Suzuki Jimny vs Kia Seltos
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.
Data checked: specs 5 Oct 2026, price 5 Oct 2026
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Price Breakdown
The Suzuki Jimny starts from $33,150 before on-road costs, while the Kia Seltos opens at $31,250. That makes the Kia Seltos the more affordable entry point by $1,900.
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 $36,465 and $34,375 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Suzuki Jimny
- REC-005927 · published 25 Mar 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel pump impeller may swell and cause the fuel pump to stop working.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- REC-005929 · published 21 Mar 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel pump impeller may swell and cause the fuel pump to stop working.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2019
- REC-001625 · published 20 Jun 2021Due to an incorrect manufacturing process, a component within the fuel pump could swell, causing the fuel pump to become inoperative.Year range on the notice: 2018
- 6 more on the model page.
Kia Seltos
- REC-006395 · published 30 Jul 2025The piston rings fitted to the engines of certain vehicles may not meet manufacturing specifications, and could cause engine failure and vehicle stalling.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2022
- REC-005962 · published 20 May 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the side curtain airbag may inflate without warning.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005699 · published 15 Jun 2023Due to a software issue, the instrument cluster may fail to illuminate the visual seat belt warning as required by the Australian Design Rules (ADR) 04/06.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- 2 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Suzuki Jimny features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Kia Seltos gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Suzuki Jimny stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Kia Seltos. The Kia Seltos counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Suzuki Jimny gets fabric upholstery while the Kia Seltos offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Suzuki Jimny uses a 1.5L 4-cylinder petrol, VVT producing 75kW and 130Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed manual to a 4WD layout.
The Kia Seltos responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 180Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Kia Seltos has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 75kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Suzuki Jimny measures 3,650mm long on a 2,250mm wheelbase, 735mm shorter than the Kia Seltos at 4,385mm (2,630mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Seltos generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 85L in the Suzuki Jimny and 468L in the Kia Seltos, giving the Kia Seltos a 383L advantage. The Kia Seltos seats 5 vs 4.
For towing, the Suzuki Jimny leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,100kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 10.6m
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,824/year for the Suzuki Jimny and $1,967/year for the Kia Seltos. That is a $143 annual difference in favour of the Suzuki Jimny.
Warranty: 5 years (Suzuki Jimny) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Seltos). The Kia Seltos has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Suzuki Jimny if: You want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia Seltos: Top CarSorted Score, 63 vs 58
The Kia Seltos comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (63 vs 58), taking 4 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: practicality (Kia Seltos ahead by 16), technology (Kia Seltos ahead by 13), performance (Kia Seltos ahead by 9). The Suzuki Jimny will save you roughly $143 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Seltos has a clear edge. The Kia Seltos adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Suzuki Jimny and Kia Seltos?
The Kia Seltos is the cheapest at $31,250 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Suzuki Jimny by $1,900.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Suzuki Jimny uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Suzuki Jimny and Kia Seltos carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Seltos has the largest boot at 468L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Suzuki Jimny has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Seltos has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Seltos makes the most power at 110kW.
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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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