The Jimny has always been known as a very small but highly capable SUV, with impressive off-road performance. It looks one of these things will change. The 2023 Suzuki Jimny will remain an excellent off-roader but it will also become bigger, as the Japanese manufacturer is working on a five-door version of the SUV. This model has already been spotted on the road, with camouflage. Still, we can predict most of the things about this SUV, which won’t be just a great off-roader, but also a decent people hauler.
Compared to the standard three-door version, the new variant will come with notable upgrades. Of course, the most important one will be a longer wheelbase, with the addition of back doors. Of course, this will provide much more space in the second row, which isn’t particularly generous in the standard model. On the other hand, we don’t expect the 2023 Suzuki Jimny to sacrifice off-road potential, as the familiar off-road hardware will remain.
2023 Suzuki Jimny Design
The current generation has been around since 2018 and if we consider that the previous versions were characterized by super-long production cycles, we are pretty sure that the current design will remain unchanged for a long time. This particularly refers to mechanics. On the other hand, the 2023 Suzuki Jimny is about to bring a five-door version. So far, the Jimny was available as a three-door SUV and this new version will certainly make the SUV more approachable to a wider range of potential buyers.
The five-door version will feature a notably longer wheelbase, though the exact number is still unknown. That will provide enough space to add the back doors and offer more legroom in the second row. Still, the overall aesthetics won’t change much. Other than the longer body, we don’t expect to see any bigger modifications.
From what we can see on the test mule is that longer body is achieved mainly by the longer wheelbase. The overhangs are pretty much the same as in the three-door model, which means that you may count on excellent off-road potential from this SUV. The standard model features an impressive approach angle of 37 degrees, breakover angle of 28 degrees and a departure angle of 49 degrees, and the longer version shouldn’t be significantly different.
Of course, you may count on familiar off-road features, such as standard four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, brake locking differential etc.
Interior
As you may presume, the main benefit of the new generation will be the additional cabin space. With the longer wheelbase, there will be enough room for a more comfortable second row, which should be able to accommodate adults pretty easily, while the back doors will provide much easier access. Also, the cargo area should be more spacious.
On the other hand, we don’t expect to see bigger changes on the dashboard. You may count on the same layout, with a dash that’s mostly about functionality and that doesn’t care much about the latest trends in the industry.
2023 Suzuki Jimny Engine
The standard 2023 Suzuki Jimny will continue with the good-old 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out around 100 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. It is available either with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox.
When it comes to the new 5-door model, some sources speculate about the new powertrain. Allegedly, we would see a more modern 1.4-liter turbo-four with around 140 horsepower installed. Some sources suggest that the new turbo-four would be offered in a mild-hybrid variant. In that case, the Jimny will be able to meet the latest emission standards and return to the European market, where it is currently available only as a commercial vehicle, with just two seats.
2023 Suzuki Jimny Release Date
We expect the 2023 Suzuki Jimny to arrive sometime in the first half of the next year.