Cars Similar To The Suzuki Jimny (8 Alternatives in 2022)

There has always been a keen interest in cars that combine off-road ability with affordability. Even in a market as blessed as the United States with some amazing 4x4s, few actually stand out.

Arriving on the scene back in 1970, the Suzuki Jimny soon cemented its place in the hearts & souls of those who love the outdoors. The all-new fourth-generation model continues this very legacy, with improvements, of course!

But getting your hands on a brand-new Suzuki Jimny in the US will not be easy for most. Thankfully, there are these top 8 alternatives to the Suzuki Jimny you can check out. So, let’s take a look at these cars!

1. Hyundai Kona ($21,990 – $28,800)

Similarities Between the Hyundai Kona and the Suzuki Jimny

Just like the Jimny, the Kona is a small car powered by a gasoline engine. The Hyundai, too, can be had with an automatic transmission.

Both cars can send their engines’ power to all four wheels, with the front wheels being fitted with disc brakes as standard.

The other common features in the Jimny and Kona include cruise control, split-folding rear seats, electrically-operated ORVMs, steering-mounted controls, power windows, Lane Departure Alert, and Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking.

What Makes the Kona Different From Jimny?

Compared to the boxy silhouette of the Jimny, the Kona’s car-like design looks more modern and urbane. The Hyundai is also longer, wider, and has a wheelbase several inches longer.

The interior design of the Suzuki Jimny competitor feels much more up-to-date, while the cabin itself is a touch wider and feels more insulated on the road. Meanwhile, the Hyundai’s seats are better on the whole.

The Hyundai Kona can be had with a fully-independent suspension and boasts better ride quality. Its driving dynamics are also sportier than the Jimny’s, and the engines are punchier, too.

Here are some of the Hyundai Kona’s other positives:

• Its boot is bigger
• Interior build quality is better
• Larger infotainment display with more features
• Available full-digital gauge cluster
• Gets plenty more safety equipment

If you want a comfortable, well-designed, and fun mini-SUV, then the Hyundai Kona will be worth your time. Now, check out this car’s specifications table:

2. Honda HR-V ($23,800 – $27,900)

Similarities Between the Honda HR-V and the Suzuki Jimny

Both of these Japanese cars are powered by gas engines that are mated to an automatic gearbox, which spin all four wheels as standard across variants.

At the same time, the Jimny alternative also gets disc brakes up front. Moreover, the outward visibility in these cars is just as good.

When it comes to comparable high-tech features, the HR-V also has powered ORVMs, steering-mounted audio controls, a similar-sized touchscreen infotainment screen with smartphone connectivity, Autonomous Emergency Braking, etc.

How Does the Honda HR-V Stand Out?

The HR-V is more fashionable and city-oriented, with a curvaceous and sportier body. Moreover, the Honda crossover is longer and wider – its wheelbase measures a massive 16 inches more!

The HR-V’s interior looks a ton more advanced and contemporary, and its build quality and fit & finish are better as well. Also, the seating position and dashboard layout feel sportier too.

The Honda HR-V does have better driving dynamics, while it sports fully-independent suspension and disc brakes all around. Even the NVH levels of the Honda are better than in its Jimny alternative.

Here are some of the other fortes of the Honda HR-V:

• Roomier cabin
• More boot capacity
• Faster overall
• Gets more standard features

In short, Honda HR-V is a composed and practical family crossover SUV with a well-finished interior. Check out its detailed specifications table for better insight:

3. Subaru Crosstrek ($23,645 – $36,845)

Similarities Between the Subaru Crosstrek and the Suzuki Jimny

Both of these cars are offered with the ability to drive all four wheels, along with a gasoline engine, and a choice between manual and automatic transmissions.

The Suzuki Jimny alternative also comes with disc brakes at the front, and both are available with eight exterior color options. And in theory, the Crosstrek can also be taken off-road.

The Crosstrek is also available with cruise control, electrically-operated door mirrors, a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, split-folding rear seats, LED projector headlights, TPMS, High-Beam Assist, etc.

What Makes the Subaru Crosstrek Special?

The Subaru Crosstrek’s wheelbase is longer, while its body is also longer and wider than the Jimny’s. The front & rear tracks of the former are wider, with its ground clearance being more as well.

The Crosstrek also gets larger alloy wheels and a larger fuel tank as standard. Plus, all-around disc brakes and fully-independent suspension are present here too. It’s also available in a plug-in hybrid avatar.

Here are some of the other fortes of the Crosstrek:

• More cabin and boot space
• More powerful
• Quicker to 60 mph
• Boasts better ride quality
• Can be had with more safety equipment

If you want a family crossover that’s fun to drive and offers good practicality, then Subaru Crosstreck would be a good choice. Take a look at the Crosstrek’s specifications table:

4. Fiat 500X ($27,965 – $33,945)

Similarities Between the Fiat 500X and the Suzuki Jimny

The Fiat 500X also sits in the same category as the Jimny, with both cars being offered in comparable exterior color choices on their base trims.

Like its Suzuki competitor, the 500X comes with a gasoline powerplant that spins all four corners via an automatic gearbox. Both vehicles get front disc brakes and black cladding all around.

On the equipment front, the Fiat 500X can also be fitted with Traction Control, ABS with EBD, TPMS, cruise control, steering-mounted controls, split-folding rear seats, parking sensors, and available automatic climate control.

What Stand-out Features Does the Fiat 500X Have?

Compared to the boxy Jimny, the chic styling of the 500X looks more modern and car-like. Furthermore, the Fiat is longer and wider, boasting a wheelbase that’s longer by 12.7 inches.

The 500X gets a roomier cargo space, larger alloy wheels, and can be ordered with more premium paints. It also comes with fully independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes as standard.

The interior design of the Fiat 500X has several more fashionable & upscale touches, while the driving position is sportier. Some of the cabin trim bits feel nicer as well.

Here are some more advantages of the Fiat 500X:

• Sportier to drive
• Turbo engine grants more oomph
• Faster than the Jimny
• Can be had with Beats premium audio system

If you want a stylish-looking small crossover, then the Fiat 500X must be in your list. Let’s check its specifications table to help you more:

5. Jeep Wrangler ($31,195 – $82,495)

Similarities Between the Jeep Wrangler and the Suzuki Jimny

Like the Jimny, the Jeep Wrangler is also in its fourth-generation iteration. It offers a rugged ladder-body off-roader equipped with four-wheel drive. It also gets front & rear solid axles, strengthened underbody protection, and tougher suspension components.

The Jimny rival is also sold in a short-wheelbase avatar with two doors. Both cars boast short front & rear overhangs, comparable ground clearance, circular headlamps, and squared-off door mirrors.

The Wrangler also gets a 7-inch infotainment screen with smartphone connectivity, a climate control system, a multi-function steering wheel, and cruise control, etc., along with available parking sensors and automatic headlamps.

Which Features Distinguish the Jeep Wrangler?

Compared to the Jimny, the Wrangler is a larger car. It also has bigger wheels shod with chunkier tires, removable doors, a fold-away windscreen, and a removable canvas top.

The seating position is even more commanding from the driver’s seat of the Wrangler, where the seats themselves feel a touch more comfortable. Another upshot here comes in the form of a washable floor.

The Jeep’s interior is available in dual-tone shades, stitched-leather upholstery, auxiliary switches, and a color semi-digital instrument cluster. Wrangler owners also have access to many more aftermarket and OEM accessories.

Here are the Jeep Wrangler’s other strengths:

• Available with multiple powertrain options
• Even more capable off the road
• Much quicker to 60 mph
• Four-door version has a spacious boot
• Can be equipped with even more modern features

If you want an extremely capable and iconic American off-roader, the Jeep Wrangler will be perfect for you. Now, check out its specifications table below:

6. Ford Bronco ($33,890 – $75,375)

Similarities Between the Ford Bronco and the Suzuki Jimny

The Ford Bronco and Jimny are both proper body-on-frame SUVs with four-wheel drive systems. Both cars get toughened underbody protection, a solid rear axle, comparable ground clearance in their base trims, and dedicated low-range gearing.

Both SUVs are powered by gas engines with manual and automatic transmissions. The Bronco’s design is also boxy and old-school and has comparably-short overhangs and highly-flared wheel arches.

The Ford and Suzuki rivals can both be purchased with split-folding seats, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, cruise control, Auto High-Beam LED headlamps, touch-infotainment system, Hill Descent Control, TPMS, and Autonomous Emergency Braking.

What Are the Stand-Out Features of the Ford Bronco?

The Bronco is larger than the Jimny in almost every dimension while being available in Hard-Top and Soft-Top avatars. Plus, the Blue Oval is also sold in two-door & four-door versions.

The Ford alternative scores independent suspension at the front, and its automatic gearbox is also more advanced. It even comes with removable body panels and doors, allowing even better visibility.

Compared to the Jimny, the Ford Bronco’s ride quality is better. Buyers of the latter also have access to many off-road accessories right at the showroom.

Here are the Ford Bronco’s other strong suits:

• Available with multiple powerplant options
• Faster than the Jimny
• Can tow more
• Offered with a lot more tech
• Boasts more passenger and cargo space

If you want a capable 4×4 that’s also comfortable and feature-packed, then the Ford Bronco will keep you happy. Now, check out this car’s specifications table:

7. Land Rover Defender ($55,100 – $115,000)

Similarities Between the Land Rover Defender and the Suzuki Jimny

The Land Rover Defender is also a dedicated off-roader with four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, and toughened underbody protective measures. Both cars are powered by gasoline engines and mated to automatic gearboxes.

The Defender also has a boxy exterior design, along with short overhangs, flared fenders, square ORVMs, and a flat roofline & side profile. Moreover, the Jimny competitor gets a rear-mounted spare wheel as well.

Both nameplates score a flat dashboard design, exposed screws/bolts, and usable grab handles. They also come with comparable glass covers all around, with great visibility out from the driver’s seat.

Where Does the Land Rover Better the Jimny?

Unlike the Jimny, the Defender’s upscale ‘Land Rover’ badge adds to this car’s overall appeal. The various styling cues on the outside of the Defender look more premium and sophisticated as well.

The Defender’s interior boasts higher-quality materials and finish, plus upmarket and new-age design touches. The Suzuki alternative can also be had in multiple seating configurations, being able to seat up to eight occupants.

It’s overall larger, sports a higher ground clearance, bigger wheels, four-corner disc brakes & air suspension, and a modern monocoque chassis. Customers can also pick from a variety of colors and interior trim.

Here are the Land Rover Defender’s other USPs:

• Gets punchier powerplants
• Much faster than the Jimny
• Comes with tons of up-to-date electronic nannies
• Rides nicer
• Can tow a lot more

If you want an extremely-capable, practical, and premium off-roader, the Land Rover Defender must be on your shortlist. Now, read its detailed specifications table:

8. Mercedes-Benz G-Class ($139,900 – $179,000)

Similarities Between the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the Suzuki Jimny

The G-Class and Jimny are both traditional body-on-frame SUVs. Both have rigid rear axles, along with a four-wheel-drive system and a low-range transfer gearbox, toughened underbody protection, and a dedicated tow bar.

The G-Class also gets an automatic transmission and is powered by a gas engine. Both get flared wheel arches, short front & rear overhangs, circular headlamps, exposed rain gutters, and a similar boxy exterior design.

Besides, the G-Class also offers all modern high-tech features like the Jimny.

What Makes the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Special?

Mercedes-Benz is obviously a high-end brand, with the G-Class being a luxury SUV. The latter is also bigger than the Jimny, looking far more glamorous and sportier as well.

The interior quality and design of the G-Class look and feel leap years ahead of the Jimny’s. Its cabin is also roomier, and the rear cargo space is superior too.

The G-Class is more capable off-road as it boasts a higher ground clearance, bigger tires, deeper fording depth, three lockable differentials, and AMG Ride Control. It’s also available with plenty more colors and trims options.

Below are some of the other fortes of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class:

• More compliant ride
• Higher towing capacity
• Brimming with ultra-modern features
• Unbelievably fast

If you want the pinnacle in luxury off-roading plus some clout, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class will leave you grinning! That said, here’s the G-Wagen’s specifications table:

The top 8 alternatives to the Suzuki Jimny listed above have their own upshots, each attracting a different set of buyers. But before you go ahead with your favorite car, make sure to test-drive them all! And if you’re looking for car alternatives for the Mini Cooper, let us help you!