mm overall width still gives the XL the ability to tackle technical terrain that larger contenders simply cannot.
It also comes with the same impressive control systems included under Suzuki’s “All Grip Pro” label, which includes special traction control and hill descent control.
2024 Suzuki Jimny XL: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- True 4×4 performance: The Jimny XL adds an element of practicality without much loss of its incredible off-road capability.
- Simple: If you prefer the manual handling of a down-to-earth, back-to-basics, rugged machine, the Jimny XL is perfect.
- Cool design: The Jimny looks like no other. It holds onto those primitive and brute looks of early generation Suzuki off-roaders that fans love.
- Added practicality: Going with the XL obviously adds better access to the rear seats, but boot space is also increased and highway stability is fractionally improved over the 3-door.
2024 Suzuki Jimny XL: Key considerations before you buy
- Oriented for the dirt: If you’re spending most of your time on the tarmac and on the freeway, the Jimny will wear you down. It revs high at 100km/h or more, and you need to concentrate to keep it centred and on speed.
- Could do with more power: With just 75kW and 130Nm, the larger Jimny XL version could do with a bit more zing. If you’re navigating out bush, that is fine. But it is an effort to keep up with demanding city traffic, overtake, or climb hills.
- Three-star ANCAP safety rating (for 3-door model): The Jimny XL is stripped back, and therefore misses out on the latest safety assistance features.
- Finicky side-hinged tailgate door: You can’t open it quickly as the shock absorber that keeps it open, needs to catch up.
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
A 5-door version only takes the Jimny from strength to strength. Without affecting its off-road abilities, the Jimny XL adds that little bit more space and practicality. But, just like the three-door version, this is best kept for off-road use and isn’t designed for regular highway journeys. At least not as a top priority.
