Suzuki Jimny vs Jaecoo J7
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Suzuki Jimny starts from $36,990 before on-road costs, while the Jaecoo J7 opens at $37,990. That makes the Suzuki Jimny the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $40,689 and $41,789 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Jaecoo J7 by roughly $1,570 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Suzuki Jimny features a 9-inch touchscreen, while the Jaecoo J7 gets a 13.2-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Jaecoo J7 counters with power tailgate, Sony audio and ambient lighting that the Suzuki Jimny does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Suzuki Jimny gets cloth upholstery while the Jaecoo J7 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Suzuki Jimny and 2-zone in the Jaecoo J7.
Drivetrain
The Suzuki Jimny uses a Petrol producing 75kW and 130Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.4 seconds.
The Jaecoo J7 responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 275Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The Jaecoo J7 has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 75kW. In the real-world sprint, the Jaecoo J7 is 2.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Suzuki Jimny measures 3,645mm long on a 2,250mm wheelbase, 855mm shorter than the Jaecoo J7 at 4,500mm (2,672mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Jaecoo J7 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 377L in the Suzuki Jimny and 431L in the Jaecoo J7, giving the Jaecoo J7 a 54L advantage. The Jaecoo J7 seats 5 vs 4.
For towing, the Jaecoo J7 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.0m to 11.2m
Based on 10.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Suzuki Jimny and $1,995/year for the Jaecoo J7. That is a $314 annual difference in favour of the Jaecoo J7.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Suzuki Jimny) vs $1,995 (Jaecoo J7). The Jaecoo J7 saves you roughly $314 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Suzuki Jimny) vs 8 years / 999,999km (Jaecoo J7). The Jaecoo J7 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Suzuki Jimny if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Jaecoo J7 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Jaecoo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Jaecoo J7 takes 6 of 7 key spec categories. The Jaecoo J7 will save you roughly $314 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Jaecoo J7 has a clear edge. The Jaecoo J7 adds peace of mind with a longer 8-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Suzuki Jimny and Jaecoo J7?
The Suzuki Jimny is the cheapest at $36,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Jaecoo J7 by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Jaecoo J7 uses the least fuel at 7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Jaecoo J7 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Jaecoo J7 has the largest boot at 431L.
Which can tow the most?
The Jaecoo J7 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Jaecoo J7 has the longest warranty at 8 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Jaecoo J7 makes the most power at 137kW. The Jaecoo J7 is quickest to 100km/h in 9.5s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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