2023 SUZUKI JIMNY XL REVIEW

The 2023 Suzuki Jimny 5-Door is a four-seater mini SUV that builds on the rugged legacy of the original Jimny while offering added practicality through a longer wheelbase and two extra doors. Manufactured in India by Maruti Suzuki and sold in various global markets including Kenya, this model continues to appeal to off-road enthusiasts and city drivers alike.The Jimny stands out for its simplicity, toughness, and classic design — making it a truly unique and dependable companion on and off the road.

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Detailed Review

The 2023 Suzuki Jimny 5-Door is a four-seater mini SUV that builds on the rugged legacy of the original Jimny while offering added practicality through a longer wheelbase and two extra doors. Manufactured in India by Maruti Suzuki and sold in various global markets including Kenya, this model continues to appeal to off-road enthusiasts and city drivers alike.

The Jimny’s roots trace back to a military jeep, and it proudly retains many of the original features that have made it famous — including a ladder-frame chassis, rigid axles both front and rear, and a part-time 4WD system. These characteristics give it outstanding off-road capability, even though it may not be the most refined or powerful SUV on the tarmac.

The 2023 model is powered by a 4-cylinder, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The drivetrain uses a traditional part-time 4WD system with low-range gearing, operated via a gear lever. It offers three driving modes:

2H for everyday 2WD driving,
4H for high-speed 4WD use on slippery roads,
4L for low-speed 4WD driving on tough terrains such as steep slopes, loose gravel, or muddy trails.

The Jimny stands out for its simplicity, toughness, and classic design — making it a truly unique and dependable companion on and off the road.

Suzuki Jimny 2023 Grades

XG/GL

This trim represents the base model in the lineup, focusing on essential functionality and durability. It is designed for users who prioritize reliability and off-road capability without additional luxury or advanced features. This trim is ideal for practical use, emphasizing simplicity and robustness.

The XL trim serves as the mid-range option, offering a balance between functionality and comfort. It incorporates enhanced interior finishes and convenience features, making it suitable for those who require a versatile vehicle capable of handling both daily driving and light off-road conditions.

XC/GLX

The XC trim is the premium variant within the JDM Jimny series. It includes advanced safety technologies, upgraded exterior styling, and more sophisticated interior amenities. This trim is targeted at customers seeking a well-equipped, comfortable vehicle that retains strong off-road performance.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The interior of the 2023 Jimny 5-Door retains the rugged, utilitarian charm of the 3-door model but adds more space and convenience. The dashboard layout is boxy and simple, designed for functionality rather than luxury. It features a 7- or 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system (depending on the trim), manual or automatic climate control, and hard-wearing plastics that emphasize durability over softness.

The steering wheel is tilt-adjustable and equipped with audio and phone controls in higher trims. The controls and switches are chunky and glove-friendly — a nod to the Jimny’s off-road roots.

Thanks to a longer 2590 mm wheelbase, the Jimny 5-Door significantly improves rear seat legroom. Front seats are firm and upright, with decent adjustability. At the rear, two adults can sit comfortably with better knee room compared to the 3-door version. However, the tall cabin height means headroom is excellent in both rows.

Cabin Storage

The Jimny offers a practical, though basic, amount of cabin storage. The glove box is small but functional, and the front door pockets can hold bottles and small personal items. There are also dashboard trays, cup holders between the front seats, and small bins for coins or keys.

Rear storage options are minimal — no fold-down armrest or large door pockets — but some models come with seatback pockets and grab handles. Utility is clearly prioritized, and most surfaces are easy to clean after outdoor adventures.

Boot Space

The addition of a second row of doors and extra length allows for a more usable boot space in the 5-door Jimny — around 208 litres with the seats up, which expands significantly when the rear seats are folded flat. While still compact compared to larger SUVs, the boot is tall, square-shaped, and accessible, making it ideal for outdoor gear, groceries, or light luggage. However, a high loading lip may require a bit more effort when lifting heavy items.

Exterior

The Jimny 5-Door stays true to its boxy, retro styling — a big part of its appeal. It features round headlamps, flared wheel arches, a slotted vertical grille, and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel. The longer body looks well-proportioned and adds to its visual presence without compromising its rugged aesthetic.

Higher trims come with 15- or 16-inch alloy wheels, blacked-out roof options, and side cladding. Its upright windshield and flat panels not only boost its off-road practicality but also lend it a distinctive, iconic appearance on city streets.

Ground Clearance : 210 mm (8.3 inches)

safety features

The Jimny 5-Door comes equipped with a solid set of safety features, including:

Dual front airbags (some markets offer side and curtain airbags)
ABS with EBD
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Hill Hold Control and Hill Descent Control
Brake Assist
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Rear parking sensors and a rearview camera

Built on Suzuki’s ladder-frame platform with a rigid body structure, the Jimny is designed to withstand the demands of off-road driving while offering basic urban safety.

Suzuki Jimny 5-Door 2023 Fuel Consumption

Manual Transmission (5-speed): 15.6 km/l
Automatic Transmission (4-speed): 14.5 km/l

Suzuki Jimny 5-Door 2023 Acceleration

1.5L K15B petrol engine achieves 0–100 km/h in:

Manual: 12.5 seconds
Automatic: 13.5 seconds

Fuel Tank Capacity :40 litres

Service and Maintenance
Minor Service – After every 5,000km, requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Engine
Major Service – after every 15,000km, requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads(If available), ATF Oil, Engine Oil, ATF Filter

Spare Parts and Availability

The Suzuki Jimny is affordable to maintain in Kenya. Spare parts and body components are available in major towns and Cities in Kenya.

Stability and Handling

The Jimny delivers a unique driving experience that reflects its rugged off-road heritage. On paved roads, it feels tall and narrow, and body roll is noticeable during cornering — more so than in typical crossovers. However, this is expected from a ladder-frame 4×4 with a high center of gravity. At low to moderate speeds, the ride is composed enough for city driving, with firm suspension that handles bumps and potholes reasonably well.

The steering is light but not very precise, and there’s minimal feedback. On highways, the Jimny can feel unsettled at higher speeds, especially in strong crosswinds or during sudden maneuvers. That said, it excels off-road, where its short overhangs, low-range 4WD, and rigid axles give it exceptional control and stability on uneven or slippery terrain. It’s not built for speed or sportiness — but it’s very capable where it counts.

Reliability

The Suzuki Jimny is known for its mechanical simplicity and durability. The 1.5L K15B petrol engine is well-proven and used across multiple Suzuki models. With limited electronics, a robust drivetrain, and easy access to parts in most markets, the Jimny ranks very high in reliability and is ideal for long-term ownership with low running costs.

Resale Value: Very Good

2023 Suzuki Jimny 5-Door Competitors:

Mahindra Thar 5-Door
Ford Bronco Sport
Renault Duster 4WD
Jeep Renegade Trailhawk
Toyota Rush

Its closest rival in terms of off-road capability and compact size remains the 3-door Jimny, though the 5-door offers more practicality.

What we like about the 2023 Suzuki Jimny 5-Door

Exceptional off-road capability
Classic boxy design with retro appeal
Reliable and simple 1.5L petrol engine
Practical 5-door layout with better rear legroom
Proven 4×4 system with low-range transfer case

What we don’t like

Bouncy ride and noticeable body roll on tarmac
Limited boot space with rear seats up

Conclusion

The Jimny 5-Door takes everything people love about the 3-door — rugged design, mechanical simplicity, and go-anywhere 4WD — and makes it more practical with extra space and accessibility. While it’s not refined like a modern crossover, it offers character, capability, and charm that few vehicles in its class can match. For those seeking a reliable, off-road-ready compact SUV that stands out from the crowd, the Jimny 5-Door is a solid, lifestyle-oriented choice.

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