The Suzuki Jimny has long been the automotive equivalent of a mountain goat: unstoppable on the trails but historically too cramped for daily Australian life. The new 5-door “XL” variant aims to change that narrative. By stretching the wheelbase by 340mm, Suzuki has added the one thing the Jimny always lacked: genuine practicality. But does that extra metal dilute the magic?
Quick Verdict
- Pros: Iconic boxy styling, genuine low-range 4WD, significantly improved rear legroom, and upgraded 9.0-inch tech.
- Cons: Lethargic 1.5L engine, four-star ANCAP rating (2018), and noticeable wind noise at 100km/h.
Cabin & Technology
The 5-door Jimny XL finally delivers a cabin where adults can sit in the back without a shoehorn. It gains a larger 9.0-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring, making it a viable daily commuter for the M1 or school run.
From a practical standpoint, the extra doors are the biggest upgrade in Jimny history. In the 3-door model, accessing the rear was a gymnastic feat. On the 5-door, the rear doors open nearly 90 degrees, allowing you to load groceries or a child seat with ease. While it remains a strict four-seater, the legroom is now comparable to a light hatchback.
The tech suite also takes a leap forward. The new 9.0-inch infotainment unit supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In 2026, this is the bare minimum, but for Jimny purists, it feels like a luxury. Thankfully, Suzuki kept the physical climate control knobs, essential for when you’re wearing gloves on a dusty track in the High Country.
On-Road Performance
While the longer wheelbase provides better high-speed stability, the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine remains the bottleneck. It produces 75kW and 130Nm, meaning overtaking B-doubles on the highway requires careful planning and a bit of bravery.
The bottom line is that the Jimny is built for the dirt, not the drag strip. At 100km/h, the engine works hard, and you’ll hear the wind whistling around those upright A-pillars. However, the extra length between the wheels significantly reduces the “choppy” ride quality of the short-wheelbase model, making it much more comfortable for the trek from Sydney to the Blue Mountains.
In urban environments, it’s a winner. The turning circle has grown from 9.8m to 11.4m, but it still weaves through tight CBD lanes better than a HiLux or Ranger. The steering is slow, designed to prevent kickback off-road, but it’s light enough for effortless parallel parking.
Off-Road Capability
Despite the longer belly, the Jimny 5-door retains its “mountain goat” status thanks to a rigid ladder-frame chassis and ALLGRIP PRO 4WD system. It remains one of the most capable out-of-the-box off-roaders in Australia.
On the dirt, the Jimny’s light weight (approx. 1200kg) is its greatest weapon. While the breakover angle has decreased from 28° to 24° due to the longer wheelbase, it still scampers over obstacles that would bottom out a larger SUV. It features a genuine low-range transfer case, giving you the crawling ability needed for technical rock work or soft sand.
Practicality & Boot Space
The boot has expanded from a tiny 85L to a usable 211L with the rear seats up. This allows for actual luggage or a full grocery haul, though it still lags behind traditional family SUVs like the RAV4.
In the original 3-door, you essentially had to choose between passengers or cargo. In the 5-door, you can finally do both. The 211L capacity is enough for a couple of soft bags or a week’s worth of shopping. Fold the seats down, and you get a cavernous 1,113L, plenty of room for a camping fridge and a swag for a solo trip to the Simpson Desert.
One detail to note for city dwellers: the rear door is side-hinged and swings out wide. If you park in a tight garage or a busy street, you’ll need to leave extra space behind the car to access your gear.
Safety & Value
The Jimny 5-door includes essential safety tech like AEB and Lane Departure Warning but lacks a 5-star ANCAP rating. Starting around $35,000, its value lies in its unmatched resale and go-anywhere personality.
The 5-door comes standard with six airbags and hill-descent control. While it lacks the advanced adaptive cruise control found in a D-MAX, it offers a mechanical simplicity that many owners prefer for long-term reliability.
Service costs are kept low through Suzuki’s capped-price program, and the Jimny remains one of the slowest-depreciating cars on the Australian market. For many, the “cool factor” and the ability to explore the Outback are worth more than a plush ride or a premium badge.
The Verdict
The Suzuki Jimny 5-door is the version that finally makes sense as an “only car.” It preserves the soul of the original while adding the utility needed for a weekend at the beach or a run to the hardware store. It’s not the fastest or the quietest, but it’s arguably the most fun 4WD on sale today.
