2024 Suzuki Jimny XL (5-Door) Review

It’s almost a joke now. Go offroading with some friends, and they’ll tell you how great their 4x4 setup is, and someone will chime in “bet a Suzuki Jimny will beat it!”.

And the reality is, that’s probably true.

One of the biggest complaints about the Suzuki Jimny though is its 2-door setup, which limits practical useability significantly.

With this in mind, Suzuki has decided to extend the Jimny’s wheelbase, add a few doors, and increase boot space. The result is the Suzuki Jimny XL, which sacrifices some offroad prowess for day-to-day liveability. 

The real question is, is it any good? Well, we’ve driven both the Automatic and Manual on-road and off-road to see is the Suzuki Jimny XL 5-Door worth it.

How much does the Jimny XL cost?

The Jimny XL is relatively cheap as far as full-fledged off-roaders go:

• 2024 Suzuki Jimny XL 5-Door manual: $34,990
• 2024 Suzuki Jimny XL 5-Door auto: $36,490

This represents a $3,000 price increase over the 3-Door Jimny.

Although Suzuki has not confirmed this, part of the sharp pricing for the Jimny 5-door is likely its manufacturing in India versus the 3-door which for Australia continues to be sourced from Japan.

What’s changed on the outside?

The Jimny XL has received somewhat of a ‘facelift’ versus the regular Jimny. It sports a new chrome grille and adds a new red paint colour.

Of course, you also gain two new doors, including electric windows for the rear which I can confirm do roll down all the way!

The Jimny 5-Door stretches to a length of 3985mm, 340mm more than the standard model, mirroring the increase in its ladder frame's wheelbase, now at 2590mm.

However the height and width remain the same for Jimny XL, which means from the front or the rear it’s near impossible to tell what kind of Jimny you’re looking at.

What’s the interior and tech like of the Jimny XL?

The Jimny XL receives a couple of excellent additions over the regular 3-door Jimny in the interior.

In its XL variant, this model distinguishes itself from the standard three-door version by offering several notable enhancements. 

It includes rear parking sensors for added convenience in tight spots. The infotainment experience is upgraded with a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen, a significant increase from the previous 7.0-inch display.

Additionally, it brings in wireless Apple CarPlay, stepping up from the traditional wired connectivity, and DAB digital radio.

For models equipped with an automatic transmission, there's the added benefit of adaptive cruise control, enhancing driving comfort and safety. This does not come in the Manual, however, which is a shame.

Otherwise, it’s same old Jimny… which is not great.

The materials are of course all hard, scratchy plastics which reflect quite a lot of sound - it’s noisy on the road.

The cloth seats lack almost any support, and can be essentially thought of as two slabs of foam.

The leather steering wheel is quite nice however, and the instrument cluster has an incredibly cool 80’s fighter jet look to it with orange accents and retro styling.

You do get a grab handle for the passenger, which is about the only soft thing within the interior.

If you go into the Jimny with low expectations, you will be content with what you get. Thankfully the aftermarket is galore with different accessories, so customising you Jimny is always an option.

What about the back seats of the Jimny XL?

The back seats are an incredibly welcome improvement versus the 3-door Jimny. 

Although you still only get 2 seats in the rear for a total of 4 in the 5-door Jimny, at 5’11” there is plenty of space for me behind my drivers position.

The window’s as well are huge, and best of all, they roll down all the way.

Unfortunately, the rear seats are again just slabs of foam so longer journeys - while far better than the 3-door, aren’t going to be great.

How much can fit in the boot of the Jimny XL?

Arguably the biggest benefit of the Jimny XL is the substantially bigger boot space versus 3-door Jimny.

Instead of a miniscule 85L with the rear seats up, the 5-Door Jimny get’s a 211L boot space - which is much, much more useable.

Unfortunately for the 5-Door Jimny, folding the rear seats leaves a large hump in the floor, so lying flat - like you can in the Jimny 3-Door - is not possible.

What’s under the bonnet of the Jimny XL?

The Jimny XL, consistent across its range, is equipped with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 75kW of power and 130Nm of torque. This engine, while adequate, seems to strain under the Jimny XL's frame, particularly noticeable in this five-door variant which carries an additional 90kg over its three-door sibling. The effect is an underpowered feel, more pronounced in this larger version.

Transmission options for the Jimny XL include a five-speed manual or a somewhat dated four-speed automatic. This gearbox choice is a bit of a throwback in today’s market, where six-speeds or more are increasingly standard.

A standout feature of the Jimny XL is its robust ladder frame chassis, paired with a part-time four-wheel drive system that offers 2H, 4H, and 4L modes. This setup underscores the vehicle's capabilities as a compact but competent off-roader, a characteristic that has been a hallmark of the Jimny line.

In terms of fuel economy, the manual version of the Jimny XL claims an efficiency of 6.4L/100km, while the automatic is slightly higher at 6.9L/100km. However, real-world testing shows these figures can jump to around 12L/100km for the manual and 15L/100km for the auto under conditions that include limited on-road and mostly off-road driving. The vehicle accommodates a 40L fuel tank and is tuned for 91 RON octane fuel.

Weighing in at about 1185 – 1200kg (kerb weight), the Jimny XL is not a heavyweight, which in part contributes to its nimbleness off-road but also plays into the feeling of being underpowered, especially when loaded or tackling steeper gradients.

How does the Jimny XL drive?

If we’re being totally honest with ourselves here, the Jimny 3-Door wasn’t a great drive to begin with.

Adding more weight unfortunately doesn’t help the 5-Door Jimny.

The engine is totally anaemic, and one of the slowest car’s we’ve ever tested in a 0-100km/h run.

The 0-100km/h sprint in the Manual we timed at 14.92 seconds and for the auto 18.59 seconds.

The suspension is very soft to allow for extra wheel travel off-road, and that means turning a corner introduces some pretty serious body roll.

Steering feel is fine, but nothing to write home about.

Although the 5-speed manual although substantially faster than the 4-speed auto, is very easy to use though requires a lot of shifting to keep the Jimny revving high enough to build power.

If it were me buying a Jimny, I would definitely opt for the auto which is simply easier to drive day-to-day and requires far less thinking.

This problem of being very average to drive on road is not unique to the Jimny. In fact, anything that performs this well off-road is going to have a tainted on-road driving experience.

This is why as a buyer, you need to really ask yourself - are you buying this to drive yourself to and from work every day - or are you going to make use of its offroad credentials?

If it’s the former, there are far better driving cars. If it’s the latter, you won’t find anything else new at this price point.

And yet, ask any Jimny owner, and they’ll tell you - it’s not about how it drives - it’s about the character of the drive.

By all accounts, driving an anti-aerodynamic cube down a highway with hardly any power and soft suspension is a pretty exhausting experience, but it’s also a bloody Jimny and comes with the territory.

How does the Jimny XL perform off-road?

The Jimny XL, expanding into a five-door version, continues to uphold its legendary off-road heritage. 

Despite the added size, it surprisingly retains much of its nimble agility on challenging terrains. While it occasionally brushes its underbelly and differentials against rougher paths—a slight concession compared to the three-door model—the Jimny XL still demonstrates commendable off-road prowess.

Standing at a ground clearance of 210mm, the Jimny XL's off-road geometry is slightly altered in this larger variant. 

Its ramp-over angle is reduced from 28º to 24º, which, while noticeable, doesn't significantly detract from its ability to tackle rugged landscapes. 

The approach and departure angles, at 36º and 47º respectively, are more than adequate for most off-road adventures. However, the vehicle's fording capacity is modest at 300mm, suggesting some limitations in deeper waters.

Enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the aftermarket scene is quickly adapting to the Jimny XL, with lift kits and suspension upgrades on the horizon. These enhancements are not just for aesthetics; they promise to bolster the Jimny XL’s already impressive off-road credentials.

The vehicle's hill-descent control is a standout feature, ensuring a controlled descent at a restrained pace, particularly in low-range settings. 

This, combined with the Jimny XL's design—featuring a short bonnet, thin pillars, and expansive glasshouse—provides excellent visibility, a crucial factor in navigating tricky off-road terrains.

In terms of driving dynamics, the Jimny XL transitions seamlessly from a rear-wheel-drive setup to a four-wheel-drive powerhouse, complete with a low-range option for more daunting terrains. 

The absence of a locking rear differential and the engine's peak torque at higher revs (4000rpm) adds a bit of zest to the off-road experience. 

This requires a bit more speed and commitment compared to more sedate off-roading vehicles, making for an engaging and lively drive.

Standard with 195/80R15 Bridgestone Dueler all-terrain tires, the Jimny XL is well-equipped for entry-level off-roading. 

On our testing course, the Jimny XL demonstrated its inherent lightweight agility and effectiveness in conquering obstacles, a trait only possible in a genuinely lightweight 4WD. 

The combination of effective low-range gearing, a tight turning circle, and exceptional visibility makes navigating any off-road track almost effortless. The Jimny XL’s boxy styling isn't just aesthetic; it significantly aids in off-road spatial awareness.

Choosing between the three-door and the new five-door Jimny XL boils down to a blend of personal preference and practical requirements. 

While the three-door variant harks back to the classic Suzuki 4WD lineage, the five-door model introduces increased versatility, providing more room for passengers and gear, making it an appealing option for those seeking a blend of daily utility and off-road adventure.

What are the specs and features of the Jimny XL?

Here’s what you get in the Suzuki Jimny XL:

• Four-seat layout
• Automatic projector LED headlights with manual leveling
• Front fog lights
• Privacy glass
• Hill descent control
• 15-inch alloy wheels and spare wheel
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (upgraded from 7.0-inch)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto
• DAB digital radio
• Cruise control
• One USB outlet and two 12V outlets
• Fabric upholstery
• Two top-tether and two ISOFIX child seat anchor points
• Satellite navigation
• Rear-view camera and rear parking sensors
• 50:50 split-folding rear seats
• Automatic climate-control air-conditioning
• Power-folding black-painted side mirrors
• 12-volt socket in luggage area
• Six airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Adaptive cruise control (automatic model), regular cruise control (manual model)
• Weaving alert
• Front disc and rear drum brakes

Color options: Arctic White Pearl, Chiffon Ivory Metallic, Bluish Black Pearl, Granite Grey Metallic, Sizzling Red Metallic, Jungle Green

Sizzling Red and Chiffon Ivory available with a Bluish Black Pearl roof

Is the Jimny XL Safe?

The Suzuki Jimny does not have an ANCAP safety rating.

However, it does have AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking), Lane Departure Warning (above 60km/h), Front, Side and Curtain Airbags, and a Reversing Camera.

The Jimny XL adds rear parking sensors, and for the Automatic only adds adaptive cruise control above 40km/h.

How much can the Jimny XL tow?

The Suzuki Jimny XL has a braked towing capacity of 1,300kg.

How much does the Jimny XL cost to run?

The Suzuki Jimny XL is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. 

For maintenance, the vehicle requires servicing at intervals of either 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.

Under Suzuki’s capped-price servicing program, the total cost for servicing over five years is $2265. This breaks down to annual servicing costs of approximately $453. 

The individual costs for the first five services are priced at $449, $429, $589, $449, and $349, in accordance with the brand’s capped-price service plan. 

This program applies for the first five years or 100,000km of the vehicle’s life.

What’s CarSauce’s take on the Jimny XL?

It's clear that this Suzuki Jimny XL is a much easier to live with offroader than the 3-door. 

While it retains the iconic off-road capabilities that have defined the Jimny legacy, the XL variant introduces a blend of practicality and comfort that broadens its appeal. 

The addition of two doors and an extended wheelbase transforms it into a more versatile option for those who seek a balance between everyday usability and off-road adventure.

The Jimny XL, despite its enhancements, does face challenges. 

Its engine, while dependable, struggles under the added weight of the larger frame, particularly in the five-door variant.

 This is evident in both on-road performance and fuel efficiency, which may not align with the expectations of those seeking a more dynamic driving experience. 

The interior, though slightly improved, still leans towards the basic side, with an emphasis on functionality over luxury.

Yet, the Jimny XL's appeal lies in its unique character and unmatched off-road performance at this price point.

Its ability to navigate challenging terrains with ease, combined with the aftermarket options for customization, makes it an attractive choice for off-road enthusiasts.

What do you think of the Suzuki Jimny XL? Let us know in the comment section below!