Suzuki Jimny GL vs GLX: Engine & Off-Road Performance Compared (3-Door & 5-Door)

When it comes to compact off-roaders that punch way above their weight, the Suzuki Jimny continues to lead the charge in South Africa. Whether you're navigating tight city streets or tackling rough backcountry trails, choosing the right variant can make all the difference in your driving experience. 

Two trims often compared are the Jimny GL and the more premium Jimny GLX, available in both 3-door and the recently introduced 5-door formats. While they share the same rugged DNA, there are slight performance nuances to consider—especially when it comes to engine specs and off-road potential. 

Below, we’ve broken down the engine and performance specs for each model, helping you decide which Jimny best matches your adventures, whether you’re an everyday explorer or an off-road weekend warrior. 

 

The 3-Door Showdown: Suzuki Jimny GL vs GLX 

Compact, capable, and built for adventure. The 3-door Suzuki Jimny GL and GLX may share the same bold silhouette, but under the hood and on the trail, they offer subtle differences that matter. Whether you're eyeing the practical GL or the feature-packed GLX, both trims bring serious off-road grit and everyday drivability—powered by the same trusted engine but tailored for different journeys. 

 

Looking at the engine and performance specs of the 3-door Jimny GL and GLX, you might be questioning what the difference is... and honestly? So are we. It’s like ordering a regular pizza and the deluxe—only to find out they both have the same toppings. 

But don't worry, we’re not just here to leave you hanging with identical tables and a raised eyebrow. The real distinctions between GL and GLX shine a bit brighter once we explore the 5-door variants. So before we start drawing conclusions, let’s shift gears and take a look at how the 5-door Jimny GL and GLX stack up in the performance department. 

 

The 5-Door Showdown: Suzuki Jimny GL vs GLX 

Same spirit, longer silhouette. The 5-door Suzuki Jimny brings extra doors and a bit more room for the ride—but does that translate into a difference under the hood? In this showdown between the GL and GLX trims, we dive into the engine and performance specs to see if stretching the body means stretching the limits... or just giving you more space to pack snacks for the trail. 

After combing through the 5-door Jimny GL and GLX engine and performance specs, one thing becomes crystal clear: there’s no difference under the hood. Yep—same engine, same torque, same transmission options, same everything when it comes to getting from A to B (or more likely, Joburg to the bushveld). 

And for someone genuinely excited about buying a Jimny, this might be a bit frustrating. You’re standing at the dealership, staring down two nearly identical machines, wondering: “What exactly am I paying more for?” The answer isn’t in performance—it’s in the extras. But don’t stress—we’re here to help you make sense of it all, even when the spec sheets refuse to pick a side. 

 

HOWEVER FOR THOSE WHO DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THIS CAR SPECS MEAN... 

If you're considering your very first car—especially something adventurous like the Suzuki Jimny—it's easy to feel lost in a world of engine specs and performance jargon. At Suzuki Bassonia JHB, we know these numbers mean nothing if you don’t know how they affect your real-world driving. So here’s a breakdown of the key engine and performance terms you’ll see, explained in a way that actually makes sense. 

 

Engine Type (1.5L K15B Petrol Engine) 

This tells you the size and type of engine under the bonnet. 

 

Power Output (100 hp / 75 kW) 

This is how much total power the engine generates. 

 

Torque (130 Nm) 

Torque is the force that helps your car move from a standstill or climb steep inclines. 

 

Transmission (Manual or Automatic) 

This controls how your car shifts gears. 

 

Drive System (ALLGRIP PRO 4WD) 

This is how the power gets delivered to your wheels. 

 

Fuel Efficiency (6.0–6.5L/100km) 

This shows how much petrol your car uses over a distance of 100 kilometres. 

 

0–100 km/h Acceleration (13.5–14 seconds) 

This is how long it takes to go from a standstill to 100 km/h. 

 

Real Talk from Suzuki Bassonia JHB: Why These Specs Matter to You 

These specs are more than numbers—they're clues to how your future car will feel, drive, and support your lifestyle. 

The Suzuki Jimny is built to help you explore, grow your confidence behind the wheel, and enjoy every trip—whether it’s your weekday commute or your first big road trip with friends. It gives you the strength, reliability, and ease you want in your first car, while still being exciting enough to make every drive feel like an adventure. 

Still unsure which variant is right for you? The team at Suzuki Bassonia JHB, near The Glen Shopping Centre, is ready to guide you through every step—from test drives to trade-ins. Drop by, call us, or send a message. Let’s get you behind the wheel of your first adventure. 

 
Aren’t satisfied and need your questions answered? Visit Suzuki Bassonia JHB near The Glen Shopping Centre. Call us at 087 803 2200, WhatsApp Us Here, or email lances@ipopsa.com – we’re here to help! 

 

So, we’ve covered the specs for both the 3-door and 5-door Jimny GL and GLX, and you’re probably wondering where the real difference lies. Well, the answer isn’t here—we’ll explain that in a separate blog. Stay tuned, because we’ll break down the features that set the GLX apart from the GL soon enough!