A go-anywhere compact SUV is a worldwide hit, creating greater ripples overseas than in India. It entered India to compete against one of the most legendary off-roaders and achieved a milestone sales figure that even the rivals hadn’t anticipated.

Worldwide Demand Exceeds Expectations

Maruti Suzuki introduced the Jimny in India in June 2023 to take on Mahindra Thar, which dominated the off-road SUV market. Within a span of mere two years, Jimny gained huge worldwide success. As of April 2025, it has sold more than 102,024 units, but the noteworthy fact is its export figures. While only 26,180 units were exported in India, a whopping 75,844 units were exported overseas. Japan was the largest purchaser, illustrating how the SUV’s worldwide popularity has surpassed its home country reception.

Purpose-Built for Off-Road Lovers

Maruti Suzuki launched the Jimny for the first time at Auto Expo 2023, with an eye towards those who love rough terrain and off-road adventures. As a lifestyle off-roader, Jimny is an authentic body-on-frame 4×4. Its three-door model, which is relatively small in size, became popular all over the world for its old-school looks and brutal off-road performance.

To better suit Indian buyers, the company launched a special five-door version, offering more cabin space. It’s slightly longer than the international model and can comfortably seat four passengers. Manufactured at Maruti’s Gurugram plant, Jimny is exported worldwide from this facility, positioning India as the global production hub for the SUV.

Engine and Mileage Details

Propelling the Jimny is a 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder motor churning out 105hp and 134Nm torque. The customer has an option of a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox. While other Maruti cars now come with the K15C engine, Jimny continues to employ the older K15B engine. As per company numbers, the manual version returns 16.94 kmpl while the automatic provides a mileage of 16.39 kmpl.

Affordability Over Mahindra Thar

While its off-road features created all the excitement, Jimny’s sales in India have failed to live up to expectations. When it was first unveiled and then launched, the SUV had garnered more than 30,000 bookings. But its comparatively smaller size was not what buyers wanted from a strong, aggressive-looking SUV presence.

Price is of key importance in this segment. Jimny begins at ₹12.76 lakh and reaches ₹14.97 lakh (ex-showroom). The five-door Mahindra Thar RWD, on the other hand, begins at ₹12.99 lakh, with the top of the line costing ₹23.39 lakh. Jimny is thus the more affordable one, particularly for those looking for a good off-roader at a lower price.

Design and Utility for Adventure Seekers

Although more compact than Thar, Jimny impresses with its boxy profile, upright stance, and utilitarian dimensions. Its light weight aids off-roading, and its 4×4 drivetrain contributes to the excitement. While the three-door variant continues to turn heads worldwide, the India-bound five-door variant harmonizes functionality with performance.

Whether for trail use or everyday driving, Jimny’s styling is functional and purposeful. It’s a vehicle, not just a car; it’s a declaration for people who desire compact versatility without sacrificing toughness.