Suzuki Jimny vs Nissan X-Trail
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 Nissan X-Trail opens at $37,750. That makes the Suzuki Jimny the more affordable entry point by $760.
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 $41,525 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Nissan X-Trail by roughly $1,000 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Suzuki Jimny and Nissan X-Trail hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 73% for the Suzuki Jimny and 91% for the Nissan X-Trail.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Nissan X-Trail packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the Suzuki Jimny.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Suzuki Jimny and 7 in the Nissan X-Trail.
Feature Showdown
The Suzuki Jimny features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Nissan X-Trail gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
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 Nissan X-Trail lines up making 135kW and 244Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The Nissan X-Trail has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 75kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan X-Trail is 4.4s 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, 1035mm shorter than the Nissan X-Trail at 4,680mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan X-Trail generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 377L in the Suzuki Jimny and 205L in the Nissan X-Trail, giving the Suzuki Jimny a 172L advantage. The Nissan X-Trail seats 5 vs 4.
For towing, the Nissan X-Trail leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 200kg 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 11.0m
Based on 10.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,109/year for the Nissan X-Trail. That is a $200 annual difference in favour of the Nissan X-Trail.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Suzuki Jimny) vs $2,109 (Nissan X-Trail). The Nissan X-Trail saves you roughly $200 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 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan X-Trail). The Nissan X-Trail has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Suzuki Jimny if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan X-Trail if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan X-Trail takes 5 of 7 key spec categories. The Nissan X-Trail will save you roughly $200 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Suzuki Jimny has a clear edge. The Nissan X-Trail adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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