Suzuki Jimny vs Kia Niro
What's the difference?

Suzuki Jimny

$30,490 - $47,490

2026 price

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Kia Niro

$24,990 - $42,888

2023 price

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Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2026 Suzuki Jimny

2023 Kia Niro

By Marcus Craft

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.5L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.4L/100km (combined)

Electric range

455 km

Energy consumption

16.2 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

64.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Manual gearbox
Capable off-road
Fun to drive off-road

Decent driving range
Pleasant interior design
Easy-to-use tech

Dislikes

Can't fit a lot inside
Ordinary to drive on-road
Needs better tyres for off-roading

Rougher ride
Doughy acceleration from a full stop
Expensive compared to rivals

2026 Suzuki Jimny Summary

The Suzuki Jimny is back with a tech refresh and very minor update after a year-long pause in production.

The line-up now has an updated autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system – so that system is now compliant with Australian Design Rules standards – as well as adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention, and front and rear parking sensors.

My test vehicle – the entry-level Jimny Lite – also gets a new 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of this latest line-up refresh.

So, does the updated base-spec Jimny – which now costs $1500 more than it did before – represent best value for money in this Zook range?

Read on.

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2023 Kia Niro Summary

Kia has released the newly updated Niro, which is the smaller and less sporty sibling to Kia’s popular, EV6. As far as EVs go, it has a decent driving range and specs that should entice first-time electric vehicle owners to dip their toes into the EV pool.

However, the updated model does come with a price hike… which might not excite a budget-conscious buyer, especially with such affordable competitors like the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric also available.

I’ve been hanging in it for a week with my family of three to see how it handles!

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Suzuki Jimny 2023 Kia Niro

Verdict

The Suzuki Jimny Lite is the most basic of the Suzuki Jimny line-up but that’s not a bad thing.

It’s ordinary on-road, it’s on the wrong side of small – especially in terms of cargo-carrying ability – and it’s still an exercise in driver-adaptability because it’s basic, bouncy and requires a lot of effort to keep it driving in a straight line.

But the Jimny is a lot of fun off road and even on sealed surfaces. It is go-kart-like in terms of everyday suitability and comfort, but its day-to-day drivability has received a healthy boost by way of those new driver-assist technologies and the updated AEB.

If you’re willing to give into the fun and cop a few compromises along the way, then you won’t be disappointed, because the Jimny is a tonne of fun.

Verdict

The Kia Niro S Electric is a solid little SUV that has decent space inside and some nice specs, but it's more expensive than its nearest rivals. The EV powertrain can take a little getting used to and I would have liked a smoother ride, but the 460km driving range is good.

For first-time EV owners, this wouldn’t be a bad option if you wanted to dip your toes in the water but it will suit urban dwellers and smaller families, like mine, best. This gets a 7.5/10 from me.

My son wasn’t in love with this one. Not enough buttons for him to press and he did comment on how bumpy the ride was in the back. He gives it a 6.0/10.

Suzuki Jimny vs Kia Niro What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Suzuki Jimny vs Kia Niro
What's the difference?