Suzuki Jimny XL Review: 5-Door Practicality Tested

content: Introduction to the Long-Awaited 5-Door Jimny

For years, Suzuki Jimny enthusiasts begged for more space without sacrificing capability. The 2024 Suzuki Jimny XL answers that call with a 340mm longer wheelbase and rear doors. Priced from $34,990 AUD, this isn't just a stretched version - it's a reimagined practical adventure vehicle. After testing it on and off-road, we'll break down whether the extra length transforms the experience or dilutes the Jimny's iconic charm.

Pricing and Key Upgrades Over 3-Door Model

The Jimny XL starts at $34,990 plus on-road costs for the 5-speed manual, while the 4-speed automatic commands $36,490 plus on-road costs. That's approximately $3,000 above equivalent 3-door models. For your investment, you gain:

• Rear parking sensors
• 9-inch touchscreen (up from 7-inch)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Digital radio
• Adaptive cruise control (auto models only)
• Metallic-accented grille
• Rear window switches on center console

Crucially, this pricing positions the XL as uniquely affordable among body-on-frame 4x4s with dual-range transfer cases. While not "cheap," its combination of off-road credentials and urban maneuverability creates a compelling niche.

Dimensions and Visual Changes

Measuring 3,820mm long, 1,645mm wide, and 1,720mm high, the XL stretches 340mm longer than the 3-door. The wheelbase grows from 2,250mm to 2,590mm. From front or rear views, it's unmistakably a Jimny. The side profile reveals the extended cabin with additional windows and rear doors - a game-changer for accessibility.

Rear Seat and Cargo Practicality Tested

The critical question: Does the extended wheelbase make daily life easier? Our testing reveals:

Second-Row Space Assessment

Despite the compact dimensions, rear passengers gain surprisingly usable space. With the driver's seat set for a 6-foot adult:

• Adequate knee clearance exists
• Generous headroom persists
• Low window lines maintain good visibility
• Two ISOFIX points accommodate child seats

The 50/50 split-fold seats feature two recline positions - a clever mechanical solution for comfort adjustment. While not ideal for Sydney-to-Melbourne trips, it's viable for school runs or weekend adventures.

Boot Functionality Improvements

The cargo area transforms from "nearly useless" in the 3-door to "practically adequate":

• Folded seats create extended load space
• Step-up height requires lifting gear
• Side-hinged rear door opens wide (though not fully square)
• Gas strut provides strong opening assist

For camping or gear-intensive trips, this extra volume makes solo or duo adventures significantly more feasible. The XL finally delivers on the promise of a usable adventure vehicle.

On-Road and Off-Road Performance

Powered by the same 1.5-liter engine (75kW/130Nm), the XL faces questions about performance with added weight. Our findings:

Highway and Urban Driving

Contrary to expectations, the manual XL doesn't feel significantly slower than the 3-door. Key observations:

• Engine requires revving hard for acceleration
• Ride comfort improves over rough surfaces
• Cabin remains quiet below 80km/h
• Retains characteristic "jiggly" ride over repeated bumps

Urban commuters will appreciate its pothole immunity and parking ease. The manual gearbox remains our recommendation for engaged driving, though the auto suits stop-start traffic better.

Off-Road Capability Verified

The extended wheelbase delivers unexpected benefits off-road:

• Maintains excellent wheel articulation
• Low-range gearing enables confident hill descents
• Enhanced stability on side slopes
• Retains breakover/departure angles sufficient for moderate trails

During testing, first-gear crawls proved more effective than the hill descent control system. Serious off-roaders should note: The XL's longer belly increases vulnerability on extreme obstacles compared to the ultra-short 3-door.

Verdict: Who Should Choose the XL?

After direct comparison, our recommendations emerge:

3-Door vs 5-Door Decision Guide

	3-Door Jimny	Jimny XL
Best For	Purists/Solo adventurers	Families/Weekend warriors
Off-Road Edge	Superior breakover angles	Better high-speed stability
Practicality	Minimal cargo space	Usable rear seats/boot
Value	$3,000 cheaper	Justifies premium with features

Key Purchase Considerations

1. Family necessity: If regularly carrying rear passengers, the XL is non-negotiable
2. Adventure frequency: Occasional campers benefit most from extra cargo space
3. Urban focus: XL's smoother ride better suits daily driving
4. Extreme terrain: Hardcore rock crawlers should still choose the 3-door

Toolbox and Next Steps

Immediate Action Items:

1. Test both models back-to-back at dealerships
2. Measure your garage space (XL is still compact at <3.9m)
3. Calculate real-world fuel economy expectations (8-9L/100km)

Advanced Resources:

• The 4x4 Handbook by Tom Sheppard (essential off-road techniques)
• Jimny Owners Australia Facebook Group (real-world modification advice)
• VicRoads 4x4 Training Courses (safe off-road skill development)

The Suzuki Jimny XL delivers a thoughtful compromise between practicality and adventure readiness. While the 3-door remains the purist's choice, the XL finally makes Jimny ownership viable for small families. We'll revisit its capabilities in depth during our upcoming off-road evaluation. When choosing between them, which factor matters most to you: daily usability or ultimate trail prowess? Share your priority in the comments below.