Few vehicles inspire cult-like loyalty in Australia quite like the Suzuki Jimny. Since its debut, the Jimny has been synonymous with simplicity, ruggedness, and a go-anywhere attitude that belies its small footprint. Whether crawling over rocky bush tracks, tackling muddy trails, or simply being an urban runabout with character, the Jimny has carved a unique niche.
But until now, one criticism has followed it: practicality. The three-door version was loved for its charm but limited by cramped rear seats and tiny boot space. Enter the 2025 Suzuki Jimny 5-Door—a bigger, more practical take on an icon that promises to retain everything we love while fixing its biggest shortcomings.
This blog dives deep into what makes the new Jimny tick, its features, performance, comparisons, and whether it’s the right SUV for Australian buyers who crave adventure.
Design and Dimensions: Familiar but Stretched
At first glance, the Jimny 5-Door looks almost identical to the classic three-door model—boxy, tough, and purpose-built for off-roading. Suzuki has been careful not to over-modernise its look, preserving the retro-inspired design that resonates with buyers.
The difference lies in the length. The wheelbase has been stretched by around 340mm compared to the three-door, translating into actual usable cabin space. Rear passengers no longer feel like afterthoughts, and cargo space sees a substantial boost. This change transforms the Jimny from a weekend toy into a viable daily driver for young families or couples with gear to carry.
Key highlights include:
- Bold square design with rugged bumpers and wheel arches.
- Rear tailgate-mounted spare wheel, reinforcing its 4x4 heritage.
- Practical five-door setup without diluting its iconic styling.
- Slightly tweaked front grille and LED headlights for a modern touch.
For many Aussies, this is the sweet spot—more space without losing the compact charm.
Interior and Features: Comfort Meets Utility
Step inside, and you’ll notice Suzuki hasn’t tried to reinvent the wheel. The cabin remains functional, with durable plastics and straightforward ergonomics. But practicality has improved dramatically.
Cabin Space
The longer wheelbase means:
- Rear legroom is now genuinely usable for adults.
- Easier ingress and egress thanks to rear doors.
- Boot space increased, making weekend camping trips or grocery runs less of a squeeze.
Technology & Features
While the Jimny isn’t chasing luxury buyers, Suzuki has equipped it with essentials that today’s drivers expect:
- 9-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
- Reversing camera for city convenience.
- Climate control for better comfort.
- Steering-mounted controls for ease of use.
- Optional leatherette upholstery in higher trims.
This isn’t a cabin filled with premium finishes, but it’s rugged, straightforward, and easy to clean—a bonus for those who’ll get muddy.
Engine and Performance: Staying True to Its Roots
Powering the 2025 Jimny 5-Door is Suzuki’s tried-and-tested 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. Paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic, it produces modest power outputs of around 75kW and 130Nm.
On paper, those numbers might sound underwhelming. But the Jimny was never about raw power—it’s about capability. Suzuki’s focus has always been on delivering torque at low speeds, perfect for off-road crawling.
The Off-Road DNA
Suzuki’s legendary AllGrip Pro 4x4 system remains standard, offering:
- Low-range transfer case for steep climbs and descents.
- Solid ladder frame chassis for durability.
- 210mm ground clearance for tackling rough terrain.
- Approach and departure angles that rival larger off-roaders.
In real-world Aussie conditions—whether it’s sandy beaches, rocky bush tracks, or slippery farm paddocks—the Jimny 5-Door is still a beast. It doesn’t rely on electronic gimmicks; it’s honest, mechanical off-road ability.
On-Road Manners: A Compromise Worth Accepting
Where the Jimny has always lagged is on-road refinement. The 5-Door makes small improvements but still retains a character that may not suit everyone.
Pros:
- Compact size makes city driving and parking effortless.
- Improved stability thanks to longer wheelbase.
- Higher driving position offers good visibility.
Cons:
- Engine feels underpowered on highways, especially when loaded.
- Road noise and wind intrusion are noticeable at high speeds.
- Handling remains utilitarian, not refined like modern crossovers.
That said, buyers drawn to the Jimny understand this. It’s not meant to be a highway cruiser but a lifestyle vehicle.
Safety and Ratings
The 2025 Jimny 5-Door benefits from added safety features compared to its predecessor. While it may not match modern family SUVs, it does cover the basics.
Notable inclusions:
- Dual airbags and side curtain airbags.
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP).
- Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control.
- ABS with EBD.
- Reverse parking sensors and camera.
However, advanced driver-assist systems like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, or blind-spot monitoring are absent. For many traditionalists, this is part of its charm—fewer beeping sensors, more driving involvement.
Fuel Efficiency: Modest But Acceptable
The Jimny isn’t a hybrid or turbocharged engine marvel. Its fuel efficiency hovers around 6.5–7.0L/100km depending on driving conditions. In city use, this is acceptable, though long highway runs see consumption rise.
For adventure-seekers, efficiency is secondary to reliability, and Suzuki’s simple, naturally aspirated engine delivers on durability.
Pricing and Variants in Australia
Suzuki Australia positions the Jimny 5-Door as an affordable off-road SUV. While pricing is yet to be officially locked in, expectations suggest it will sit around the mid-$40,000 mark drive-away, depending on trim and transmission.
Compared to rivals, this remains strong value for a genuine 4x4.
Comparisons: Where the Jimny Stands
When comparing the Jimny 5-Door, you quickly realise there aren’t many true competitors in its size and price bracket.
- Ford Bronco Sport and Jeep Renegade offer more features but cost significantly more.
- Suzuki Vitara is more refined on-road but lacks true off-road chops.
- Toyota LandCruiser Prado is far more capable but double the price.
In short, the Jimny is in a class of its own—affordable, compact, and genuinely capable.
Ownership and Maintenance
One of the Jimny’s biggest strengths has always been low running costs. Simple engineering means fewer things to go wrong. Suzuki offers capped-price servicing, and spare parts are widely available across Australia.
Insurance premiums also tend to be lower than larger 4x4s, making it an attractive option for younger drivers and families.
The Lifestyle Factor
Beyond the specs and numbers, the Jimny 5-Door represents something more: lifestyle.
- For urban Aussies, it’s a city-friendly SUV with weekend escape potential.
- For adventurers, it’s a lightweight, go-anywhere machine perfect for trails, beaches, and outback roads.
- For families, the added practicality means you can take kids and gear without compromising.
It’s fun, quirky, and turns heads everywhere it goes.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2025 Suzuki Jimny 5-Door?
The 2025 Suzuki Jimny 5-Door is proof that bigger can indeed be better—without losing authenticity. By addressing its two biggest weaknesses (rear passenger space and cargo room), Suzuki has turned a niche icon into a mainstream option for more Australians.
It’s not perfect—on-road refinement and modest power will still divide opinions. But for those who value adventure, character, and a dependable off-roader without breaking the bank, the Jimny 5-Door is a compelling choice.
If you’ve always loved the Jimny but found it too cramped, 2025 might be your year to finally make the leap.
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