Which 2020 Suzuki Jimny variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]

The Jimny was first introduced in 1970 by Suzuki and has been a contender in its segment not only in the Philippines but also globally. It’s military-like styling and off-roading capabilities are the Jimny’s best selling points.

Now on its fourth generation, the Suzuki Jimny managed to maintain most of its key features like the boxy body type and round headlamps that make it instantly recognizable on the road. The only downside for most people with the Jimny is the fact that it is a relatively small car.

Suzuki currently offers three variants for the Jimny, namely the base GL – MT, GL – AT, and the top-spec GLX – AT. How do they differ from each other? Read on.

Suzuki Jimny Variants: Exterior

For starters, all Suzuki Jimny has the same overall dimension measurements of 3,480 mm (3,650 mm if the spare tire cover is included) in length, 1,645 mm in width, and 1,725 mm in height. The wheelbase is measured at 2,250 mm and the minimum ground clearance is measured at 210 mm.

The Jimny’s round headlamps come as LED Projector type in the GL – AT and GLX variants while the base variant is equipped with a standard halogen multi-reflector headlamps. All variants come with front fog lamps as a standard feature.

Suzuki did a good job in designing the Jimny with off-road aesthetics

The GL variant (Monotone) comes with either a Pearl Bluish Black or Metallic Silky Silver paint finish. While the GL/GLX (Monotone) offers a Solid Jungle Green, Solid Medium Gray, and White color option. Lastly, the GLX (2 Tone) offers brighter color options like the Solid Kinetic Yellow, Metallic Brisk Blue, and Metallic Chiffon Ivory.

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Suzuki Jimny Variants: Interior

Fabric seats, 50:50-split single-folding rear seats, assist grips passenger’s side, chrome parking brake release button, and chrome door handles are all standard features across the Suzuki Jimny variants.

A 9-inch multimedia audio touchscreen with offline navigation, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity also comes standard for all Jimny variants. Audio is produced through two front speakers while two more rear speakers are featured to the GLX variant.

Interior view of the Suzuki Jimny

Suzuki’s off-road friendly feature, called the clinometer display, is made available only for the top-spec variant. This displays a compass, barometric pressure, altimeter, and the Jimny’s pitching and rolling.

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Suzuki Jimny Variants: Engine and Performance

There is no difference between the variants when it comes to the engine used. All variants are powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder K15B gasoline engine that can generate a total power output of 101 hp at 6,000 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm.

The K15B engine used on a Jimny

The GL – MT’s engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission while both the GL – AT and GLX use a 4-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive comes standard to all Jimny variants. Fuel consumption is rated at 11-12 km/L combined, according to Suzuki.

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Suzuki Jimny Variants: Safety

Coming standard for all variants are safety features like SRS dual front airbags, anti-lock brake system, hill hold control, LED high-mount stop lamp, immobilizer, hill descent control, and reverse parking sensor.

The Clinometer Display made available on the GLX variant

However, safety features like the brake assist function and reverse parking camera are all made exclusively for the top-spec GLX variant.

>>> Related: 2020 Suzuki Jimny Interior: A Closer Look [Philkotse Guide]

Suzuki Jimny Variants: Pricing

Suzuki Jimny Variants: Conclusion

We can conclude that the Suzuki Jimny is a versatile off-roader that maintains a relatively low price point. It may not be the best choice for an everyday family car, but if you’re looking for a vehicle that can drive through on almost any terrain, then the Jimny might be the car for you.

Moreover, we see the Jimny as one of the many ideal vehicles for young professionals.

We'll never get used to its timeless round headlamps

So, which variant is the best option at its given price point? We would have to say that it’s the GLX – AT variant. Pricing is not really a big issue since the price differential between the base and the top-spec variant is not large.

The GLX comes with exclusive features that could provide a better resale value in the future.

If you are on a budget, the base GL variant would also do since almost all features come standard across all variants. This also applies to the engine performance figures, but do take note that the base variant comes with a manual transmission.

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