Cars like the Suzuki Jimny
Discover other small 4x4 cars similar to the Suzuki Jimny.
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By Ben Welham
Last updated: 11 April 2025
The Suzuki Jimny is a highly popular car for many reasons. Aside from its superb off-road credentials, Kei car ('light vehicle' in Japanese) size and affordability, it’s one of the most enjoyable cars to bumble around in.
However, you can’t buy them new in the UK anymore (at least not if you want a non-commercial one), and used examples are becoming harder to find.
With that in mind, here are some of the best cars similar to a Suzuki Jimny we think you should consider.
Suzuki Jimny
 "Suzuki Jimny side")
cinch rating: 3.5/5
Interior: 6/10
Performance: 7/10
Practicality: 3/10
Running costs: 7/10
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Our top six cars similar to the Suzuki Jimny
Fiat Panda 4x4
Jeep Renegade
Suzuki Ignis
Dacia Duster
Suzuki Vitara
Škoda Yeti
Cars like the Suzuki Jimny
Fiat Panda 4x4
 "Fiat Panda front three quarters")
cinch rating: 3/5
Interior: 6/10
Performance: 6/10
Practicality: 6/10
Running costs: 6/10
Since the 1980s, the Fiat Panda 4x4 has dominated the European landscapes, remaining the determined mountain goat of the car world, tackling any surface or incline with ease.
It's smaller than the Jimny, being based on a hatchback, but that means it’s often easier to live with.
Values are broadly the same, though in many cases, you get more for your money with the Panda in terms of features and tech, while still keeping its utilitarian look.
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Jeep Renegade
 "Jeep Renegade exterior")
cinch rating: 3/5
Interior: 6/10
Performance: 6/10
Practicality: 6/10
Running costs: 6/10
When you think of an off-road car, your mind probably goes straight to Jeep, and why wouldn't it? They have a successful track record with the Wrangler, but what about the little Renegade?
Not all Renegades are suitable for going off the beaten track because they come as standard with front-wheel drive, but if you go for a Trailhawk trim, this gets four-wheel drive capabilities.
It’s similarly sized to the Jimny but offers its Jeep pedigree and backing from Stellantis, which now owns the brand and many others worldwide.
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Suzuki Ignis
 "Suzuki Ignis driving through mud")
cinch rating: 3.5/5
Interior: 6/10
Performance: 7/10
Practicality: 5/10
Running costs: 7/10
Coming from the same family helps the Suzuki Ignis’ chances to be on a par with its Jimny sibling.
Except, it’s more of a supermini/hatchback than a small SUV, so it has more to prove, and it does this with its wide stance, wider track and peppy nature.
Just because it’s small, don’t underestimate its off-road capabilities – we learnt that with the Panda.
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Dacia Duster
 "Dacia Duster off-roading")
cinch rating: 4.5/5
Interior: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Practicality: 9/10
Running costs: 9/10
If budget motoring is at the forefront of your mind, then you can’t do much better than a Dacia Duster.
We’d recommend opting for an Expression trim or upwards (Journey then Extreme) because these come with a four-wheel drive option, whereas the standard Essential doesn’t.
This clever four-wheel drive system gets you better traction, more confidence and more underbody protection against any rocks.
If anyone is heavily considering a Jimny but can’t find one they like, a Duster will do the job tenfold.
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Suzuki Vitara
 "Suzuki Vitara front three quarters")
cinch rating: 4/5
Interior: 7/10
Performance: 7/10
Practicality: 8/10
Running costs: 8/10
It might feel like a cop out to feature yet another Suzuki on this list, but the truth of the matter is, they’re brilliant, cheap off-road cars.
The Vitara is the largest of them all, giving you a higher driving position, a better view of the road ahead and therefore strong off-roading credentials.
Plus, it’s available as both a mild hybrid and a self-charging hybrid for added flexibility.
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Škoda Yeti
 "Skoda Yeti Outdoor driving")
cinch rating: 3.5/5
Interior: 6/10
Performance: 7/10
Practicality: 8/10
Running costs: 7/10
Škoda may not sell the Yeti new anymore, but that just means it opens up the used market for some great deals. It was already affordable new, so used Yetis are some great bargains.
Not only that, but they’re superb off-road in 4x4 guise and are packed with all the tech you’d need inside, including leather seats in fancier models.
They’re also very spacious and reliable, being part of the Volkswagen family.
Is it better than a Jimny, though? As a daily car – absolutely.
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Honourable mentions
If your budget can stretch a little further or you want a more premium car, there are two that spring to mind that should not be ignored.
If it’s proper off-road-ness you want, these two mean machines are hard to look past.
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