The Maruti Suzuki Jimny takes a refreshingly different route — compact, rugged, and unapologetically utilitarian. This pint-sized 4×4 has captured the hearts of adventure seekers, off-road enthusiasts, and even urban drivers looking for something unique. Launched in India in 2023, the five-door Jimny brings with it decades of off-roading pedigree and a cult following, and it’s fast becoming one of the most talked-about SUVs in its segment.
A Legacy Reimagined
The Jimny’s story goes back to the 1970s when Suzuki introduced the LJ10, a lightweight 4×4 that quickly gained popularity in Japan and around the world. Fast forward through several iterations — including the popular Gypsy in India — the Jimny has evolved into a capable, compact off-roader known for its reliability and performance.
The current generation, now available in a five-door variant specifically for markets like India, retains its old-school charm while integrating modern features and safety updates. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny continues the brand’s reputation for producing tough, practical vehicles that can take a beating and come out smiling.
Design: Boxy but Beautiful
The Jimny’s design is anything but conventional. It’s boxy, upright, and rugged — a nod to its utilitarian DNA. The round headlamps, flat bonnet, upright windshield, and flared wheel arches evoke nostalgia and off-road intent. While some may find the design too spartan or retro, for many it’s a refreshing alternative to the curvy and overly-stylized SUVs flooding the market.
The five-door version of the Jimny gives it a more practical edge, especially for Indian buyers who value rear-seat space and family-friendly features. It’s longer than the global three-door variant but still compact enough to navigate city traffic and tight off-road trails with ease.
Performance and Capability
Under the hood, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny is powered by a 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine, producing around 103 bhp and 134 Nm of torque. While these figures may not sound earth-shattering, it’s important to remember that the Jimny is built for off-roading, not speed. What truly sets it apart is its part-time 4WD system — Suzuki’s proven AllGrip Pro with low-range transfer gear — a rarity in this segment.
Whether you’re tackling rocky terrains, slushy trails, or snowy roads, the Jimny feels confident and composed. With its ladder-frame chassis, solid axle suspension, and 210 mm ground clearance, it can go places where most compact SUVs wouldn’t dare. It’s the kind of vehicle that thrives where roads end.
On-Road Experience: Better Than Expected
Despite its off-road bias, the Jimny handles surprisingly well on paved roads. The ride quality is firm but not uncomfortable, and the light steering makes it easy to drive in urban environments. It’s not a car meant for high-speed highway cruising, and there’s noticeable body roll, but that’s a trade-off most buyers will accept for its off-road abilities.
Noise insulation and cabin refinement are decent for a car of this type, and the Jimny proves to be a solid daily driver, especially for those who prioritize utility and adventure over luxury and speed.
Interior: Simple, Functional, and Tech-Ready
Inside, the Jimny’s cabin continues the utilitarian theme. Hard plastics dominate the dashboard, but the build quality feels robust. Everything is laid out for ease of use, with chunky knobs and buttons that can be operated even with gloves — a nod to its outdoor nature.
Standard features include a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, climate control, power windows, and steering-mounted controls. The boot space is on the smaller side, especially with the rear seats up, but folding them down opens up enough room for weekend gear or luggage.
Safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP with hill hold and hill descent control, and a rear-view camera — ensuring peace of mind whether you’re in the city or the wilderness.
Who Should Buy the Jimny?
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is not for everyone — and that’s exactly its strength. It appeals to a niche audience: outdoor enthusiasts, road trippers, and those who value function over flair. If you’re looking for a rugged, go-anywhere SUV that can double as a city commuter, the Jimny is an excellent choice.
It’s also one of the few affordable, true off-roaders available in the Indian market today. For buyers who miss the old Mahindra Thar compact proportions or want something more manageable than full-size 4x4s, the Jimny hits a sweet spot.
Conclusion: A Modern Classic in the Making
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny blends retro styling, genuine off-road capability, and urban usability in a compact, affordable package. It may not have the polish of more premium SUVs, but what it lacks in finesse, it more than makes up for in character and purpose.