Suzuki Jimny XL vs Volkswagen T-Cross
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 29 Aug 2026, price 8 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$36,800est. RRP
- no option data for this car
$34,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Suzuki Jimny XL & Volkswagen T-Cross
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Price Breakdown
The Suzuki Jimny XL starts from $36,800 (our estimated RRP; the brand lists drive-away prices only) before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen T-Cross opens at $34,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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 $40,480 and $38,489 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Volkswagen T-Cross by roughly $1,140 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.
Recalls on our record
Suzuki Jimny XL
None open on our record
Volkswagen T-Cross
- REC-006631 · published 18 Jun 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
- REC-005623 · published 21 Feb 2023Due to a software fault, the visual and acoustic seat belt warning system may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2021
- REC-004991 · published 4 Nov 2021The seatbelt warning (acoustic warning tone and visual display) may occasionally operate rather than continuously, in circumstances such as a seatbelt not fastened or unfastened while the vehicle is moving.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2021
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 XL features a 9-inch touchscreen, while the Volkswagen T-Cross gets a 8-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Suzuki Jimny XL stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Volkswagen T-Cross. The Volkswagen T-Cross counters with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Suzuki Jimny XL uses a 1.5L four-cylinder (1462cc K15B, naturally aspirated) producing 75kW and 130Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed manual to a 4WD layout.
The Volkswagen T-Cross responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.
The Volkswagen T-Cross has the clear power advantage at 85kW vs 75kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Suzuki Jimny XL measures 3,965mm long on a 2,590mm wheelbase, 143mm shorter than the Volkswagen T-Cross at 4,108mm (2,563mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Suzuki Jimny XL generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 211L in the Suzuki Jimny XL and 385L in the Volkswagen T-Cross, giving the Volkswagen T-Cross a 174L advantage. The Volkswagen T-Cross seats 5 vs 4.
For towing, the Suzuki Jimny XL 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.
10.6m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m 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 XL and $1,596/year for the Volkswagen T-Cross. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Warranty: 5 years (Suzuki Jimny XL) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Cross). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Suzuki Jimny XL if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen T-Cross if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (65 vs 71). The Suzuki Jimny XL and Volkswagen T-Cross trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Volkswagen T-Cross will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen T-Cross has a clear edge. 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 XL and Volkswagen T-Cross?
The Volkswagen T-Cross is the cheapest at $34,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Suzuki Jimny XL by $1,810.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen T-Cross uses the least fuel at 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Suzuki Jimny XL and Volkswagen T-Cross 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 Volkswagen T-Cross has the largest boot at 385L with the seats up (1,281L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Suzuki Jimny XL has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen T-Cross makes the most power at 85kW.
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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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