Suzuki Jimny Models

More Than 50 Years, One Idea

Since 1970, the Suzuki Jimny has followed a single stubborn philosophy: build a small, light, genuinely capable 4×4 and let its dimensions do what brute force can’t. Engines grew, suspension modernised, and styling evolved — but the formula of a ladder-frame chassis, rigid axles and low-range four-wheel drive has never changed. This page is your map to every generation. For the full story, see our history & heritage guide.

The Current Jimny — Fourth Generation (2018–present)

Launched in 2018, the fourth-generation Jimny turned a cult favourite into a global phenomenon. Bold retro-modern styling, modern safety and equipment, and unchanged off-road hardware created waiting lists worldwide. It comes as the JB74 (1.5-litre, export markets) and the JB64 (660cc, Japan’s kei class), and — since 2023 — in both 3-door and 5-door body styles.

Choosing between body styles? See our 3-door vs 5-door comparison. For pricing and availability in your market, see our market buying guides (South Africa, India, Australia and the UK).

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Third Generation — The Affordable Classic (1998–2018)

Built for an extraordinary two decades, the third generation modernised the Jimny with coil-spring suspension while keeping the ladder frame and genuine 4WD. Its huge production run created abundant parts and a deep aftermarket, making a sound example the best value in capable 4×4 motoring today.

Considering a used third-gen? Read up on the common problems to watch for and the service schedule first.

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The SJ & Samurai Era — The Original Goes Global (1981 onwards)

The 1981 SJ generation took the Jimny worldwide. The SJ410 brought a 1.0-litre engine and the SJ413 a 1.3-litre, sold in many markets — including the US and Europe — under the famous “Samurai” name. Leaf-sprung and rugged, this is the characterful classic for the enthusiast who values involvement over convenience.

Buying a 30–45-year-old classic? The common problems guide — especially on rust — is essential reading.

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The Originals — Where It Began (1970s)

The Jimny story starts in 1970 with the tiny LJ10, powered by a 359cc air-cooled two-stroke engine — a kei-class 4×4 that established the entire formula. The water-cooled LJ20 followed, then the larger-engined LJ50 era, building the reputation that would carry the Jimny around the world. These early Jimnys are rare collector pieces today.

Model	Era	Engine	Significance
LJ10	1970	~359cc air-cooled 2-stroke	The first Jimny — the formula is born
LJ20	1972	Water-cooled 2-stroke	Improved reliability
LJ50 era	mid-1970s	Larger 2-stroke	Growing capability and usability

For the complete generation-by-generation story, see our Jimny history & heritage guide.

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Jimny Generations Compared

Generation	Years	Key Engine	Suspension	Buy It For
LJ series	1970s	359cc+ 2-stroke	Leaf	Collecting / history
SJ / Samurai	1981 onwards	1.0L / 1.3L	Leaf springs	Classic character & projects
Third gen (JB23/JB43)	1998–2018	1.3L / 658cc turbo	Coil springs	Value & DIY ownership
Fourth gen (JB74/JB64)	2018–present	1.5L / 660cc turbo	Coil springs	A new, modern, capable 4×4

All figures are indicative and vary by market and model year. For current pricing and availability, always check our market buying guides or your local Suzuki dealer.

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Which Jimny Is Right for You?