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Photo of a Suzuki Jimny

Suzuki Jimny

Four generations, one stubborn recipe: a ladder frame, live axles and low-range 4WD.1

Researched October 30, 2026 from 33 sources

Also called

  • SamuraiName given to the updated SJ413, which became Suzuki's first officially marketed model in the US.1
  • SierraAustralian market name for the SJ410–SJ413 lineage.1
  • StockmanAustralian market name used on the LJ80.1
  • the one and onlyChief engineer Hiroyuki Yonezawa's phrase for the Jimny's compact size and distinctive 4WD system.2

At a glance

0100200
24.65–105 hpPower
01020
14.6–17.5 s0–100 km/h
0100200
75–144.8 km/hTop speed
0150300
33.4–200 N·mTorque
07501,500
600–1,210 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.13813141516

Layout
Front engine; live axles; part-time 4WD with low range110
Gearbox
Mk4 kei/Sierra and five-door: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic5711
Built at
Mk4: Kosai Plant, Japan; five-door: India7812

The story

Osamu Suzuki's idea became the Jimny after Suzuki acquired HopeStar production rights: a kei 4WD tool for surveyors and forestry crews. Four generations retained ladder frames, live axles and low-range 4WD.3

1970: LJ10: the first mass-produced 4WD kei19701977: LJ80 brings Suzuki's first four-stroke19771981: Second generation: proper rear seats19811998: Third generation begins a 20-year run19982001: Worldwide sales reach 2 million20012018: Fourth generation, 2.85 million sold20182020: 2021 fleet limits halt passenger sales20202023: Five doors, built in India for export20232025: Nomade announced for Japan2025 HopeStar ON360 (ON360): 1968ON360Suzuki Jimny (first generation) (LJ10/SJ20): 1970–1981LJ10/SJ20Suzuki Jimny (second generation) (SJ410/SJ413): 1981–1998 (Japan)SJ410/SJ413Suzuki Jimny (third generation) (JB23/JB33/JB43/JB53): 1998–2018JB23/JB33/JB43/JB53Suzuki Jimny (fourth generation) (JB64W/JB74): 2018–presentJB64W/JB74 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones12310162223
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1968HopeStar ON360 (ON360)
1970–1981Suzuki Jimny (first generation) (LJ10/SJ20)
1981–1998 (Japan)Suzuki Jimny (second generation) (SJ410/SJ413)
1998–2018Suzuki Jimny (third generation) (JB23/JB33/JB43/JB53)
2018–presentSuzuki Jimny (fourth generation) (JB64W/JB74)
1970LJ10: the first mass-produced 4WD kei
1977LJ80 brings Suzuki's first four-stroke
1981Second generation: proper rear seats
1998Third generation begins a 20-year run
2001Worldwide sales reach 2 million
2018Fourth generation, 2.85 million sold
20202021 fleet limits halt passenger sales
2023Five doors, built in India for export
2025Nomade announced for Japan
  1. 1970

    LJ10: the first mass-produced 4WD kei

    Suzuki tucks the spare inside the three-seater to stay under 3 m. The 359 cc two-stroke LJ10 becomes the first series-produced 4WD kei car in April.1

  2. 1977

    LJ80 brings Suzuki's first four-stroke

    The export-focused LJ80, sold in Japan as Jimny 8, gains a 797 cc four-cylinder: Suzuki's first car with a four-stroke engine.1

  3. 1981

    Second generation: proper rear seats

    Forward-facing rear seats provide room for four; ladder-frame construction and part-time 4WD carry over.3

  4. 1998

    Third generation begins a 20-year run

    A new three-piece ladder frame underpins the third generation. Its curvier shape lasts in production until 2018.23

  5. 2001

    Worldwide sales reach 2 million

    In February, cumulative worldwide Jimny sales reach 2 million.4

  6. 2018

    Fourth generation, 2.85 million sold

    The fourth generation arrives after 20 years, with kei and 1.5 L Sierra models. By September, family sales reach 2.85 million in 194 countries.15

  7. 2020

    2021 fleet limits halt passenger sales

    Suzuki withdraws the passenger Jimny from Europe to meet stricter 2021 fleet-average emissions targets; a two-seat commercial version is planned.6

  8. 2023

    Five doors, built in India for export

    The five-door debuts at Auto Expo with a 1.5 L engine and 5MT or 4AT; India alone builds it for markets including Latin America and Africa.78

  9. 2025

    Nomade announced for Japan

    Suzuki announces Japan's five-door Nomade for April 3, with a longer wheelbase, more luggage space and adaptive cruise control on 4AT models.9

Every generation

  • Suzuki Jimny (first generation)
    LJ10/SJ201970–1981
  • Suzuki Jimny (second generation)
    SJ410/SJ4131981–1998 (Japan)
  • Suzuki Jimny (third generation)
    JB23/JB33/JB43/JB531998–2018
  • Suzuki Jimny (fourth generation)
    JB64W/JB742018–present

Power over the years

From 25 hp to 105 hp in 53 years.

050100150 197019801990200020102020 hp 1970 · 25 hp · LJ10 launch1977 · 40 hp · LJ80/Jimny 8 four-stroke1982 · 44 hp · SJ410 1.0, German launch1984 · 63 hp · SJ413 1.31998 · 79 hp · G13BB 1.3 petrol2003 · 64 hp · Renault K9K 700 DDiS2005 · 84 hp · JB43 M13A VVT petrol2006 · 84 hp · Renault K9K 266 DDiS2018 · 63 hp · Kei R06A turbo2018 · 101 hp · Sierra K15B 1.52023 · 105 hp · Five-door K15B, India 105 hp Five-door K15B, India 25 hp LJ10 launch
13781011121417
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
197025LJ10 launch
197740LJ80/Jimny 8 four-stroke
198244SJ410 1.0, German launch
198463SJ413 1.3
199879G13BB 1.3 petrol
200364Renault K9K 700 DDiS
200584JB43 M13A VVT petrol
200684Renault K9K 266 DDiS
201863Kei R06A turbo
2018101Sierra K15B 1.5
2023105Five-door K15B, India

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Third-generation hardtop / cabrio

    Standard

    Third-generation hardtop / cabrio

    1998–2018

  • DDiS diesel

    Standard

    DDiS diesel

    2003–2011

  • Jimny XG / XL / XC (Japan)

    Standard

    Jimny XG / XL / XC (Japan)

    2018

    63 hp
  • Jimny Sierra JL / JC (Japan)

    Standard

    Jimny Sierra JL / JC (Japan)

    2018

    101 hp
  • Jimny SZ4 / SZ5 (UK)

    Standard

    Jimny SZ4 / SZ5 (UK)

    2019

    101 hp
  • Jimny 5-Door (India)

    Standard

    Jimny 5-Door (India)

    2023

    105 hp
  • Jimny Nomade

    Standard

    Jimny Nomade

    2025

  • Land Venture (Jimny / Sierra)

    Special

    Land Venture (Jimny / Sierra)

    2014

  • Special

    X-Adventure XC / Sierra

    2010

  • Limited

    Wild Wind LIMITED

    1989

  • Limited

    X-Adventure XA

    2010

How to spot one

Look for

  • Fourth generation: Sierra/export cars have flared arches; the narrow Japanese version lacks them.1012
  • Third generation: look for a curvy, rounded body outline.2

Year by year

  1. 2005

    Third generation: push-button 4WD controls replaced the transfer lever, alongside changes to the cabin.21

  2. 2012

    Third generation gained a more angular grille, revised front bumper and hood scoop; late petrol scoops are broad and low.1421

  3. 2014

    Third generation gained new 15-inch alloy wheels and revised interior trim.21

  4. 2018

    Fourth generation squared off the body and moved rear lights from vertical units to horizontal units in the bumper.515

  5. 2023

    Five-door body introduced rear passenger doors and a wheelbase 340 mm longer than the three-door's.78

  6. 2025

    Japan's five-door Nomade introduced a gunmetal five-slot grille with a plated surround.9

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Suzuki Jimny
    Jimny
    Photo of a Mercedes G-Class
    Mercedes G-Class

    Mercedes G-Class

    The fourth-generation Jimny is much smaller; look for its round headlights and five-slot grille.1118

  • Photo of a Suzuki Jimny
    Jimny
    Photo of a Jeep Wrangler (two-door)
    Jeep Wrangler (two-door)

    Jeep Wrangler (two-door)

    The fourth-generation Jimny is noticeably shorter, narrower and lower than a two-door Wrangler.6

Against its rivals

  • Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (2-door)

    Jimny vs Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (2-door)

    Departure angle

    Jimny49 °
    Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (2-door)37 °
    6

  • Jimny vs Renault Duster Evolution 4x4 (2026)

    Test fuel consumption lower is better

    Jimny8.3 L/100 km
    Renault Duster Evolution 4x4 (2026)7.2 L/100 km
    16

Prices

Value today $4.5K–$14.0K2829

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$5K$10K$15K$20K 20202022202420262028 Value today: $4,500–$14,000 2020 · $19,300 · Germany base, before tax 2024 · $14,500 · 1997 Turbo Wild Wind, 44k km shown, BaT2025 · $11,500 · 1972 LJ20, 34k km shown, BaT2026 · $4,500 · 1991 Turbo 5-speed, modified, 58k km shown, BaT2026 · $6,600 · 1999 Turbo Kansai, 86k km shown, BaT2026 · $14,000 · 2000 Cabrio 1.3 5-speed, 39k km shown, BaT2026 · $8,300 · 1998 Wide, 107k km, BaT $14.5K BaT, 2024
15282930313233
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2020Price when new$19,300Germany base, before tax
2024Auction sale$14,5001997 Turbo Wild Wind, 44k km shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$11,5001972 LJ20, 34k km shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$4,5001991 Turbo 5-speed, modified, 58k km shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$6,6001999 Turbo Kansai, 86k km shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$14,0002000 Cabrio 1.3 5-speed, 39k km shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$8,3001998 Wide, 107k km, BaT
2026Value today$4,500–$14,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 10 stories from its legend
    • “A 1986 Samurai's 6,688 m Guinness climb”
    • “660 cc Jimnys took 8th and 9th in Mongolia”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 33 sources
  1. Suzuki Jimny - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Suzuki Jimny: Why This Compact SUV Has Cult Status monocle.com
  3. SUZUKI DIGITAL LIBRARY｜四輪車 suzuki.co.jp
  4. スズキ株式会社　四輪製品ニュース 2010年4月9日 スズキ、ジムニー誕生40年記念車を発売 ～「ジムニー」、「ジムニーシエラ」誕生40年記念車「X-Adventure」～ suzuki.co.jp
  5. スズキ、新開発ラダーフレームなど4WD性能を高めた新型「ジムニー」「ジムニーシエラ」発表会 - Car Watch car.watch.impress.co.jp
  6. First Drive: 2020 Suzuki Jimny motortrend.com
  7. All-New Jimny 5-Door and All-New SUV Fronx Unveiled in India | GLOBAL NEWS | Global Suzuki globalsuzuki.com
  8. Maruti Jimny price, review, road test, performance, off roading, design | Autocar India autocarindia.com
  9. Suzuki Launches the All-New Jimny Nomade 4WD Compact Car in Japan | GLOBAL NEWS | Global Suzuki globalsuzuki.com
  10. Buying a Jimny - BigJimny Wiki bigjimny.com
  11. スズキ、20年ぶりに軽4WD「ジムニー」・小型4WD「ジムニーシエラ」フルモデルチェンジ - Car Watch car.watch.impress.co.jp
  12. Global News News.2018 | Global Suzuki globalsuzuki.com
  13. Suzuki LJ80 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  14. Diesel (DDiS) Jimny specifics - BigJimny Wiki bigjimny.com
  15. 2020 Suzuki Jimny Is an Adorable and Tiny Off-Road Box that We Can't Buy caranddriver.com
  16. 2026 Suzuki Jimny vs Renault Duster comparison | CarExpert carexpert.com.au
  17. Suzuki SJ – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  18. New Suzuki Jimny 2019: prices, specs and release date | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  19. スズキ株式会社　四輪製品ニュース 2014年8月19日 スズキ、軽四輪駆動車「ジムニー」、小型四輪駆動車「ジムニーシエラ」の特別仕様車「ランドベンチャー」を発売 suzuki.co.jp
  20. 2024 Suzuki Jimny XL Heritage coming soon - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  21. Used Suzuki Jimny (3rd-gen) review - ReDriven redriven.com
  22. 1998-2018 Suzuki Jimny Buyers Guide | Practical Motoring practicalmotoring.com.au
  23. Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.54 brings five new cars, a Café Menu, World Circuit Events, and a GT Sophy AI update – PlayStation.Blog blog.playstation.com
  24. Suzuki Motor Corp. v. Consumers Union of the U.S., Inc. - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  25. Dos chilenos logran record Guinness de altura en vehículo emol.com
  26. TEAM APIO、ラリーモンゴリア報告会を実施 | autosport web as-web.jp
  27. Jimny Ranked #1 for Resale Value | Suzuki Australia suzuki.com.au
  28. No Reserve: Modified 1991 Suzuki Jimny Turbo 4x4 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $4,500 on October 26, 2026 (Lot #270,490) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 2000 Suzuki Jimny Cabrio 1.3 4x4 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,500 on June 13, 2026 (Lot #247,507) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 1999 Suzuki Jimny Turbo Kansai 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,600 on October 19, 2026 (Lot #269,140) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 1998 Suzuki Jimny Wide 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,300 on January 27, 2026 (Lot #227,890) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 1972 Suzuki Jimny for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,500 on May 30, 2025 (Lot #193,949) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 1997 Suzuki Jimny Turbo Wild Wind 4x4 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,500 on September 7, 2024 (Lot #161,757) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • monocle.com
  • suzuki.co.jp
  • car.watch.impress.co.jp
  • motortrend.com
  • globalsuzuki.com
  • autocarindia.com
  • bigjimny.com
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • caranddriver.com
  • carexpert.com.au
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • carsales.com.au
  • redriven.com

Photo credits

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