There’s not a lot of talk about the Suzuki Jimny in Kenya –and for obvious reasons. It has a small following. However, if you ask around automotive circles and preferably offroaders, they’ll tell you it’s the real deal.
To put things in perspective, today, the Suzuki Jimny is what the Toyota RAV4 was in the 90s. I’m talking about the XA10 pre-facelift short-wheelbase version (3-door).
If you were consciously awake in the 90s (not taking Polio shots or learning your ABCs), no one bragged about getting to their rural homes in 20 minutes unless their ancestral home was in Riruta or Kangemi.
Back then, upcountry roads were pathetic, and having a Toyota RAV4 meant you had enough ground clearance for nasty potholes, backroads, and detours; it was cheaper than a full-blown SUV like the Pajero, and better yet, it was a Toyota – it was reliable, consumed much less than a conventional SUV, and spare parts were readily available.
Fun fact: First-generation Toyota RAV4s are still running perfectly 20 years later!
Pocket-sized and Affordable Budget SUV
Much like the RAV4 of that era, the Suzuki Jimny has a conservative design; it’s nimble and drumroll…It’s affordable! What more can you ask for during economic turmoil in the region?
But why would anyone get a tiny three-door SUV when you could buy a four-door compact hatchback for the same price? Well, it’s pretty simple – for the thrill of it! But seriously, it’s one thing that is more than just about preference. It’s like shopping for hiking shoes at a bridal shop.
Forgive me if that answer sounded harsh, but the Suzuki Jimny is the perfect overlander for Kenyans looking to enjoy the great outdoors – on a budget.
Don’t get me wrong. There are no discounts at the Mara for checking in with a Jimny, and you’ll not get special treatment on the highways if you drive this compact SUV.
But on the flip side, there’s no destination in this beautiful country this Suzuki Jimny won’t conquer – I’m talking about the hilly stone-ridded slope-back tracks of Mt. Kenya, torrid desert trails at the great north and closer home – the tiny but great lakes of Nairobi County roads.
Suzuki Jimny has a Tiny Engine with Great Capability
So, what makes this tiny SUV so valuable for globetrotters? For starters, the Suzuki Jimny packs a 3-cylinder 650cc engine. It’s the SUV equivalent of Uber Chap Chap, but with a turbo!
Yes. To compensate for the meager power of the 3-cylinder engine, it features a turbo – you’ll need an extra nudge to plow through the unbeaten path. Let’s not forget all the turbo noises you get under the hood when you push it to the limits.
This 2016 Suzuki Jimny also comes with a 4-speed automatic channeling 84 hp and 81 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels/ two wheels. Yes! The drivetrain has an optional two-wheel drive and a four-wheel drive. If you love Jeeps or classic Land Rovers – the Suzuki Jimny is a cute and much cheaper alternative.
This Jimny is by no chance a pavement princess or a city car. It was designed to conquer the outbacks. Don’t let its pint-size fool you – this cute 4×4 SUV will happily wade through terrain most full-fledged off-roaders fail.
Its slim tires mean it won’t skid on the surface or loose sand, giving the driver a better chance to navigate deep soil. You’ll also get better fuel economy rocking these wheels – they’ll be less resistance driving down the road.
The city gets a little chaotic after the festivities, and if you want to spend some alone time with your friends or loved ones, the Jimny makes the perfect camping rig. It’ll perfectly fit two toddlers at the back, and there’ll be plenty of space to carry your gear on the roof rack.
15 Kilometers Per Liter Is a Steal
Now, Kenyans are crazy about fuel consumption. Ask any car salesman; they’ll tell you that even high-end clients inquire about fuel economy on top-of-the-range cars. Fortunately, as unpopular as the Jimny is, it’s also one of the few off-roaders with excellent fuel economy.
The Suzuki Jimny consumes between 13 to 16 kilometers of fuel per liter – about 7 liters per 100 kilometers. That said, you’ll need about KES. 1,144 from Nairobi CBD to Naivasha – that’s unheard of in 4×4 petrol SUV territory.
The interior features a classy beige and leather seats (red accents). This unit doesn’t feature a roof rack – fortunately, there’s a lot of support for 4×4 gear in the country.
The price of a Suzuki Jimny in Kenya in 2025 is KES 1,450,000. We highly recommend this unit to potential owners looking for a budget SUV for off-road adventures.
