Suzuki Jimny vs Subaru Crosstrek
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 Subaru Crosstrek opens at $36,490. That makes the Subaru Crosstrek the more affordable entry point by $500.
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 $40,139 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Suzuki Jimny and Subaru Crosstrek hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 73% for the Suzuki Jimny and 83% for the Subaru Crosstrek.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Crosstrek packs more ADAS features with 5 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 Subaru Crosstrek.
Feature Showdown
The Suzuki Jimny features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru Crosstrek gets a 11.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Suzuki Jimny stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Subaru Crosstrek. The Subaru Crosstrek counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 Subaru Crosstrek responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 196Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The Subaru Crosstrek has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 75kW. In the real-world sprint, the Subaru Crosstrek is 1.5s 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, 850mm shorter than the Subaru Crosstrek at 4,495mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Crosstrek generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 377L in the Suzuki Jimny and 559L in the Subaru Crosstrek, giving the Subaru Crosstrek a 182L advantage. The Subaru Crosstrek seats 5 vs 4.
For towing, the Suzuki Jimny leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 100kg 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 10.8m
Based on 10.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m 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 $2,195/year for the Subaru Crosstrek. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Subaru Crosstrek.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Suzuki Jimny) vs $2,195 (Subaru Crosstrek). The Subaru Crosstrek saves you roughly $114 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 / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek). The Subaru Crosstrek has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Suzuki Jimny if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Subaru Crosstrek takes 6 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Subaru Crosstrek will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Crosstrek has a clear edge. The Subaru Crosstrek 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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