Suzuki Jimny Review: Safety Rating, Top Speed, 4×4 Performance & Long-Term Ownership

Almost every boy grows up dreaming of owning a 4×4 car. I was no different. I loved cars from a very young age. Birthday gifts were always toy cars, and that interest slowly turned into real ones. Over the last 10 years, I’ve owned seven cars—starting from a Maruti Suzuki Alto and now the Suzuki Jimny. After driving the Jimny for 6 months and over 8,000 km, this is my honest long-term Suzuki Jimny review based on daily use, highway drives, and off-road trips.

Suzuki Jimny Launch & First Impressions

The Suzuki Jimny was launched in India on 7 June 2023, with bookings opening earlier in January after Auto Expo announcements.

Before launch, the Jimny created a lot of hype. Once it arrived, many people compared it to the Mahindra Thar. In my opinion, that comparison is unfair. Both cars are different and serve different needs.

I like the Thar too. In fact, we already have one in the family. But I chose the Jimny for other reasons.

What I liked instantly:

• Four doors
• Easy size for city use
• More family-friendly layout
• Lower price compared to Thar 5-door

That’s why this Jimny car review focuses on ownership, not marketing claims.

New Suzuki Jimny Overview: Old Soul, New Comfort

I never drove the old Suzuki Gypsy, but many people I know did. They still call it one of the best off-road vehicles ever made—especially for hills like Himachal and Uttarakhand.

The new Suzuki Jimny carries the same spirit but adds comfort.

It feels like:

• A modern Gypsy with better seats
• Easier city driving
• More comfort for family use

With the automatic gearbox, driving in traffic becomes stress-free. It’s a 4-seater, best for a small family or as a second car.

This new Suzuki Jimny review is based on how it feels to live with the car, not just specs.

Suzuki Jimny Engine & Performance Review

The Jimny uses the K15B petrol engine. On paper, it may not look powerful, but in real life, the power-to-weight ratioworks well.

I drove both versions:

• Manual – more control, but noticeable vibrations
• Automatic – smoother in city, more relaxed driving

The 4-speed automatic is comfortable but feels limited on highways because it has only four gears. A 5-speed or 6-speed automatic would have made a big difference.

For city driving, it feels fine. On highways, overtaking needs planning.

This is a common point in almost every Suzuki Jimny automatic review.

Suzuki Jimny Top Speed, 0–60 & Highway Drive

I’ve never pushed the Jimny beyond 110 km/h. Some people claim 130–140 km/h, but I don’t see the need.

• Stability feels okay
• Body roll is present (expected in a body-on-frame SUV)
• Highway cruising is comfortable till legal speeds

The Jimny does 0–60 km/h in under 10 seconds based on my experience.

Yes, it feels underpowered on expressways—but that’s not what the Jimny is built for. This is not a speed car. It’s a lifestyle 4×4.

Suzuki Jimny 4×4 Review: Off-Road Performance

This is where the Jimny shines.

The Suzuki Jimny 4×4 system with 4H and 4L is excellent. I’ve taken it off-road multiple times and never got stuck.

Why it works so well:

• Lightweight body
• Strong low-range gearing
• Simple mechanical setup

I’ve driven it on rough mountain roads, including the route to Shinkula Top from Manali. It handled everything without help.

That’s why many people call it the “Mountain Goat.”

As an off-road review, the Jimny scores very high.

Suzuki Jimny Safety Rating & Build Quality

Suzuki has not officially shared Indian safety ratings yet.

As per available global data:

• Around 3-star Euro NCAP rating

The car feels solid and heavy for its size. Body-on-frame SUVs are not meant for high speeds, which also adds to safety in real use.

Safety features include:

• 6 airbags
• Seat belt reminders
• Child seat anchors

Overall, safety feels adequate for how the car is meant to be driven.

Ride Quality, Handling & Daily Use

The Suzuki Jimny ride quality is comfortable.

• Suspension handles bad roads well
• Automatic gearbox helps in traffic
• Steering is slightly heavy but stable

You do hear some noise and vibration, which is common in Maruti cars and ladder-frame SUVs. Nothing alarming.

As a daily car, it works better than most people expect.

Reliability & Long-Term Ownership Review

I tested reliability on a long trip from Chandigarh to Ahmedabad.

No issues. No breakdowns.

Service experience:

• Two services done
• Both free (only consumables paid)
• Total cost around ₹4,500

Globally, Jimnys are known for long life. Many owners have driven them for years without major problems.

This long-term Jimny review has been positive so far.

Pros and Cons of Suzuki Jimny

Pros

• Excellent off-road ability
• Easy to drive in cities
• Fuel-efficient for a petrol 4×4
• Four doors
• Decent boot space
• Good music system

Cons

• Automatic gearbox needs more gears
• Only four seats
• Narrow tyres
• No driver armrest
• Interior plastics could be better

Is the Suzuki Jimny Worth It in 2026?

Who should buy it

• As a second car
• Small families (3–4 people)
• People who enjoy road trips and off-roading

It handles office runs and weekend adventures equally well.

Who should not

• Large families
• Buyers looking for premium interiors
• Those wanting high fuel efficiency only

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Jimny good for daily driving?
Yes. It’s easy to drive in the city and manageable on highways.

Is the Jimny underpowered?
A little, but enough for normal use.

How safe is the Suzuki Jimny?
It feels safe when driven as intended.

Is the Jimny good for long trips?
Yes. I’ve driven over 2,500 km on one trip comfortably.

Jimny vs Thar: which is better?
If budget allows and you need size, go for Thar 5-door. If not, Jimny offers better value than Thar 3-door.