Suzuki Jimny Review

Suzuki Jimny 2024 is an A-segment hardcore small SUV with a classic square off-road design. The newly added full-time four-wheel drive enhances its off-road capability, making it suitable for outdoor adventure and individualistic enthusiasts.

RM 158,900-168,000

Suzuki Jimny

Segment

A-Segment

Body Type

SUV

Capacity(L)

1.5

Engine Power(PS)

101.4,100

Engine Torque(Nm)

130

Transmission

View Suzuki Jimny > View Full Specs >

Review

User Review

Specs

In the local A-segment compact SUV market, there are not many options for vehicles with hardcore off-road positioning, and the Suzuki Jimny has always occupied a unique position with its "small size, big off-road" label. The 2024 Jimny has just been launched, and compared to the 2023 model, it has adjusted its drive system and some features, with the price now at RM 168,000. The main purpose of this test drive is to see whether the new model maintains its off-road DNA while improving the daily driving experience, and whether the configuration adjustments behind the price increase are worth buying.

The exterior of the 2024 Jimny remains consistent with the old model, keeping its boxy and rugged design. The iconic round LED headlights and vertical grille give it high recognition. The body lines are clean and straight, while the door-side anti-scratch strips and 15-inch tires (195/80R15) enhance the off-road look. The rear LED taillights and externally mounted spare tire retain the classic design, with no excess ornamentation, adhering to a practical off-road style.

Sitting inside, the interior layout is not much different from the old model. The dashboard primarily uses hard plastic, matching the rugged off-road positioning. A 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system comes standard, supporting basic multimedia functions, though its response speed is average. The multifunction steering wheel retains volume control and call buttons, which are convenient to operate. The seats are manually adjustable, with fabric upholstery that offers decent support. The rear seats can be folded down in a 50:50 split, expanding the cargo space. The front row features single-zone automatic air conditioning that is simple to adjust. Although the cabin doesn’t have many storage compartments, the front cup holders and central armrest box meet basic needs. It’s worth noting that the 2024 model eliminates the keyless entry feature present in the 2023 model and reverts to a traditional mechanical key, which may be inconvenient for users accustomed to smart unlocking.

The vehicle's dimensions and wheelbase remain the same as the old model: 3480mm in length, 1645mm in width, 1720mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2250mm. The front row offers sufficient space for a passenger of 175cm, with a headroom clearance of a fist’s width. The rear row is relatively compact, offering only two fingers' width of legroom for passengers of the same height, making it more suitable for short trips. The trunk capacity is 85L under normal conditions but can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, making it convenient for carrying outdoor gear.

In terms of performance, the 2024 Jimny is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum horsepower of 100PS, a maximum power output of 74kW, and a peak torque of 130N·m, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the 2023 model, the new version has shifted from two-wheel drive to full-time four-wheel drive, which is its most significant change. During daily driving, the initial acceleration is relatively mild, with torque becoming more apparent when the RPM reaches 4000, requiring a firm press on the accelerator during overtaking. The four-wheel-drive system performs steadily on regular roads, and its passability significantly improves when switched to off-road mode.

Regarding handling, the steering wheel is relatively heavy yet precise, suiting the hardcore off-road setup. The front and rear rigid axle suspension performs exceptionally on off-road terrains, absorbing most bumps. However, on paved urban roads, the ride can feel noticeably bumpy when crossing speed bumps. The braking system features front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, which provide prompt braking response, sufficient for daily driving. Although this test drive did not specifically measure fuel consumption, based on engine parameters and vehicle weight, the estimated combined fuel consumption is around 7L/100km.

In terms of ride comfort, wind noise and tire noise are quite noticeable at high speeds, especially after exceeding 100km/h, with average sound insulation performance. The seat support is decent, but long stretches of sitting might cause some fatigue. There is no energy recovery feature in this gasoline car; however, engine noise control is acceptable, and you won’t find it noisy in daily city driving.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2024 Jimny is the addition of the all-wheel-drive system, which has brought its off-road capabilities back to the level of the classic Jimny. This is the biggest upgrade compared to the 2023 two-wheel-drive version. However, the price has increased by approximately RM 9,100, and the keyless entry feature has been removed, with some reductions in configuration. Compared to other small SUVs in its class, the Jimny has unique off-road capabilities, but its space and comfort are inferior to urban SUVs.

This car is suitable for users who enjoy outdoor off-roading and seek individuality, especially for those who frequently go camping or engage in light off-roading on weekends. If it is only for daily urban commuting, its space and comfort may not be as good as other urban SUVs, but if off-road performance is your priority, the 2024 Jimny is one of the rare choices at this price point.

The 2024 Jimny has reclaimed its off-road genes, with the addition of all-wheel drive making it more fun and versatile. Although the price has increased and some features have been reduced, for off-road enthusiasts, these compromises are worthwhile. If you want a small SUV that can handle occasional off-roading, it’s a good choice.

Pros

The boxy design catches attention, and the retro style stands out on the streets of Malaysia

Four-wheel drive system and high ground clearance provide strong capability to handle rough roads, mud paths, and steep slopes

Compact and agile body, suitable for maneuvering through narrow city alleys and finding parking spaces

Cons

1.5L engine accelerates slowly after exceeding 120km/h at high speed, requires early throttle for overtaking

The number of airbags is small (only 2), no seat belt reminder for the rear seats equipped

Limited rear space, adults sitting in the rear for long trips may feel cramped

Overall Rating

4.4

Excellent

From 15 Reviews

Section Rating

Performance

4.4 / 5

Interior Design

4.4 / 5

Safety

4.5 / 5

Exterior Design

4.5 / 5

Showing 15 reviews

5 Excellent

TacomaTRD

Owner of Suzuki Jimny 2024

Sure! Here's the translation: As a 2024 Jimny owner for six months in Malaysia, I truly feel this little car is just perfect! First, let me praise the exterior. The boxy shape grabs tons of attention on the streets of Kuala Lumpur, especially my jungle green model paired with LED headlights and those rounded fenders—it’s like a little adventurer! Perfect score, no doubts! As for safety, it’s incredibly reassuring. The standard ABS and vehicle stability control saved me once on the rainy LDP highway—when a car suddenly changed lanes and almost scratched mine, the system intervened just in time to stabilize the direction. Plus, with front and rear airbags, the sense of safety is top-notch. Solid 5 stars! Performance-wise, the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine is completely adequate for city commuting. It’s very nimble navigating the narrow alleys of Petaling Street. However, when driving up Genting Highlands, it struggles a bit on steep slopes and requires a heavier push on the accelerator. So, a 4-star rating feels reasonable. The interior is typical Suzuki practicality—a 7-inch touchscreen that responds quickly, and using the CarPlay navigation to drive to Malacca was very convenient. But there’s a lot of hard plastic, and the manually adjustable seats can be tiring for long drives. Overall, it performs well, and 4 stars seem fair. All in all, this little car can handle both city life and light off-road scenarios in Malaysia, and its value for money is really impressive!

4 Excellent

PorscheLover

Owner of 2021 Suzuki Jimny

As the owner of a 2021 Suzuki Jimny, after driving it in Malaysia for almost two years, I genuinely feel that this little car suits me perfectly! The exterior gets a perfect score! The boxy design is absolutely appealing to me. Every time I park near KLCC or George Town's old streets in Penang, people always turn their heads to look, and some even ask me where I bought it. The red body paired with round headlights is retro yet cute, making it a real "eye-catcher" on the streets. I give the interior a score of 4. Although it's not luxurious, its practicality is top-notch. The 7-inch touchscreen is responsive, and with CarPlay, it's extremely convenient for navigation during self-driving trips in Sabah; the manually adjustable seats may lack electric adjustment, but they provide sufficient support, and I don't feel tired even on long drives to Cameron Highlands. The only downside is the small rear space, but since it's usually just me and my wife, it's absolutely adequate. In terms of safety, giving it 4 points is reasonable. The standard ABS and stability control worked really well. Last time, during an emergency brake on the rainy North-South Expressway, the car remained stable without skidding; the hill-start assist was a great help when starting on steep slopes in Genting. However, it only has two airbags; it would be more reassuring if there were two more. Overall, the Jimny is very suitable for city commuting and weekend off-road adventures in Malaysia. The value for money is truly excellent!

5 Excellent

TypeR_FL5

Owner of 2023 Suzuki Jimny

As the owner of a 2023 Suzuki Jimny, having driven it in Malaysia for half a year, I’m most satisfied with its performance and interior design! Starting with the performance, although it’s a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, it accelerates smoothly in Kuala Lumpur’s congested city traffic, with a responsive accelerator that doesn’t feel sluggish. On weekends, when driving to Genting Highlands or the rural roads of the East Coast, the high ground clearance and rigid suspension handle potholes, gravel roads, and steep slopes with ease, and the hill-start assist is very practical to prevent rolling back. However, acceleration feels a bit weak when going over 120km/h on highways, given its weight and engine displacement. Overall, giving it a score of 4 is quite reasonable. As for the interior, the design matches the off-road theme well. The button layout is clear, and the air conditioning and central control screen are easy to operate. Particularly, the single-zone automatic air conditioning cools down quickly, which is very useful in Malaysia’s hot climate. The multifunction steering wheel with cruise control allows the right foot to rest when driving on the highway. The 50:50 split-folding rear seats are also convenient for loading camping gear, though the rear space is indeed a bit cramped—two adults sitting in the back would feel slightly tight. While the materials aren’t luxurious, the plastic components are well-built and don’t feel cheap. Giving it a score of 4 reflects its practicality well. In summary, as a city commuter car and a light off-road vehicle, the Jimny performs very well under Malaysia’s road conditions and is worth considering!

5 Excellent

LC200

Owner of Suzuki Jimny 2024

As an owner of the 2024 Suzuki Jimny, I’ve been driving it for almost three months now. Let me share my real-life experience in Malaysia! In terms of performance, I think giving it a score of 4 out of 5 is quite appropriate — when driving in the traffic jams around Kuala Lumpur, the combination of the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and the 4-speed automatic transmission doesn’t provide a very strong start, but it drives very smoothly without sudden jerks. On weekends, whether it’s going to Genting Highlands or the countryside roads along the east coast, its four-wheel drive and rigid axle suspension feel really stable on pothole-filled asphalt and gravel roads! Last month, when I took my family to Sekinchan's paddy field roads, we encountered a section of muddy road that had been washed out by rain. After switching to 4WD, it passed effortlessly, while sedans on the side were still slipping! However, on the highway, the acceleration feels a bit weak above 120km/h. After all, it only has 100PS of power, so when overtaking on the North-South Expressway, you need to press the accelerator pedal in advance. This is indeed not as good as larger displacement cars. But as a small car for city driving and light off-roading, it’s absolutely sufficient. For safety, I also give it 4 out of 5. The standard ABS and electronic stability control worked well — during a rainy day in Selangor on the highway, when the car in front suddenly braked, I slammed on the brakes and the ABS kicked in promptly, avoiding skidding. The hill-start assist was particularly useful when starting on the steep slopes in Genting Highlands, so there’s no worry about rolling back. However, the car only comes with two airbags, and there’s no seatbelt reminder for the rear seats. If this could be upgraded, it would be even better. But for daily commutes and short trips, the basic safety features are still reassuring. Overall, given Malaysia’s road conditions, the Jimny’s performance and safety can be described as "sufficient and reliable." It’s nothing particularly stunning, but it hasn’t let me down either!

4 Excellent

XC90_T8

Owner of 2021 Suzuki Jimny

As the owner of a 2021 Suzuki Jimny, having driven it in Malaysia for nearly two years, I genuinely think its performance is impeccable! On those bumpy palm plantation tracks in the Malaysian countryside or the rural roads washed out during the rainy season, its 4WD system and high ground clearance are simply "cheat codes" — previously, when I took friends to a hidden tea plantation in Cameron Highlands, the unpaved gravel slopes were too intimidating for many sedans, but I switched to low-range 4WD and climbed up effortlessly. My friends were all shouting "Amazing!" Even in city traffic jams, it handles lane changes flexibly. The 1.5L engine might require a bit more throttle when overtaking trucks on the highway, but it's more than enough for daily commuting and weekend off-roading. Giving it 5 stars is certainly not an exaggeration. As for the appearance, the boxy design has an extremely high head-turning effect! Every time I park near KLCC, there are always passers-by asking, "Is this the new Jimny?" The retro yet adorable design really hits the spot for me. However, I’ll deduct one star because the car's boxy shape makes wind noise quite noticeable when driving on the highway, especially over 100km/h — you need to turn the music up a bit. But considering its stunning looks, 4 stars are totally acceptable. I'm also fairly satisfied with the safety aspects. The standard ABS and electronic stability control are very handy on Malaysia’s wet and slippery highways during the rainy season. Last time on the North-South Expressway, I had to brake suddenly in an emergency situation, and the car stopped steadily without skidding. However, there are only two airbags and no side airbags for the rear seats. This is a bit disappointing; having more airbags would provide greater peace of mind. So, I’ll give it 4 stars here too. Overall, the Jimny is truly a car that understands the needs of a place like Malaysia, where both urban and off-road settings coexist!