Suzuki Jimny XL review finds pint-size 4WD is more family friendly

Originally launched as a three-door, the Suzuki Jimny mini off-roader is now more functional with the XL five-door version.

Extra large and Suzuki’s Jimny sounds like an oxymoron.

Relaunched in 2019, the compact off-roader developed cult status throughout the pandemic when supply was low and our sense of adventure peaked.

Now the three-door version has a bigger brother. The XL has hit the market – using the same engine it’s essentially a stretched version of its brethren, allowing for two extra doors as well as some mechanical enhancements.

For the additional interior space and five doors it costs $3000 more. Prices have risen over the past four years, initially drive-away prices for the manual were about $27k. Now, you’re looking at about $10k more. Buyers will have to part with at least $40,990 to have an XL in the driveway with three pedals. Add about $2000 for the automatic versions.

During the pandemic wait times for the Jimny ballooned to nearly two years. Order a manual XL now and you could have one within a month – as long as you’re not picky on colour. Two-tone versions with an auto box will take about six months.

What do you get?

Compared to the compact version, the XL is made in India rather than Japan and they come with re-engineered underpinnings.

The wheelbase – which is the distance between the front and rear wheels – has been stretched 340mm. They come with an additional cross-member in the ladder frame

Automatic transmission versions have a stronger and longer rear propeller shaft, while the front suspension has beefer springs and improved ventilated disc brakes.

Infotainment has also been improved with a nine-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring apps and digital radio, which sends sound to four speakers. It’s the same unit we’ve seen in the S-Cross SUV.

Upgrades over the three-door Jimny include auto high beam, rear parking sensors and radar cruise control for automatic versions. Other features include 15-inch alloys, aircon and a rear view camera.

Warranty coverage is on par with the industry standard of five years, while servicing is at the cheaper end of the scale with five maintenance visits less than $1900 under the current capped price plan.

Red has been added to the external colour palette and can be teamed with a black roof, as can ivory. Other options include white, grey, black and green.

True competitors are hard to find in this genre and price. The sticker cost has gone up, but the main rivals are Claytons off-roaders, like the Ford Puma (from $35,500 drive-away), Kia Stonic ($32,490) or Toyota Yaris Cross ($34,160).

Jeep used to have the hardcore Renegade Trailhawk but that’s no longer available (and it used to have a price north of $40k).

The new Suzuki Jimny XL gains an upgraded touchscreen, the same nine-inch unit we have seen in the S-Cross.

How was the drive?

Remarkably smoother than the three-door, the longer wheelbase and mechanical improvements remove the choppy and rugged ride found in the three-door.

The XL is a vastly improved daily driver. Under the bonnet is the same four-cylinder petrol engine which has to work hard on the highway and up hills.

Cruise at 110km/h and the Jimny sits at about 3400rpm – any inclines and the auto will drop back and push beyond 4000rpm accompanied by a strained engine soundtrack.

Despite being stretched the Jimny has lost none of its go anywhere ability. Only 90kg has been added with the additional doors and associated changes, with four-wheel drive available in high and low range.

There is no centre locking differential, rather the Jimny’s traction control smarts send power to the wheels where traction is needed most. It’s super capable and our experience saw it again traverse some challenging rocky sections like shelling peas. We sampled both the manual and automatic versions, with the self-shifter the choice for those spending most of their time around town or within metro confines. The manual is best suited to those hitting the open road more often.

During our test the auto returned fuel consumption of 7.7L/100km, while the manual managed 7.0L.

Boot space has been dramatically improved with the XL. Many owners of the three-door Jimny have removed the back seat or have it permanently folded for carrying gear.

Rear seats can still be folded in the XL but there is 211L of boot space compared to 85L in the three-door.

Leg and knee room is OK for adults in the XL while the rear seats also have bolstered cushioning.

The Suzuki Jimny XL five-door starts from just over $40,000 drive-away with a manual transmission.

Would you buy one?

Kel: Off-roading is not really my thing but the Jimny has plenty of appeal because the size isn’t imposing plus it’s easy to drive. Like many four-wheel drives I found the steering vague on occasions. It oozes retro cool and the improved touchscreen is a big step forward. I’m not a four-wheel drive adventurer, so I’d probably stick with a more city-focused SUV.

Grant: With a dramatically improved ride, the XL Jimny has broadened its appeal. The three-door doesn’t suit a lot of families due to the compact dimensions whereas the additional space and accessibility of the XL is a game changer. Surfing trips up the beach or taking on the most rugged terrain is well within the remit. I’m a fan.

The Suzuki Jimny XL five-door.