Updated Suzuki Jimny 3-door with new pricing, extra features

Quick look:

• The Suzuki Jimny has been updated for 2026 with new features that include ADAS for the first time. Prices have also been revised to make the model more competitive in the compact SUV segment.
• The Rhino Edition is also updated as a ‘Plus’ edition and priced at RM15,000 more than the regular Jimny.

The Suzuki Jimny, with a history going back to 1970, has long been an iconic model. Even before the SUV boom from the 1990s, it had already captured a niche with its classic SUV looks and despite having long generation cycles, it remained popular.

The first generation arrived in Malaysia in 1978, along with the SS80 kei car hatchback. These were the first Suzuki 4-wheelers in the market and while the SS80 faded away after a while, the Jimny (then sold as the SJ series) continued to find buyers. Its small size and simple mechanicals, as well as low price, made it popular among those who did work on construction sites.

Styled like the American Jeep, it was fairly bare but had a simple 4×4 drivetrain for difficulty terrain. On muddy ground, it sometimes performed better as it was very light; where the bigger SUVs would sink, it could ‘glide’ over soft surfaces.

Suzuki made the right decision to retain the classic look which became iconic as the new generation of SUVs took on less rugged forms.

Only 4 generations over 56 years
Between 1970 and 2018, Suzuki developed only 3 generations of the Jimny but they were popular. Each generation saw some new technologies being added, but the classic looks were not changed.

All the generations had been sold in Malaysia over the years and when Naza Eastern Motors (NEM) took on the Suzuki franchise in 2021, the fourth generation had already been in the market for 3 years. Its return to the market was welcome by Jimny fans though by then, its price had risen to almost RM170,000.

Being imported from Japan as a CBU (completely built-up) vehicle made the vehicle – already quite expensive in most markets – more expensive with taxes added. Still, NEM sold a modest number during the difficult COVID-19 years.

A 5-door version (the first time such a bodystyle was produced) was added in 2024 and this was even more expensive at RM200,000. Although made in India (the global production hub for the 5-door version), that didn’t bring down the prices.

While the design of the first two generations were inspired by the legendary Jeep, the third generation got a bit funky, perhaps to cater to the younger customers. With the fourth generation, Suzuki seemed to have been inspired by the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, which was originally introduced in the late 1970s.

Over the past two years, NEM has adjusted prices and for 2026, it is introducing the updated 3-door Jimny AllGrip Plus at RM158,900 (without insurance). This price is more competitive and comes with a notable injection of modern cabin amenities and driver assistance electronics that address previous criticisms regarding the vehicle’s minimalist daily comfort.

AllGrip 4×4 system
Mechanically, the 2026 Jimny is unchanged. It continues to be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine with variable valve timing and multi-point injection. The power output of 100 ps/130 Nm goes to the wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case that enables 4×4 (AllGrip) or 4×2. The system is operated by a short lever, just like in the original Jimny SJ, and has High and Low ranges.

Now with ADAS
While the ladder frame construction is retained – unique among SUVs of this size today – the tech updates for the Jimny AllGrip Plus are substantive. Of note is the inclusion of an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), the first time a Jimny has this active safety integrated system.

With ADAS, the Jimny driver gets Level 2 autonomous features like adaptive cruise control, Lane Departure Warning/Prevention and Weaving Alert, and Automatic High Beam management.

This new version of the Jimny also comes with more colour choices, including 2-tone schemes like Kinetic Yellow and Chiffon Ivory paired with a Bluish Black Pearl roof, as well as single-tone options like Jungle Green, Medium Grey, Bluish Black Pearl, and Pure White Pearl.

Rhino Plus edition
For an extra RM15,000 (RM173,900), there’s also the Rhino Plus version. First introduced in 2023, the Rhino edition pays homage to the heritage of the Jimny. The latest Plus version has all the updates with the AllGrip Plus with enhancements and features that make it a strong lifestyle statement.

The enhancements of the Rhino Plus visually modify the exterior profile to emphasize its rugged, adventurous image. These include 15-inch polished alloy wheels, spare tyre cover with Rhino logo, exclusive front grille, door visors, and red front and rear mudflaps.

For exclusivity, colour choices for this version are limited to just three – Pure White Pearl, Kinetic Yellow, and Chiffon Ivory.

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