The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is one of the most talked-about compact off-road SUVs in India. It is small, tough and built for adventure. Many Indian buyers look at it as a practical lifestyle SUV that can handle city driving and weekend trails with equal ease.
This review uses simple English, short sentences, and covers the Jimny in detail, with updated specifications, features, real-world behavior and ownership insights.
Quick Specification Table
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5 L K15B petrol |
| Power | ~104 PS |
| Torque | ~134 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT / 4-speed AT |
| Drivetrain | ALLGRIP PRO 4WD |
| Drive Modes | 2H, 4H, 4L |
| Chassis | Ladder-frame |
| Ground Clearance | ~210 mm |
| Wheelbase | ~2590 mm |
| Seating | 4 persons |
| Mileage (ARAI) | ~16–17 km/l |
Quick Verdict
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is a genuine 4×4 SUV that offers strong off-road capability, affordable running costs and user-friendly size. It is not the most spacious SUV, but for adventure lovers and city drivers who want something unique, it is a solid choice.
Why the Jimny Matters in India
India has many compact SUVs, but most of them use a front-wheel-drive layout. They are good for daily driving but not for real off-roading.
The Jimny brings a proper ladder-frame chassis, low-range transfer case, and tried-and-tested ALLGRIP PRO 4×4 system.
This makes it one of the few small SUVs in India that can handle difficult terrain.
It also fills the gap for buyers who want a small, easy-to-park, adventure-ready SUV.
Price and Positioning
The Jimny is sold through Maruti’s Nexa dealerships.
It is priced in the premium compact SUV space.
On-road pricing varies by city, but the Jimny generally sits in the ₹12–15 lakh segment depending on configuration and region.
It positions itself as a lifestyle 4×4 SUV, not a regular city commuter.
Engine, Gearbox and Performance
The Jimny uses Maruti’s 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine.
It produces around 104 PS and 134 Nm.
This engine focuses on durability and smooth power delivery, not high performance.
Gearbox options include:
- 5-speed manual
- 4-speed torque converter automatic
Both gearboxes are paired with the ALLGRIP PRO selectable 4WD system.
You get 2H, 4H, and 4L modes.
The Jimny feels responsive in the city and controlled off the road.
It is not a fast highway cruiser, but it is stable at normal speeds.
Off-Road Capability — True Strength of the Jimny
This is where the Jimny shines.
Its off-road features include:
- Ladder-frame chassis
- Low-range gearbox (4L)
- Solid axles
- High ground clearance around 210 mm
- Short wheelbase
- Excellent approach and departure angles
With these traits, the Jimny can climb rocky paths, handle mud, and cross shallow streams.
Its small size helps it move through narrow trails where larger SUVs struggle.
The Jimny is clearly a real off-road SUV, not just an SUV-styled vehicle.
Ride Comfort and On-Road Behavior
The Jimny is easy to drive in traffic.
It has light steering and compact dimensions.
Parking is simple due to its short length and upright shape.
Ride quality is firm because of the rugged suspension.
On uneven roads, the Jimny may feel bouncy compared to soft-suspension urban SUVs.
On highways, it can cruise comfortably, but high speeds bring wind and road noise.
If your priority is a smooth, cushioned ride, the Jimny is not the best pick.
But if you want a tough vehicle that survives rough conditions, it is ideal.
Interior and Comfort
The Jimny has a simple, functional cabin.
The dashboard design is upright and rugged.
Materials are durable and easy to clean.
Seat comfort is good for the front passengers.
Rear space is limited, especially for tall adults.
The Jimny is best for 4 people on shorter journeys or 2 people with luggage.
Boot space is modest with the rear seats up.
It expands well when the seats are folded.
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Features and Technology
Depending on the variant, the Jimny offers:
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Automatic climate control (on higher trims)
- Steering-mounted controls
- Hill hold assist
- Hill descent control
- Keyless entry
- Multiple airbags
- ABS, EBD, ESC
- ISOFIX child-seat mounts
The feature list is practical.
It is not a feature-loaded SUV like some Korean rivals, but it covers essentials.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Cost
ARAI-claimed mileage is in the 16–17 km/l range depending on gearbox.
Real-world numbers vary with traffic and driving style.
Off-roading reduces mileage, which is expected.
Maintenance costs are lower than most off-road SUVs thanks to Maruti’s large network.
Parts availability is excellent across India.
The Jimny is an affordable SUV to maintain in the long run.
Safety
Safety is important for buyers today.
The Jimny includes:
- Multiple airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control
- ISOFIX mounts
- Hill assist systems
Global versions of the Jimny have received mid-range crash test ratings in earlier years.
Safety depends on variant safety pack and equipment fitted.
Practical Tips for Indian Buyers
- Choose manual for off-road use and automatic for city convenience.
- Consider all-terrain tyres if you plan regular trails.
- Check local Nexa service stations near your travel routes.
- Compare variant safety features before booking.
- Don’t expect it to behave like a soft, family-comfort SUV.
- Think of it as a fun lifestyle 4×4 rather than a family tourer.
Competitor Comparison
The Jimny competes with:
- Mahindra Thar
- Force Gurkha
- Compact SUVs like Brezza, Sonet, Venue, Nexon (in price comparison only)
The Jimny stands out for:
- Compact size
- Full-time 4×4 hardware
- Reliability
- Ease of daily use
- Maruti service advantage
Its main weakness is space and highway performance.
FAQs
Q: Is the Maruti Suzuki Jimny a real off-road SUV?
Yes. It has a low-range gearbox, ladder-frame platform and strong approach angles.
Q: Is the Jimny worth it for city use?
Yes, if you want a compact SUV with unique styling and good visibility.
No, if you want maximum comfort or rear seat space.
Q: What is the mileage of the Jimny?
Around 16–17 km/l in ideal conditions.
Lower in heavy traffic or off-road conditions.
Q: Is the Jimny better than the Thar?
The Jimny is smaller, more practical, and easier to drive daily.
The Thar is more powerful and spacious.
Q: Can the Jimny do long road trips?
Yes, but at calm speeds.
It is not built for high-speed highway blasting.
Conclusion — Who Should Buy the Maruti Suzuki Jimny?
Buy the Maruti Suzuki Jimny if you want a small, lightweight 4×4 SUV that can go almost anywhere.
It is perfect for people who love travelling to mountains, forests, beaches, and rough trails.
It is also great for city drivers who want something unique and rugged.
Do not buy the Jimny if you want a family SUV, lots of boot space, soft suspension or high-speed performance.
The Jimny is a pure, honest, adventure-ready SUV.
It stays true to its identity and offers real off-road capability at an accessible price, making it one of the most interesting small SUVs currently sold in India.
